Collagen supplements have quickly become a popular part of many a beauty repertoire but what is collagen? Collagen is the glue that holds human bodies together. It’s found just about everywhere but is particularly important for the skin, bones and connective tissue. Endogenous collagen occurs naturally and is pretty important for your health, while exogenous collagen comes from the outside and can be used for a range of medical and cosmetic purposes.
Several factors including age, smoking, UV exposure, autoimmune disease and more can lead to a decrease in collagen synthesis. This weakens the body’s tissues making wrinkles and sagging skin more likely and joint cartilage more fragile. While collagen degeneration is a normal part of the ageing process, maintaining good levels of the protein can improve the body’s ability to bounce back in more ways than one.
According to Healthline, collagen supplementation can improve skin structure and health, increase bone strength, boost muscle mass, promote heart, brain and gut health, and relieve joint pain. Collagen supplementation can be associated with mild digestive side effects or bad taste and, as many supplements use common food allergens as ingredients, care should be taken. However, collagen drinks, collagen tablets, collagen protein and rejuvenated collagen shots are generally considered safe ways to boost collagen production and support overall wellbeing.
Many lotions and potions claim to increase collagen levels. However, collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed through the skin. This means that collagen fortified moisturisers and other topical products are unlikely to do much good. When collagen is consumed by mouth, the digestive process breaks it down into amino acids and uses those amino acids wherever it feels the need is highest. In short, collagen drinks may help to boost collagen production and improve skin health, support weight loss and improved gut health, or decrease cellulite and joint pain. Australia offers a wide range of collagen support drinks. Here are 10 of the most popular.
10. Collagen Hydrolysate Convenience Pk 20 Count
Great Lakes Gelatin are all about convenience! At $24.99, this pack contains 20 single serve collagen sticks for easy addition to teas, coffees, smoothies and more. Nearly tasteless, colourless and odourless, this pure protein powder and dietary supplement makes collagen boosting simple and the path to rejuvenated skin a smooth one.
9. Collagen Pure 1KG
A full kilogram for $69.95, this product by Protein Supplies Australia is designed to support joint, skin and bone health by boosting the body’s connective tissue building blocks. This pure collagen peptide has zero carbs, and the hydrolysed collagen powder is easy for the body to break down as well as easy to incorporate into smoothies and baked goods.
8. Grass-Fed and Finished Collagen Hydrolysate
NesProteins Collagen Hydrolysate is a natural product made from grass-fed and finished cattle, meaning that it is free from hormones, antibiotics, herbicides and pesticides. Retailing at $43.95 for 450g, this water-soluble powder may help to reduce cellulite, wrinkles, fine lines, joint pain and stretch marks while also supporting skin hydration, hair quality and gut health.
7. Collagen+C Pomegranate Liquid
This amazing product by Neocell is more than just collagen. It also uses Vitamin C as a key ingredient, helping to boost collagen production and skin, hair and nail health. Usually $50.02 for 473mL, this gluten free gem is the antioxidant-rich, flavoursome collagen drink Australia has been asking for!
6. Collagen Inner Beauty Boost
At just $25 for 200mL, even Sephora supports this great product by The Beauty Chef. This is an organic, bio-fermented concentrate designed to promote radiance from the inside out. Using a wide range of ingredients including grape seed extract, goji berry powder, acai powder (from the oh-so-popular acai berries craze!), papaya leaf and extract, and more, this fruity blend is a total liquid collagen win.
5. Nutra Organics Collagen Body
A type I and type III collagen booster, this Nutra Organics powder costs $29.95 for 225g. It’s made from ethically sourced ingredients and designed specifically to build strong bones. Ideal for patients suffering osteopenia or osteoporosis, this water-soluble collagen powder is a great buy.
4. Native Collagen Powder
At $36 for 85g of product, Edible Beauty’s Native Collagen Powder focuses on using antioxidant-rich foods and plant-based Australian natives to fight free radical damage and protect skin against premature aging. A fruity route to glowing skin and a healthy gut, this collagen supplement is fantastic.
3. Beauty Collagen Liquid
At $29.99 for 500mL, the Nature’s Way Beauty Collagen Liquid is made with VERISOL bioactive collagen peptides, aiming to improve skin vitality. This product uses Vitamin E to promote cell protection from free radical damage and has a delicious apple flavour. A quick and easy way to boost the skin’s production of collagen, this affordable drink is a must-try.
2. Original Marine Collagen
Costing $59.95 for a 30-serve tin, Vida Glow’s Marine Collagen comes in a wide range of flavours and has earned a 4.8-star rating on Trustpilot. Vida Glow uses low molecular weight hydrolysed collagen to create a toxin free, high absorption product. Focusing on improving skin elasticity, hair growth and nail strength, this is a skin care must-have and a great addition to the beauty shopping cart!
1. Natural Marine Collagen – Blue Spirulina & Blueberry
Shoalhaven Health Co. provides the goods! This easily absorbed, bioavailable collagen powder may stimulate collagen production, improving skin, nail and hair health, helping to fight the signs of aging and improving joint mobility. At $49.95 for 150g, this natural formula also includes antioxidant-rich wild blueberry powder for flavour that packs a punch.
As with any nutritional supplement, every human body responds in its own unique way. Collagen supplements can be a great way to support skin, bone, joint, hair, nail and gut health. However, results may not be perfect or instant. It’s important to discuss any new supplements with a medical professional before taking them. Happy collagen boosting!
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