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Collagen has been such a big buzzword in skincare lately, that what it is and how it works can get lost in all of the hype. If you know it’s good for your complexion but not much more than that, you’re in the right place. Collagen works far beyond patting it into your skin à la face cream. You can also ingest it to reap some amazing skin benefits.
We consulted Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN (@djblatner), who’s the author of The Superfood Swap and the wellness expert for NOW®, about the best collagen supplements for skin. But we’re not just gathering a bunch of product recommendations to buy online. With the help of our diet and nutrition expert, we’re sharing answers to all of the important questions, like what collagen is, its benefits, how it works, what to look for when buying a collagen supplement, and much more.
Keep reading for a comprehensive breakdown of collagen supplements for skin and which ones you should shop to get your complexion looking firm and hydrated.
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“Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and it’s found particularly in the skin, bones, tendons, and connective tissues. It provides structure and strength to these tissues,” Blatner tells StyleCaster.
Everyone’s skin varies, and your experience taking collagen supplements could completely differ from someone else’s. However, the ingredient is generally known for increasing skin firmness, hydration, and smoothness, according to our expert. “It may also help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Bonus, you will likely get beauty benefits to hair and nail health as well,” she says. Just remember it’s always a smart move to speak with a healthcare professional prior to trying any new supplements. This especially rings true for anyone who has existing health conditions or concerns.
“Collagen supplements provide the body with additional collagen peptides, which are broken down into amino acids during digestion. These amino acids can then be utilized by the body to support collagen production in various tissues,” Blatner explains.
If collagen is a protein in the body, where does it come from in order to be incorporated into supplements? “Collagen can be sourced from animal connective tissues, often derived from bones and skin of animals like cows, pigs, chicken, and fish,” our expert notes. Vegan and plant-based collagen supplements do exist; however, they swap actual collagen for “amino acids, vitamin C, and other nutrients needed to support the body in making collagen.”
You might already be applying a collagen moisturizer to your face, which is great! But Blatner says ingesting collagen through a supplement might yield even better results. “Applying collagen topically may provide temporary hydration and may have some localized effects on the skin’s surface, but it likely doesn’t support collagen production as deeply,” she says.
In general, anyone looking to improve their skin or joint health should consider taking a collagen supplement on a regular basis. Collagen supplements for skin are even more relevant for folks over 40 years old since skin loses collagen as it ages.
Blatner shares her own collagen supplement product recommendations below, but start with this quick checklist. What you put into your body really does matter and you should pay extra close attention to the brands, products, and ingredients you consume. With that said, here’s what you should look for in a collagen supplement for skin, as told by our expert:
ICYMI, there are almost 30 (!!) different types of collagen, per Blatner, but only some target your complexion. Track down types I and III for skin health and type II for joint health.
“A common dose range is around 2.5 to 15 grams per day. Research suggests that you can see benefits at that dose range. Skin benefits may take about four weeks to notice, but likely will take closer to 12 weeks to get the full effect,” our expert explains. But again, we recommend talking with a professional to best understand your skin and its unique needs.
According to Blatner, vitamin C is crucial for collagen synthesis, hyaluronic acid provides hydration, and astaxanthin helps shield the skin from sun damage. Astaxanthin is also ideal for boosting hydration, enhancing skin elasticity, and minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Keep an eye out for collagen supplements with these additional ingredients to get the best skin results.
That sure was a whole lot of important info to take in, but now you should know exactly what to look for so you can see positive changes in your complexion.
Without further ado, I present you with the eight best collagen supplements for skin, according to our diet and nutrition expert.
With 2.5 grams of Verisol® brand collagen peptides, this collagen supplement should help you notice healthy-looking skin in as fast as four weeks, per the brand. “Plus, it’s a fun jello-like consistency in a convenient squeezable package,” says Blatner. Stock up on this 10-pack while it’s on sale for 25 percent off on Amazon.
You might know Vital Proteins because of Jennifer Aniston, who serves as Chief Creative Office for the brand. She’s a fan of its collagen powders, and this one incorporates 10 grams of grass-fed collagen peptides, along with vitamin C and hyaluronic acid.
This powder has all of the ingredients you could want in a skin-loving supplement. Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and astaxanthin back collagen in this formula so that healthy, youthful-looking, radiant skin is headed your way. Blatner’s preferred method of consumption? Mixing it into a shot of morning orange juice.
Thorne’s Collagen Plus “contains 13 grams of grass-fed collagen peptides, plus two branded and clinically tested skin support supplements: MitoHeal® for skin pigmentation and HydroPeach® for skin hydration,” says Blatner. Not only does this product help improve skin, but it also targets nails and hair.
Mix 17 grams of grass-fed collagen peptides with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, vitamin E, turmeric, and L-glutamine (an amino acid) to keep your skin and gut in check. Mindbodygreen’s collagen powder mixes types I and III of collagen, so you get the best of both worlds with this option.
This Garden of Life option is like the green juice of collagen powders. Along with 12 grams of grass-fed collagen peptides, it blends together parsley, alfalfa, wheat grass, spinach, and kale.
Remember that checklist from earlier? Well, this Nordic Naturals collagen supplement offers a certificate of analysis to show you that it’s been tested for potency, purity, and freshness by certified labs.
What makes Orgain’s collagen powder stand out from the crowd is its inclusion of 50 different superfoods, including beets, ginger, spinach, broccoli, kale, acai, quinoa, chia, flax, and more.
