Let’s talk about collagen peptides. A buzzword many of you have probably seen floating around the wellness world maybe on Instagram, TikTok, or online beauty blogposts. But what are they, and why are they getting so much attention? Let me break it down for you today.
Collagen is the protein responsible for keeping our skin firm, smooth, and youthful. It accounts for 30% of the body’s protein. It is basically everywhere in your body. Think of it as the body’s internal “glue” that holds things together and keeps everything firm, plump, and flexible. It helps in skin elasticity and in replacing dead cells with new healthy ones. And as we age, our bodies breakdown the existing collagen and starts producing less and less of it, which then leads to wrinkles, sagging, and even joint discomfort. So if you’re noticing that your skin has been looking dull and wrinkly, your eyes are looking hollow, you’ve been experiencing joint paint, or you’ve been feeling stiff, it is very possible that you are low on collagen. So what can you do about that and how can you increase the collagen on your body?
Enter collagen peptides. Collagen peptides are essentially hydrolyzed (broken down) collagen, which makes them easier for your body to absorb and use. When you consume collagen peptides, your body can break them down into amino acids, which then go to work rebuilding collagen in areas like your skin, joints, and bones. It’s like giving your body the building blocks it needs to fix itself. The beauty of collagen peptides is that they’re super versatile. You can mix the powder into your morning coffee, smoothie, or even bake them into your favorite recipes. They’re tasteless, so you won’t even notice they’re there (but your skin will).
Collagen peptides don’t just help your skin—they can work wonders on your hair and nails too. Collagen is a major player in the production of keratin, the protein that makes up your hair and nails. By taking collagen peptides, you’re essentially giving your hair and nails the nutrition they need to grow stronger and healthier. They also help your joints and muscles. Since collagen is found in muscles, tendons, and ligaments, supplementing with collagen peptides can help stimulate muscle growth, especially when combined with strength training. Some studies have even shown that collagen supplementation can increase muscle mass and strength in older adults, which is a huge win for anyone looking to stay strong as they age
Now all of this is of course backed up by science and research that has been conducted over decades and decades. Many older studies have shown the benefits of collagen peptides on the body, but also newer ones have been conducted in the last couple years with similar results. A meta-analysis from 2021 shows that the participants that were given the hydrolyzed collagen supplements for 90 days, had improved hydration and elasticity when compared with the placebo group. They reported an improvement in the firmness, suppleness, and moisture content of the skin, with wrinkles appearing less noticeable. Some randomized control trials have also been conducted that yielded similar results. Two studies were conducted to study the effects of ingested collagen hydrolysates with collagen peptides. It was found in both the studies that the levels of skin hydration, elasticity and roughness were greatly improved over the course of 8 weeks. People who have taken collagen peptides have also reported less hair thinning, stronger nails, and even faster hair growth.
So how can you incorporate collagen peptides in your life?
The best part about collagen peptides is that they are incredibly easy to incorporate into your routine. You can find collagen peptides in various forms, from powders to capsules. The most common way to take collagen peptides is by mixing a scoop of powder into your morning coffee, smoothie, or even just a glass of water. It’s tasteless and dissolves easily, so you won’t even notice it’s there. You can also find collagen-infused products like protein bars, teas, and even snacks. We have the internal radiance collagen powder at the clinic that you can take as a supplement. There’s no set “ideal” dosage, but most studies suggest that around 10-12 grams of collagen peptides per day is effective for most people. This can vary depending on your health goals, so you might want to experiment a bit to see what works best for you.
So, if you’re looking for a simple way to support your skin’s natural glow and keep your joints feeling good, collagen peptides might just be your new go-to, and you might just start looking as young as you feel.
