Beauty supplements such as collagen powders not only support the body's natural protein levels, they can boost the health of your skin, hair, and nails, says Editor Trudi Brewer. Read on to find out how and the brands we like.
Editor Trudi Brewer shares how a collagen powder can help give your skin that youth-boost, it needs to stay looking healthy and firm.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant form of protein in the body and the structural support for the skin, sadly decreasing as we age. When eating a high protein diet, our body uses the amino acids from the protein to synthesize collagen.
Dose & Co Collagen Creamer, $55.
Delicious - it’s a great way to kick off your day, and once you add this beauty boost to your coffee or in your smoothie, you will not want to be without it. A range of collagen creamers is made from bovine (beef and cow) collagen and coconut milk. Designed to build muscle and support the health of your body, including your skin, this collagen powder also positively affects your gut health.
How to take it? The scoop provided is 10grams, your daily dose, and there are five flavours vanilla, coconut, caramel, mocha, and chocolate. All are free from dairy, soy, gluten, artificial sweeteners, and sugar.
Are there different types of collagen?
There is bovine, porcine, or marine collagen, all derived from animals, as well as plant extracts that help support the production of collagen in your body.
Adashiko Collagen Pure, $161.
There are three Adashido options Pure, Ultra and Joint, all of which are completely tasteless and odourless. This Pure collagen is made from 100% natural peptide porcine collagen, hyaluronic acid, coenzyme Q10, elastin, and vitamin C. The low molecular weight (of 3000 daltons), makes it one of the best powders for absorption. After three months, you will notice your hair feels thicker, your nails stronger, and your skin firmer.
How to take it? Dissolve two scoops (5000mg/5g) into hot or cold drinks, or sprinkle it onto your food.
What's the best way to absorb collagen?
Eating protein-rich foods, like beef, chicken, fish, beans, eggs, and dairy is the best way to support natural collagen synthesis, however, your body also requires vitamin C to process that collagen, with foods such as citrus fruits, red and green peppers, tomatoes, broccoli, and greens. Not all of us manage a healthy, balanced diet, so supplementing with a good quality hydrolyzed collagen, will support and boost this youth-making protein.
DR LE WINNS MARINE COLLAGEN PEPTIDE+ INNER BEAUTY POWDER, $60.
The latest is berry flavoured and offers 3,000g of marine (fish) collagen in each sachet. This collagen is hydrolysed, which means your gut can absorb this quickly to increase skin hydration, improve skin firmness and strengthen hair and nails fast. Along with that marine collagen, it contains an antioxidant blend from superfoods, such as red quinoa, acerola, cherry-like berries, and spinach. Rich in antioxidants and vitamins A, K, and vitamin C, which our bodies cannot make, it's essential to include vitamin C in your daily diet. Then, taken in a smoothie or sprinkled on your morning cereal, you have an edible beauty boost to strengthen your joints, firm your skin, and create strong hair and nails. If berry flavour is not your thing, this Beauty Powder also comes flavour-free.
What are the benefits of taking collagen powder daily?
If you try to have a balanced diet but fall short (like most us), don't drink alcohol, are often stressed, and don't sleep well, your body is possibly lacking in vital nutrients. Collagen taken daily, will not only benefit your skin, hair, nails, and gut health by boosting the natural collagen-producing function that slows with age.
Puraz Raw Collagen Powder, $80.
This powder is 100 per cent bovine collagen, with no artificial additives or fillers, and is made smaller by enzymes that ‘predigest’ the collagen ensuring it absorbs quickly into the gut and then into the bloodstream.
How to take it? Add one level scoop (eight grams) daily into smoothies, your morning coffee, or any baking.
Puraz Raw Collagen Powder, $80.
