What Are the Benefits of Collagen? We Tried 6 Different Types to Find Out

Maybe one of the vital hyped magnificence substances in recent times is collagen but when, like us, you’ve at all times questioned what’s collagen? then relaxation assured, you’re not alone. A fast Google search of the phrase warrants 153 million outcomes so it’s very clear we’re not the one ones searching for extra info on the advantages of collagen.

So, right here’s a mini lesson:

What’s collagen?

Collagen is the principle (and most considerable) structural protein present in your physique.

What’s collagen good for?

As the most important part of connective tissues, collagen makes up a number of physique elements, together with tendons, ligaments, pores and skin, and muscle tissue. It gives your pores and skin with construction and strengthens your bones.

Why is collagen good for you?

Collagen is a significant part of your pores and skin, so it performs a major function in strengthening the skin, too. Since our physique produces much less collagen as we age, taking collagen each orally and topically might assist to scale back the onset of wrinkles and improve elasticity, hydration, and firmness. 

Now, that you just’re all schooled up on the advantages of collagen, it’s time to dive into a few of the finest collagen merchandise (together with collagen therapies) that the Camille Types’ editorial workforce has trialed not too long ago, together with why it really works, and their trustworthy ideas! 

*This put up is in partnership with Olay.

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My Thoughts: Although I’ve long been a believer in the benefits of collagen, I was a bit late to the microneedling game. The idea of puncturing my face weirded me out a bit—I was wary of infections or breakouts. But as I’ve gotten older, I’ve noticed a visible difference in my skin after traveling, a night of bad sleep, or a couple of glasses of wine, and I knew my skin needed an extra boost. So when my dermatologist told me about the incredible results she’s been seeing in her clients by administering three microneedling sessions spaced a few month aside, I signed proper up.

Regardless of what I’d heard from buddies who’d performed microneedling, I skilled little to no downtime. My pores and skin was barely pink that day and was a bit scaley for just a few days after because it shed the highest layer of the dermis, nevertheless it was actually nothing. That mentioned, I didn’t discover outcomes straight away. About six weeks after my third and closing remedy, (simply after I was beginning to surprise if my efforts and cash have been all for naught), I began having these mornings after I’d get up with glowing pores and skin that seemed so even, I didn’t even want make-up (a primary for me.) Was it my eating regimen? My new quarantine routine? Then I remembered my microneedling classes from two months earlier than and realized the outcomes have been kicking in. In fact, it was boosted by the truth that I began utilizing a brand new collagen-boosting moisturizer, too. Preserve studying.

The Product/Therapy: Olay Collagen Peptide24 Moisturizer

Why It Works: This new collagen moisturizer is filled with Collagen Peptide (constructing blocks of pores and skin proteins) and Vitamin B3 to spice up pores and skin’s pure collagen manufacturing. Lots of the merchandise available on the market that checklist “collagen” as an ingredient have molecules which can be too massive to go beneath the pores and skin’s floor, however Olay’s Collagen Peptide24 options small molecules that penetrate the pores and skin, permitting it to supply actual outcomes. Analysis reveals that making use of these topical peptides helps the pores and skin’s renewal course of and helps scale back advantageous traces and wrinkles.

My ideas: I’ve been slathering on Olay’s Regenerist Ultra-Rich Moisturizer each night time earlier than mattress for a number of months now, and it’s really taken my pores and skin’s moisture ranges to new heights. So, newly mobilized by my obsession with boosting pores and skin’s collagen, after I noticed that the model had launched a brand new Collagen Peptide24 Hydrating Moisturizer, I couldn’t wait to test it out. 

I’ve been massaging this moisturizer onto my face and neck each morning, after my serum and earlier than my SPF. First issues first: it absorbs rather well and is seamless below make-up (I’ve had one too many moisturizers that “tablet” below my basis, so any skincare product I add to my lineup has received to go this check first.)

After a few weeks of each day use, I’ve observed firmer, plumper pores and skin particularly alongside cheeks and undereye space (my greatest downside space.) My plan transferring ahead is each day software of Olay Collagen Peptide24 Moisturizer, mixed with annual microneedling freshen-ups and the collagen gummies I’ve added to my complement routine. I’m feeling excellent about the place my pores and skin is headed as I formally enter the “mid-to-late” zone of my thirties.

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The Product/Treatment: The Beauty Chef Collagen Inner Beauty Boost 

Why It Works: It’s no secret that what you set in your physique has a profound impact in your pores and skin. The Magnificence Chef is an Australian-based model that was behind this concept from the beginning, creating customized magnificence elixirs designed to assist pores and skin, hair, and total well being from inside. I’m obsessive about their merchandise and observed a visual distinction in my pores and skin and hair after just some days. One in every of my ride-or-dies is their Collagen Inner Beauty Boost. It’s a vegan system that’s filled with vitamin C, superfoods, zinc, probiotics, and extra skin-loving goodies to assist in your physique’s pure collagen manufacturing. I didn’t even notice Vitamin C is required for the synthesis of collagen in your physique, and also you gained’t reap the advantages of collagen with out it. With Vitamin C being the important super-power of the Collagen Interior Magnificence Increase elixir, and matched with substances like zinc and wonder superfoods, this product is principally a cocktail for glowy, youthful pores and skin. 

My Ideas: I started taking extra critical care of my complexion after I turned 26. For the primary time ever, wrinkles have been starting to make their mark, and my pores and skin was starting to lose its luster. Plus, I needed to attain that glowy, pure look I stored seeing throughout Instagram with out having to put on a bunch of make-up. In my numerous Google searches for a solution, it appeared like collagen was getting all the consideration for selling pores and skin elasticity and lowering indicators of getting older.

