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Upping collagen levels seems to be the skincare secret that everybody has finally cottoned on to.
There’s now a whole host of collagen options out there, from supplements and drinks to powers and even collagen drops.
Collagen powder is particularly popular as it’s so versatile – you can take it by mixing it into smoothies and shakes, coffee, tea or soups – you can even use it in baking. Collagen cookies, anyone?
In a quest to see what the fuss was about, we tried one of the collagens getting rave reviews, being Sixways’ Marine Collagen supplement powder (£42).
It’s a high-absorption pure marine collagen blend with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, retinol and zinc (essentially, packed with the skin-boosting good stuff).
One of the main selling points of this collagen is that it has a fruity, refreshing flavour that’s a million miles away from the ‘fishy’ taste often associated with marine collagen.
But can it help boost skin health and make a noticeable difference? We put it to the test.
For starters, let’s make a point of how easy this product is to use. You can mix the powder in with your usual smoothie or breakfast bowl, or just mix it with water for a fruity drink. It’s also high in protein, which is an added bonus if you’re trying to introduce more into your diet (4.8g, FYI).
The drink itself is surprisingly refreshing, with a sharp, clean taste that makes for a good morning drink, or post-workout pick-me-up. While it’s fine to just use water to mix up the drink, a good tip is to use a mini electronic whisk for a creamier consistency. The smooth consistency, even without the use of a whisk, is a real selling point – no lumps or clumps that often come with powders.
As well as mixing with water on those busier days, when things were a little slower I tried adding the powder to my usual morning fruit smoothie, which worked well with the raspberry flavour. The power can’t be noticeably detected, just adding a slightly sharper taste.
In terms of results, it’s hard to say exactly how much impact the collagen has had over the two-week trial period. However, I have noted that my skin feels slightly plumper and definitely more hydrated. Plus, using the powder has made me up my smoothie game, which in turn has boosted my nutrient levels.
The change in seasons has left me with flakey and chapped lips that won’t seem to budge, but after taking this supplement for two weeks, they’re feeling more soft and smooth, which suggests a good amount of overall hydration.
Another positive result of trying the power is that my nails and hair are feeling stronger. Placebo? Perhaps – it is still early days. But for someone with usually very brittle nails, I have noticed how they’re feeling a lot more resilient and free from flakiness.
If the early signs are anything to go by, taking this multi-tasking powder will pay dividends. Supplements can take months – potentially even up to six months – to work, so watch this space!
Why does our skin need collagen?
Collagen is super beneficial to the whole body, but it can have a great impact on our skin in particular.
It’s worth looking into a collagen supplement or powder to top up the collagen levels that naturally decline as we age.
While collagen makes up 30% of all protein in our bodies, when we hit 25 we stop producing it naturally and then by the time we reach 45, we’ve lost over 30% of our collagen reserves.
Factors like UV exposure, smoking, stress and having an inflammatory diet (in particular, consuming lots of sugar) can also lead to a more rapid decline.
So this is where supplements come in, which can help replenish collagen levels within the body and skin, alongside a balanced and healthy diet.
Why marine collagen?
There are two key types of collagen – marine collagen and bovine collagen. Marine collagen comes from the skin of fish, while bovine collagen comes from cows.
‘Collagen as a supplement is derived from either bovine, which comes from the bones or hides of cows and is a source of type 1 and type 11 collagen, or marine sources, found in the scales and skin of fish and a source of type 1 and type 11 collagen,’ Dr Perry, Medical Director of Cosmedics skin clinics, explains.
‘It is thought that marine collagen is better for the human body than bovine collagen due to its unique structure.
‘Marine collagen tends to contain more amino acids and glycine which is essential for skin health, however marine collagen is much newer to the market and is more appealing to the consumer who doesn’t want to use anything containing cow or pig, and also marine collagen supports a more sustainable process for collagen production.’
Whichever supplement type you choose, the right format can make all the difference. It can be difficult to absorb supplements into the body, so that’s why it’s important to consume them in a bioavailable format – and Sixways Marine Collagen does ticks this box.
Find out more about Sixways Marine Collagen here and use code WILD25 for 25% off your first order.
MORE : ‘Within days I noticed a decrease in fine lines’: People are swearing by these ‘incredible’ collagen drops
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