We are constantly bombarded with wrinkle creams, lotions, acne cleansers and every other product on the market that’s supposedly going to give you beautiful skin. Here’s the thing: beautiful skin starts internally. Whatever is going on in your digestive tract, the vitamins and minerals you consume, the healthy fats (or lack thereof) all directly affect the appearance of your skin more than a $60 cream ever could.
The foundation of healthy skin is a healthy diet, but did you know that the supplements you take internally can affect your skin more than what you actually apply to it? Let me introduce you to the mother of all healthy skin supplements: collagen.
No, I’m not talking about expensive collagen creams; which are ridiculous anyway because collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed by the skin. So when you buy topical collagen, you’re just wasting your money. I’m talking about taking collagen internally, which fills lines and wrinkles, strengthens the gut, reduce inflammation, boosts the immune system, reduces cellulite and prevent stretch marks. Yah, it’s that awesome.
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein made from the bones and hide of cows; the brand I recommend, Perfect Supplements, is made from grass-fed cows. You guys, people inject this stuff into their skin for thousands of dollars. But you could save a ton of money and your skin by simply taking it internally – and this way, it has a myriad of other benefits as well!
The reason for aging skin, wrinkles, loss of elasticity is a decline in collagen production as we age. Makes sense to take an easily absorbed, high quality collagen supplement, right? Around the age of 25, we rapidly lose the amount of collagen our bodies naturally produce. By age 50, we’re barely producing any. This is exactly why we need to supplement with a high quality collagen product.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It supports the bones, connective tissues, ligaments, cartilage, skin hair and nails. It’s also rich in glycine, lysine and proline. It’s necessary for the proper function of cells and the structure as well.
Collagen is responsible for cell renewal, skin elasticity and suppleness as well as firmness. It is the building block for cells, tissues and organs. Meaning it makes up your skin, hair and nails. With age, collagen diminishes, making wrinkles more apparent, hair lack luster and skin less firm. Proper collagen intake can even prevent or improve cellulite.
Men produce more collagen than women, and don’t lose it at the rate we do. Some figures suggest that women lose collagen at a rate of 1% per year starting in their 20s. This can also affect bone density, glucose levels and the nervous system.
How To Take It
This brand of gelatin is cold water soluble. I drink it in my tea every morning and don’t even know it’s in there. Start with 1/2 a tbsp, and work your way up to 2 a day. Truthfully, I started with 2 tbsp a day and never had any problem, but some people experience a period of adjustment. I ONLY recommend this brand of collagen. I can’t tell you how many people have come to me saying “It turned my water to jello!” Well, that’s because you used the wrong brand. I only recommend Perfect Supplements; it’s incredibly high quality and flavorless!
http://www.westonaprice.org/food-features/why-broth-is-beautiful
http://aminoacidstudies.org/glycine/
http://www.news-medical.net/health/Collagen-What-is-Collagen.aspx
20 Comments
How long does 1-16oz can last at 2 Tbsp per day?
Umm I don’t really pay attention to this because I have them stockpiled. A month or two?
I ordered mine mid-September and am just now at the end of my supply.
Hi Dani! Thanks for this great tip, and many others you’ve shared. I just recently received my collagen in the mail…yay! Quick question(s)…
1.) Can it be mixed with my apple cider vinegar/honey/water routine?
2.) Can I blend it in my smoothies?
I don’t want to mess with the integrity of the collagen. Look forward to hearing from you!
Paula
Yes and yes! Both work great.
Have you seen any improvement in your skin?
Definitely!
Hello!! If I’m eliminating dairy from my diet, would it be wise to eliminate this collagen as well? If so, are there other types of collagen that would work? Thanks so much for your help!
Paula
Hi there! I just wanted to follow up with you in regard to my question from 10/26, regarding whether or not I should take this when I’m eliminating dairy from my diet? I hope you can help. Thank you and eager to hear from you!
Paula
Good article. I first learned about this from the book, “Sip Away Your Wrinkles.” I’m a man in my 60s, and I think it has made a definite difference in appearance. I get comments from people who are surprised when they learn my age.
That’s so awesome!
HI, just wondering, how long dose this take to see the results?
That will differ for everyone, at least a month or two.
Is this Hala that is slaughter according to the Islamic way. Is there any good collagen from fish or plants.
Vital Proteins has a product that is fish collagen, yes.
Hi Dani,
I have been doing the collagen (Great Lakes that you previously recommended) since October 2015. And tried the perfect supplement also. Also the gelatin from Great Lakes. Still am not noticing anything. I’m getting a little discouraged. I usually put 2 T in my coffee. I will continue to use just because I do believe it is helping everything internally. Any recommendations so I see results. My fingernails got good for about a week but went back to breaking and being brittle. No improvement on hair and wrinkles either. Once along time ago I did the KNOX gelatin and my nails got real long and strong. I want to see that again!!! Any suggestions? Could I be doing something that would counteract the effects?
There are just so many factors. It could be a nutrient deficiency in your diet, it could be how well you’re digesting, how much sugar you’re eating – there really are too many factors for me to say definitively without working with you individually.
I live in Pakistan but keep on visiting UAE and going to UK the next month.Where can I get this product from and what’s the price?
Maybe on UK Amazon? Not sure of price.
Collagen is the most abundant and strong protein in your body, it holds you together and keeps you looking young.