Skincare experts have become increasingly aware of the importance of diet and internal health nutraceuticals are becoming key players in professional skin care. So, what do you need to know about collagen and collagen-based supplements?
Estimated to become a $7 billion business by 2020, nutraceuticals are becoming key players in professional skin care. Over the past several years, skincare experts have become increasingly aware of the importance of diet and internal health on skin health and are looking beyond topical skincare treatments to improve client outcomes. With more advanced ingredients and formulations, nutraceuticals are helping these professionals provide their clients with a more comprehensive approach to skin care. So, what do you need to know about collagen and collagen-based supplements?
What is collagen?
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that give our skin its youthful bounce and healthy glow. When we are young, collagen makes up around 75 percent of our skin. As we get older, we slowly lose the ability to produce more, affecting the appearance of our skin. Collagen nutraceuticals, combined with essential vitamins, will help support and nourish the skin from within.
How do supplements work?
Your body is filled with cells that have specific jobs to keep your engines running. Fibroblasts have an important job: they produce collagen. In order to make this happen, fibroblasts need access to amino acids — namely, glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. Collagen supplements supply your fibroblasts with amino acids so they can continue to do what they do best.
How to take supplements like collagen
Traditionally, beauty supplements come in tablets, but some innovative products come as drinks, or as handy sachets you can dilute in water. Liquid formulas ensure collagen is highly bio-available, thereby increasing the absorption rate and making sure the body can make the most of the previous ingredients.
What product to choose? Some expert feedback
“One of the most interesting supplements available is Skinade, a drink that contains peptides which have been shown to stimulate the cells in our skin, the fibroblasts, that generate collagen. It’s this kick-starter that increases the amount of collagen in our skin and helps improve our skin’s appearance. Interestingly Skinade has also been proven to stimulate the cells that produce hyaluronic acid which provide hydration to our skin,” says Dr Benji Dhillon from leading aesthetic clinic, Define.
