CosBeauty Magazine #96

FEATURE
DO
COLLAGEN
POWDERS
REALLY
WORK?
Collagen is the vital building block
of our bodies. It represents almost
30 percent of all human protein
content. It is one of the most
abundant substances, second
only to water.
Collagen plays an essential role in
the health of your skin, bones and
connective tissues, keeping joints
strong, making skin elastic and
helping protect your organs, as well
as many other functions.
Collagen is composed of three
chains, wound together in a tight
triple helix (like a hair braid). Each
chain is composed of amino acids —
predominantly, glycine, proline and
hydroxyproline. This very specific
composition of amino acids makes
collagen a unique type of protein.
The body becomes less efficient
at producing collagen as we age.
According to an article for the
Cleveland Clinic, a world-leading
hospital, we start losing collagen in
our 20s. By the age of 40, we’re likely
to lose about 1% of bodily collagen
per year, and menopause speeds
up that loss, which contributes
to wrinkles and lackluster skin,
stiff joints, worn-down cartilage
and decreased muscle mass.
This is where collagen nutrition
supplements can be beneficial.
Collagen nutrition products can
boost a youthful appearance – in
fact, studies show that collagen
peptides may actually slow signs
of ageing by keeping the skin
hydrated, which is key to helping
prevent wrinkle formation. They are
also known to promote hair and nail
health, and support healthy bones,
tendons, ligaments and joints,
enabling us to lead healthy, more
active lives for longer.
Though we may not all have
won Jennifer Aniston’s genetic
lottery, collagen peptides can
help our body replace lost collagen
and in turn help to combat some
of the internal and external signs
of ageing.
While more research is needed
for a complete scientific consensus
on the benefits of collagen
supplements, if it’s good enough
for age-defying Jen, who are we to
disagree?! CBM