Collagen is one of the most talked about supplements right now. For centuries, Asian women have viewed collagen as a fountain of youth, routinely consuming foods like pig’s feet, shark fins, and donkey skin in hopes of smoothing and plumping skin and preserving aging joints. In the US, collagen became best known in the 1980s as an expensive injectable filler to plump lips and soften lines. But only in recent years, as companies have come up with more appetizing ways to take it, collagen begun to catch on here. But what is it, and why do you need it?
What is Collagen?
Collagen is the main structural protein in the extracellular matrix in the various connective tissues in the body. As the main component of connective tissue, it is the most abundant protein in mammals, making up from 25% to 35% of the whole-body protein content. It is mostly found in fibrous tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and skin.
Collagen is often called the body’s scaffolding. “It’s the glue that holds the body together”, says board certified dermatologist Whitney Bowe. She says “collagen makes up about 75% of the dry weight of your skin, providing volume that keeps skin looking plump and keeps lines at bay. It’s also rich in in the amino acids proline and glycine, which you need to maintain and repair your tendons, bones, and joints.”
“As we get older, we break it down faster than we can replace it,” she says, noting that we begin to lose about 1% of our collagen per year in our mid-20s and lose as much as 30% during the first 5 years of menopause. “This, unfortunately, means drier skin.” Sun exposure, cigarette smoke and pollution can also accelerate collagen breakdown. “The concept of supplementing our collagen, especially as we age and as our body’s natural collagen production declines, is incredibly appealing from a dermatologic standpoint,” she Bowe.
Over the years, wear and tear on skin, hair, bone and joints become more prevalent. Ultimately, this wear and tear can result in dry and wrinkled skin, joint aches, and weakened bones. Our bodies depend on their natural collagen production to maintain skin elasticity and provide structural support in connective tissue and muscles and joints. However, as we age, the production of this vital protein begins to slow down—supplementing with collagen may help this issue.
Declining collagen levels in the body cause negative changes with regards to skin, hair, bones and muscles. Collagen supplementation is critical for healthy aging because of its unique role in helping to maintain and support the important aspects of skin, hair, bone, joint and muscle health!
Types of Collagen
There are different types of collagen, but I, II, III are the major types and each can function in different aspects of the body. Primarily, collagen types I and III are grouped together because they are the most abundant and have similar functions. They are best for skin, hair, bone and muscle health. Studies have shown collagen peptides provide numerous beneficial effects on skin by helping to promote skin elasticity, thickness and hydration.
Other research shows the important role of collagen for bone health and strength. Type II collagen is heavily concentrated in cartilage and therefore has been shown as most effective for joint health. However, there is research that shows types I and III also have benefits on joint health. After collagen is absorbed in the body, it works in the various tissues where cells will build the peptides into complete collagen that support the areas that need it – skin, hair, bone, muscle, joint, etc.
Hydrolyzed collagen peptides refer to collagen that has been broken down into much shorter chains of amino acids, which creates a form that is better absorbed into the bloodstream.
The Research
Often referred to as a “complex protein,” collagen contains a plethora of different amino acids, including hydroxyproline, which does not occur in other proteins, and is found everywhere in the body. Studies show that it is one of the most plentiful proteins in mammals as it is responsible for several biological functions.
One 2014 study of 69 women ages 35 to 55 found that those who took 2.5 or 5 grams of collagen daily for 8 weeks showed a lot of improvement in skin elasticity, compared with those who didn’t take it.
Another found that women who took 1 gram per day collagen supplement for 12 weeks had 76% less dryness, 12% fewer visible wrinkles, better blood flow in the skin, and a 6% higher collagen content.
And a 2019 review of eight studies including 805 patients concluded that preliminary results are promising for the short and long-term use of oral collagen supplements for wound healing and skin aging.
Pure Collagen
Pure Collagen offers a comprehensive collagen formula hydrolyzed into small bioactive peptides that support healthy collagen production throughout the body. *
Collagen peptides, aka hydrolyzed collagen, are made of the same amino acids as collagen but are more easily absorbed by our bodies. That’s because they are much shorter chains of amino acids than collagen, making them more easily absorbed into our bloodstream.
Pure Collagen is especially unique because it offers 5 grams of hydrolyzed collagen, which is generous compared to other collagen products. *
Benefits:
- Helps maintain healthy skin elasticity, thickness and hydration
- Supports skin health
- Supports healthy collagen maintenance throughout the body
- Supports healthy bones
- May support joint health
- Protects and helps maintain hair and nail quality
- Supports bone health
- Supports healthy joint tissue health & function involving cartilage, tendons & ligaments
- May help maintain muscle strength
- May support a healthy gut lining
- Gluten-Free
It is often assumed that collagen supplements can only benefit women versus men due to their association with beauty products, especially those offering lifting and firming benefits. While it is true that collagen is a great skin health supplement, this does not limit it to a specific gender; collagen’s powerful skin, bone and joint benefits are essential to both women and men’s health. As a matter of fact, studies show that daily use of collagen supplement may help maintain muscle strength, an important benefit to everyone. Pure Collagen makes for an easy on-the-go supplement due to its nifty packaging in small vials, convenient for both travel and work.*
Pure Collagen can be taken by itself or can be mixed to your taste in 4-12 oz of water, allowing it to be as light or flavorful as you may like. You should consume one vial per day for optimal results.
FAQs
What is the source of collagen? Collagen is a natural substance derived from pork and fish skin/scales. Pure Collagen is made of porcine and fish.
Why is collagen hydrolyzed? Hydrolyzed collagen has been broken down into smaller amino acid chains or segments known as collagen peptides. This process improves absorption and bioavailability of the collagen for the building blocks of our bodies.
Can my child take collagen? Collagen is very safe to take. We recommend that you talk with your pediatrician before introducing your child to collagen, as each child’s nutritional needs will differ.
What does Pure Collagen taste like? Pure Collagen has berry flavored.
What time of day should I take the product? Pure Collagen may be taken any time of day, with or without food.
What types of collagen does Pure Collagen contain? Type 1 and Type 3.
Does Pure Collagen need to be refrigerated? No; however, if you like to take Pure Collagen cold, you may refrigerate it.
Does Pure Collagen have any known allergens? Yes. Pure Collagen contains fish.
When can I expect to notice a difference in my hair, skin and nails? On average, people start to notice a difference around 8 weeks.
What can I mix Pure Collagen with? Pure Collagen may be taken by itself as it has a nice berry flavor, however, you may also mix Pure Collagen with water to taste.
Look & feel beautiful from the inside out with our NEW Pure Collagen!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
