Collagen is a protein naturally produced by the body that provides support to muscles, tendons, joints, and bones, and ensures elasticity in connective tissue. As we age, the body's ability to maintain its former collagen production declines. Reduced levels of this protein eventually lead to wrinkles, less elastic skin, brittle bones, and joint problems. Thousands of collagen supplements, promising to address this, are available on the market in all sorts of forms. But do these products truly deliver the desired effect? In this article, we'll tell you whether investing in collagen-containing skincare, drinks, or capsules is actually worthwhile.
Artificial vs. Natural
The collagen in skincare products and dietary supplements is industrially produced and therefore differs from our own body's collagen in its origin alone. It is added to a wide variety of preparations that promise increased freshness, firmness, and youthful appearance.
skincare
Collagen in creams and other skincare products penetrates the skin and is supposed to help with wrinkles. However, this doesn't work because the collagen doesn't get beyond the top layer of skin and therefore cannot contribute to lasting elasticity and wrinkle reduction. Skincare products containing collagen, however, often also contain many other important ingredients that are indeed beneficial for the care of stressed skin.
Drinks
Manufacturers of drinks containing collagen promise that regular consumption can compensate for a deficiency in the body's own collagen, thereby reducing wrinkles. From a scientific perspective, there is no conclusive evidence for this effectiveness, but also no evidence to the contrary.
Capsules
Besides reducing wrinkles, collagen-enriched capsules are also supposed to restore the youthfulness of joints, bones, and muscles by delivering the collagen directly to where it is urgently needed in the body. However, it's not quite that simple, because collagen is composed of several amino acids, and only these individual components actually reach the joints or bones that are deficient in the body's own collagen.
Pros vs. Cons
Vegetarians and vegans need to pay close attention, as most collagen in commercially available products is of animal origin. Furthermore, concrete information about potential risks associated with long-term collagen use is currently lacking. However, many users swear by collagen – regardless of its form. If skin rejuvenation is actually visible or noticeable, then the product in question was certainly a good choice.
