I was very interested in the idea of taking a collagen supplement after I had seen a few Instagram ads and had seen some of my favorite influencers talking about it. I am not into taking supplements, other than my daily vitamins, because I have never really noticed a difference or believed the marketing behind them. Now that I am approaching 25, I have started to notice some fine lines surfacing on my forehead and under my eyes. So when I heard about taking collagen, something essential to maintain youth, I was definitely curious. I wanted to learn more to see if it really works.
To understand why you need collagen, you need to understand what it is. I think most people know that it is the foundation for skin health, skin care ads and commercials shove this down our throats. Collagen is a protein that helps our hair, skin, nails, connective tissues, and gut stay healthy. Taking a collagen supplement ensures that you are getting the amount of protein needed to sustain these parts of your body.
If you are already taking a protein supplement you may think you are all set, but collagen is a different kind of protein because of the level of amino acids, so whey and casein protein aren’t going to be working towards the same end goal that collagen is. The benefits that collagen offers can’t be found anywhere else due to it’s level of amino acids.
I’m telling you collagen is something that is essential for your health, not just for beauty, though the glowing beauty results are definitely a bonus. I pulled the following info straight from the Vital Proteins website, because I really can’t say it better myself:
Collagen and Our Skin
Collagen is an important building block for the skin. It makes up to 30% of the protein in our body and 70% of the protein within our skin. Collagen helps our skin stay toned and supple.
The dermis, which provides the foundation for the skin, is closely involved in the skin’s elasticity and flexibility, and the main source of collagen in the skin. Getting an adequate amount of collagen help to ensure our skin looks glowing.Collagen in Our Body
Ligaments and tendons are another type of connective tissue that attach two bones and muscles, holding them together. These tissues – bones, ligaments, tendons, and the skeletal muscles are made up of proteins. To a large extent, this protein is collagen.Collagen Production as We Age
https://www.vitalproteins.com/pages/what-is-collagen
When we get older, the production of collagen begins to slow down. As a result, skin can become fragile and less elastic. In addition, hair starts losing its color, joints aren’t as flexible and bone may lose their density. Supplementing with collagen may help you improve your body’s collagen levels.
Did you know that after the age of about 18-20 your body naturally slows collagen production by about 1-2% a year? Like, what?!?! I was shocked, I have been using topical products and moisturizers, but to get to the bottom of annoying lines and to stay healthy you have to do more than put on topical creams and vitamins, you have to take consideration into what goes into your body as well.
I still wasn’t sure this was totally necessary, I mean so many products and vitamins tell you that you need to take them. I read so many testimonials, amazon reviews, and did so much research that I was finally convinced, I needed to take a collagen supplement. I hadn’t really decided on a specific brand, I didn’t want to spend tons of money trying things out.
Honestly, I ended up doing exactly that, throwing money away on products that were gross or that weren’t working. I have tried several different collagen products but landed on Vital Proteins. There are so many products out there that advertise that they are the best product, but when you look into all of the collagen supplements you will see that there are several different kinds. Vital Proteins has more research behind them and are very informative about what is in their product. Other products I tried really seemed to be an expensive powder and that was it… so frustrating.
It did take a few weeks to notice any sort of difference, like anything, it takes time. My nails grow at an almost annoying rate, trying to keep my nails painted is crazy! I don’t notice with my hair as much because it’s so long, but every time I go in to get my hair cut, my hairdresser always comments on how much thicker and longer it is. Which, for me, is the ultimate goal, I have always had thin and fine hair. My skin seems more hydrated and soft, even in this crazy Chicago winter! My gut health has improved as well, I can tell when I don’t take the supplement, my stomach feels a little off. I don’t notice a difference in my joints, because I didn’t have a problem prior, but I am all about preventative maintenance. I want to have a long and active life, so taking this supplement will help me achieve that.
The only con that I have found is that is DOES have a taste. Even though it says unflavored, it has an “unflavored” gelatin taste when consumed on it’s own. I love putting this product in my coffee, because it helps make my coffee taste a little creamier. Vital Proteins disintegrates so much better than any other powder I have tried. Others stay clumpy in coffee so when you drink it you feel like you are drinking chunks… gross. It also thickens the consistency of what ever you add it to. It’s great in smoothies! But since I really don’t make smoothies on the reg, it’s perfect to keep in the cabinet at home and in my drawer at work so that I can just drop it in my coffee.
I promise this isn’t an ad for Vital Proteins, I genuinely think this is one of the best and most convenient products out there, because it doesn’t need to be refrigerated and also is available in small packaging. They make it easy for you, even if you are traveling. Plus, if you don’t drink coffee or want to make a smoothie, it comes in a pill form too. SO many options! It is definitely not a “cure all” but with so many benefits, why would you not want to take collagen?
If you still aren’t convinced, check out this article by WebMD.
Are you taking collagen products now? What are you using, is it working for you? Let me know your thoughts below!
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One response to “WHY YOU NEED COLLAGEN”
I took shiseido collagen powder and it was okayy but i do want one that is cheaper and easier to get. great article!!!