Is Collagen Worth The Hype?

Whether you're passionate about skincare and supplements or you simply have a passing interest in the subject, the chances are you've heard a lot about collagen. Collagen supplements have their fans and their detractors, which can make it difficult to determine whether it's really worth all the hype.

Not All Collagen Supplements Are Made Equal

Collagen supplements can contain a wide range of different ingredients at different concentrations, which means that they won't all provide the same results. It's a highly saturated market, so there are lots of brands to choose from, however it is worth noting here that many of the collagen supplements on the market right now don't have any clinical evidence to support their efficacy.

So, if you are interested in trying a supplement, it is always worth delving deeper into the brands you are interested in trying

Hype-Worthy Collagen

Now, although there are lots of collagen supplements that just don't have any clinical evidence to support their claims, that isn't the case for every brand.

Skinade is a scientifically formulated drink which contains essential micronutrients to rebuild the skin's collagen matrix, minimise oxidative stress, boost moisture and hydration, and increase the production of hyaluronic acid in the skin's dermal layer.

In a 30-day trial for Cosmopolitan magazine [1], Lucy Partington experienced several positive outcomes including hydration levels that were boosted by more than 30% and a 3.5% increase in skin thickness. Skin readings at the end of the trial also showed a denser collagen structure.

Does Collagen Have Other Benefits?

High quality collagen supplements may be particularly beneficial for a variety of specific skin concerns that affect the face and body, such as psoriasis, acne and eczema.

In-depth research is currently lacking in this area, however there is some evidence [2] to suggest that collagen may help to reduce inflammation, which is believed to contribute to psoriasis. Additionally, collagen can improve skin elasticity, which may help to keep skin healthy whilst using dermatologist-recommended treatments such as corticosteroids.

What Are The Alternatives?

If the lack of supporting scientific evidence has turned you off the idea of collagen supplements, there are other options that do have more scientific backing. Tretinoin, for example, is derived from vitamin A and can be found in a number of topical retinoid skin care products. For example, Obagi Tretinoin is a topical cream available in several different strengths and has been proven to treat breakouts and prevent the development of future acne.

Notably, tretinoin can also enhance the skin's natural collagen production process and reduce the rate at which collagen is degraded with long-term use. The positive results of this potent ingredient can be seen at low concentrations, which is excellent news for anyone who has previously had problems with higher concentrations of retinoids.

In my opinion, collagen supplements fall under the 'nice to have in your routine' category if you're someone who is keen to do everything possible to support the health and integrity of your skin. However, I would always recommend investing in good quality skin care products first, as there are significant volumes of supporting evidence to indicate their efficacy.

Resources:

[1] https://skinade.com/pages/cosmopolitan-trial
[2] https://www.healthline.com/health/psoriasis/collagen-and-psoriasis#other-treatments