After I found the Magnificence Chef Collagen Interior Magnificence Increase, I liked having a vegan choice that will assist protect my physique’s pure collagen manufacturing course of. I don’t like having to take a ton of dietary supplements so to me, this provided a extra pure, mild method than different ingestibles. I combine a tablespoon of the elixir with my water and different Magnificence Chef boosts day by day after I get up, and sip on it whereas I’m going about my morning routine. I’ve liked including this yummy drink to my AM ritual, and each of my roommates observed my new glow up after constant use.  

The Product/Therapy: Bone Broth 

Why It Works: I really like a great magnificence product or facial remedy, however as I discussed earlier I’m a agency believer that one other key secret to superb pores and skin is a nutritious diet. Whereas dietary supplements are a good way to reap the advantages of collagen, it can save you your self a bit of further effort and cash by turning to nature. There may be an abundance of the way to get extra collagen into your eating regimen, and bone broth is a miracle-worker for selling sturdy pores and skin, hair, nails, and total well being. This hype-worthy concoction is loaded with collagen, nutritional vitamins, and minerals, and so it immediately alleviates irritation within the physique whereas supporting pores and skin (and bone) elasticity and construction. 

My Ideas: A 12 months in the past, I observed my hair had began thinning so naturally I freaked out and researched each doable treatment. I knew collagen manufacturing begins to decelerate in your mid-to-late twenties, and that situations like thinning hair are additionally typically an indication of an inside imbalance. Relatively than spending a ton of cash on hair-care, I made a decision to check out some pure options first, one among which was to get extra collagen into my eating regimen. After ingesting bone broth constantly, I’ve not solely observed a thicker and shinier ponytail, but in addition a calmer tummy and extra power. Whereas some folks debate the advantages of bone broth, I can inform you first-hand these things has made an enormous distinction for me. Bone broth is comparatively simple to make at house (check out this article to see how), or you should purchase it pre-made from the grocery retailer. I normally minimize corners and refill on bone broth cartons (my fave model is kettle & fire) on my Sunday grocery runs, and warmth up a mug of these things for a snack or to complete off a meal a few instances every week. 

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The main difference between dermastamping and microneedling is the technique. Microneedling is a rolling motion across the face whereas dermastamping is straight up and down so it could mean less risk because it’s a more targeted treatment. Dermastamping isn’t just about collagen production, it also helps to improve the thickness of the dermis and epidermis, as well as brighten the skin by breaking up pigmentation.

My Thoughts: I have been using a dermastamp tool about one to two times a month for about a year now and my skin has never looked or felt better. For at-home use, I reach for the Dew & Go microneedling infusion stamp by The Issues We Do. The needles are advantageous sufficient for at-home use (you actually can’t get it improper!) and it additionally comes with 4 pores and skin hydration ampoules. Principally, you take away the stamp, fill the instrument with serum, and begin stamping. The needles create these microchannels we spoke about earlier and permit the serum to sink immediately into the pores and skin for immediate plumpness and supreme hydration. Your pores and skin will flush pink, however that’s good, it’s stimulating all of that scrumptious circulation, and it’s gone in just a few hours. I do mine earlier than mattress so it’s all healed and wholesome by the morning!

If I wish to step it up, I go to Matthew Miller for his in-salon collagen remedy, the Stem Cell Micro-channeling facial—it’s a game-changer. (You can read all about it here.) Miller additionally advised me that each day facial therapeutic massage might help to spice up collagen and maintain the pores and skin wanting radiant and wholesome. He suggests utilizing small round actions throughout the face and neck—don’t neglect the neck!—particularly behind the ears, happening the perimeters of the neck. Spend time massaging when you cleanse too!

The Product/Therapy: Forma Laser 

Why It Works: The Forma laser has been hailed as a “non-surgical face-lift” and a non-invasive different to injections—and it’s simple to see why. Made common remedy with main celeb followers like Kim Kardashian, Delilah Belle, and more, this pores and skin process makes use of warmth and radiofrequency to stimulate new collagen manufacturing in your face, subsequently lifting, tightening, and contouring your pores and skin. This makes it a terrific different to fillers or conventional cosmetic surgery strategies like face-lifts as a result of it has the potential to tighten the jawline, take away nasolabial folds, increase and elevate the forehead bone space, sculpt cheekbones, and enhance total pores and skin well being.

So, how does it work? First, they apply a conductive serum, then a heated wand is rubbed up and down your face—this doesn’t damage, it simply feels heat and it’s fairly stress-free. Whenever you’re performed, your pores and skin is visibly brighter, your jawline is extra outlined, and total, your pores and skin appears tighter and your face appears lifted.

My Ideas: This laser has main hype as a result of it actually does get the outcomes you need, immediately—as in you’ll stroll out of the salon with tighter, brighter, glowing pores and skin after only one go to. It’s really transformative. I first had the remedy just a few years in the past throughout a lunch break and after I went again into the workplace, colleagues got here as much as me to touch upon my pores and skin, asking me what I had performed. And that was after one session. It’s actually that noticeable.

Whereas I did see noticeable outcomes after one remedy, about 5 to 6 classes are really useful for optimum, long run outcomes. With a sequence of classes and yearly upkeep, outcomes can last as long as 4 years. This remedy has zero dangers and works on each pores and skin kind, tone, and texture. I like to recommend it for large occasions or as a pores and skin prep earlier than your marriage ceremony. You can read more about my experience and results here.

What collagen skincare, dietary supplements, and coverings have you ever tried not too long ago? Share your ideas and the merchandise you like within the feedback beneath.