The key element for maintaining beautiful and youthful skin is ‘collagen’, which keeps the skin wrinkle-free. Our skin has the ability to produce collagen naturally, and a healthy person produces enough collagen to meet the skin’s needs.
In the West, like many other supplements, the use of ‘collagen peptide powder drinks’ has increased to compensate for the body’s collagen deficiency.
So, the question arises: are collagen-based protein drinks beneficial? Let’s find out.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein found in large quantities in human skin. It exists with elastic fibers in the lower layer (dermis) and middle layers of the skin, providing volume and shape. Collagen is also found in bones, veins, nerves, organs, muscles, hair, and throughout the body in a web of fibers. It is often compared to glue that holds the body together.
The cooked form of collagen is called gelatin, which is derived from boiling animal skin, cartilage, and other bones. Collagen is used in fruit gelatin, pudding, cakes, yogurt, marshmallows (a particular sweet made from sugar, gelatin, and corn powder), ice cream, soup, bone broth, and even the coating of vitamins and capsules.
After learning this, it can easily be said that you use collagen in unexpected ways throughout your life.
Why Should You Care About Collagen?
The one-word answer is ‘wrinkles’. Collagen plays a vital role in keeping our skin youthful and plump. There is also an enzyme in the skin called collagenase that breaks down the collagen network in our body. Up until the age of 25, the production of collagen in the skin exceeds the breakdown by this enzyme. After the age of 25, the balance shifts, and we start losing more collagen than we produce. This is when we begin to notice fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, and joint pain.
Is Collagen Useful for Skin and Hair?
As we age, our skin loses more collagen than it produces, but the benefits of taking collagen from external sources are still unclear. Skin experts say that although collagen cannot erase the wrinkles on your skin or restore its youthful softness, it may improve its texture. Experts say that collagen can help improve skin elasticity and speed up the skin’s recovery process, which may allow it to produce new collagen.
Collagen drinks and powders have antioxidant properties, which prevent the production of free radicals that damage skin cells. As a result, collagen drinks can help repair damaged skin as antioxidants protect the skin from environmental pollutants, prevent the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin texture.
Preliminary research has shown signs of improved skin elasticity and reduced joint pain. Collagen may also have some nutritional benefits. Two scoops of collagen powder provide 18 grams of protein.
For better results, skin experts recommend taking collagen supplements rather than drinks and powders.
How to Improve Collagen in the Skin?
Apart from aging, certain lifestyle habits like excessive sugar, alcohol, tobacco use, and prolonged sun exposure can decrease collagen production in the skin. In such cases, a healthy and balanced diet can be an excellent way to boost collagen production. For long-lasting results, increase your intake of vegetables, fruits, and healthy fats, while limiting sweets and processed foods (which increase inflammation). It’s also crucial to drink plenty of water.
