This Is The Biggest Sign Your Skin Could Use A Collagen Supplement
The vast world of supplements can be a tad overwhelming. You may think you need every single capsule and powder out there, but the truth is you get tons of vitamins and nutrients simply from consuming whole and natural foods. (Although, if you need a little extra nudge, quality supplements surely won't let you down.)
However, some ingredients aren't so omnipresent, like collagen. While you can find collagen in food, it's not quite as intuitive. Still not sure if you could use one in your routine? Here's one sign you may want to consider.
How to know if you should start taking collagen.
The telltale sign: fine lines, especially ones that don't go away after pinching your skin. These light wrinkles tend to form when collagen degradation surpasses collagen production. This naturally happens in most people's bodies from the time they're in their late teens or early 20s and decreases by about 1% a year1.
But how are these lines different from wrinkles? "Fine lines are often considered to be baby wrinkles," board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., previously told mbg. Those faint etchings can mature into deeper folds later on, which is why it's essential to catch them early.
While there's nothing wrong with fine lines, it's understandable that you may want to tend to your skin's collagen production in the name of skin health. One easy way to do so: Add a collagen supplement to your daily routine.
The research shows that collagen peptides are able to support skin elasticity and dermal collagen density2.* How? Well, hydrolyzed collagen peptides have been shown to help promote the body's natural production of collagen1 and other molecules that make up the skin, like elastin and fibrillin.*
Not to mention, clinical studies on collagen supplementation and skin hydration show that with regular use, it supports your skin's hydration levels.* Given that a lack of hydration can manifest into fine lines as well, this is a worthwhile benefit.
Not sure where to look? Enter, mbg beauty & gut collagen+, a versatile powder that's packed with hydrolyzed collagen peptides for optimal absorption, hyaluronic acid, vitamins C and E, biotin, and even more skin-loving ingredients.*
Plus, it's oh-so-easy to add to your favorite smoothie, daily cup of joe, morning oatmeal, or any other recipe that could use a boost. Want a timesaving recipe? Opt for these collagen-packed overnight oats.
The takeaway.
Full disclosure: Anyone can benefit from taking collagen. However, one telltale sign you should definitely add this product to your routine is persistent fine lines or lack of skin moisture. Want to learn more about the benefits of collagen supplements? Check out this breakdown.
Hannah Frye is the Assistant Beauty & Health Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in women’s, gender, and queer studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written across lifestyle sections including skin care, women’s health, mental health, sustainability, social media trends, and more. She previously interned for Almost 30, a top-rated health and wellness podcast. In her current role, Hannah reports on the latest beauty trends and innovations, women’s health research, brain health news, and plenty more.