Is Collagen Good For Hair Skin And Nails

Taking Collagen Orally Vs Topically

Collagen is naturally found in the body, but the amount our amount of collagen our bodies produce decreases as we age. Thats why our skin wrinkles and our joints ache as we get older.

The catch with using a collagen supplement though, is that our bodies absorb collagen best when taken INTERNALLY, not topically. According to this article, the molecules of grass-fed collagen are simply too large for the skin to absorb.

That means that in order to reap the benefits of collagen, we must take it orally. It also means you can ignore all those beauty counter specialists!

Grass-fed collagen typically comes in powder form , and it can be added to smoothies, coffee or even water. I already mentioned that typically I take it daily in this green smoothie.

However, as I was experimenting with the slow carb diet and devouring perfect scrambled eggs and slow cooker refried beans for breakfast , I added collagen to my coffee. A few quick stirs and it completely disappears and its entirely tasteless!

Helps Fight Damage To Hair Follicles

Collagen can act as an antioxidant and fight damage caused by free radicals.

Free radicals are compounds that develop in your body as a result of stress, air pollutants, smoking, poor dietary choices, alcohol, and other environmental influences. Too many free radicals can harm your cells, proteins, and DNA .

Research shows that free radicals may also damage hair follicles. Since your bodys defense against free radicals decreases with aging, older adults are especially susceptible to hair damage .

To fight free radicals and promote healthy hair, your body needs antioxidants.

Several test-tube studies have shown that collagen especially from fish scales may have powerful antioxidant activity (

11 ).

Still, keep in mind that research has only been performed in isolated cells in labs. Thus, the antioxidant potential of collagen in your body is unclear.

Summary

Hair follicles can be damaged by free radicals. Collagen may act as an antioxidant that can fight free radicals and prevent hair damage, but research is limited.

Collagen For Healthy Hair Skin And Nails

One of the things Im often asked is what vitamins and supplements I buy for my children and while I tend to shy away from that question is that I dont recommend too many supplements.

Sure, there are some things that we take daily and are pretty crazy about, but all in all, vitamins are not something that you will find that we rely on.

What do we rely on?

Lots of good things like Fermented Cod Liver Oil, Raw Milk, Kefir, lots of sun and sleep, and Collagen both Peptides and Gelatin.

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Which Collagen Is Best For Hair & Nails

Resyncs Collagen Blend is unlike any other product out there, and were not just saying that because every other collagen supplement says it!

We dont just give you the best collagen on the market, we know that you dont get the most out of it without the synergy of a couple other ingredients.

Lets go into that a bit further. The hair roots and the cells that make nails need a constant supply of proper nutrients. A strong heart and healthy blood veins make sure that your skin is getting vital nutrients.

Because of this nutrient-delivery issue Resync collagen gets at the issue from both sides.

Collagen types 1 and 3 can strengthen your blood vessels , which help your blood deliver nutrients and clear toxins.

Besides the easy-to-digest collagen protein that you body craves, Resync also delivers natural ingredients that boost your circulation with something known as nitric oxide, or N-O for short.

Nitric oxide is what your blood veins use to relax, open up, and increase blood flow.

Red spinach extract is one of the most potent sources of N-O, and its featured alongside the powerful aronia berry extract and the industry standard beet powder to maximize the blood-vessel-opening effect of natural nitrates.

If you want to know more about using collagen to look good, check out our article on collagen for beauty at any age here.

Why You Should Buy Collagen Hair Skin And Nails At Amazon

Apart from being a trusted brand, Amazon also upholds a standard of quality, so you can be sure what you order is what you will receive. Many sites that sell products such as eBay Wish or Etsy may have the right products, but often, the sellers are not verified, so theres no guarantee for their authenticity. Amazon has a large assortment of products and is recognized for its convenience when it comes to shopping.

Amazon also offers a wide variety of goods at pretty competitive prices. Amazon sources its products from several suppliers, so you have various options for a single product. It also offers the option to customize your order with other products for effective shipping.

Another reason for choosing Amazon is because it offers free shipping, which is reliable. Compared to other sites that charge a ton for shipping, you can quickly get your goods delivered to your doorstep in a short period with Amazon Prime. Amazon Prime allows you to save on shipping costs and still access excellent streaming services.

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The Beauty Chef Collagen Inner Beauty Boost $45 At Sephora

Collagen Inner Beauty Boost. Image: The Beauty Chef.

Mix one tablespoon of this vegan-friendly concentrate into water, a smoothie or your favourite drink each day to visibly boost your skin, hair and nails. It’s naturally wild berry flavoured and contains Vitamin C for normal connective tissue structure and function and collagen production, a probiotic to aid digestive wellbeing and skin health, and zinc to maintain hair and nails – as well as a blend of bio fermented wholefood ingredients. Find more great ingestible beauty buys from The Beauty Chef here.

A reviewer wrote “I have been using this for about 6 weeks and have noticed a difference in my skin. I have always suffered from hormonal acne and I have felt a huge improvement since using it”.

Vitamin Code Raw Zinc

Zinc is an essential mineral our bodies need, according to dietary guidelines from the Institute of Medicine. Its found in foods such as beans, nuts, certain types of seafood , and whole grains. While most of us get a sufficient amount of zinc from our diet, zinc deficiency can cause hair loss, as well as eye and skin sores, according to the National Institutes of Health. If you have acne, talk to to your dermatologist about adding a zinc supplement to your diet. According to a 2014 review in Dermatology Research and Practice, zinc has shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce the amount of acne-causing bacteria in the skin and treat inflamed acne. These supplements also contain vitamin C, and they are vegan.

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Mav Nutrition Extra Strength Collagen Gummies

These collagen gummies can help improve the appearance of hair, skin, and nails. Ingredients include vitamin C and E, biotin, and hydrolyzed collagen. One reviewer wrote, “Got these to see if it would help hair growth after having a surgery that messed with my hormones and caused hair to fall out. Seems to have helped since I’ve been taking it almost two weeks and I have baby hairs popping up! My nails seem a little stronger too since they aren’t breaking as easily.”

Inner Strength And Resilience

Additional evidence shows that supplementing with oral collagen stimulates collagenic tissue regeneration by increasing not only collagen synthesis, but minor components synthesis, as well. One such study used validated self-perception questionnaires to measure joint comfort and overall joint health in study subjects. After 90 days of intervention, 78% of subjects in the test group reported to have less joint discomfort, and more than 60% of the subjects agreed their joint health improved by increasing joint flexibility, mobility, and reducing joint stiffness. There were no statistically significant changes in the control group.13

As if the benefits of adequate dietary collagen seen in hair, skin, nails, and joints arent enough, there is also evidence to support collagen and gelatins role in bone health. In bone, approximately 95% is Type I collagen, providing viscoelastic strength, torsional stiffness, and load-bearing capacity. Type II collagen is also involved in bone formation, even though it is mainly found in cartilage.14

While the body of evidence around collagen supplementation continues to grow, the benefits of daily supplementation with collagen peptides can already be seen. There are uses for both gelatin and collagen peptides in cooking, baking, smoothies, and other means however, the higher rate of digestion and bioavailability of the peptide form makes this supplement a great addition to anyones health routine.

References

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Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein

Provides the benefits of multiple collagen sources in a tasteless, easy-to-mix powder.

If youre a firm believer in the health benefits of collagen powders this whole-food collagen protein powder is a good choice. Made from beef, chicken, fish and eggshell membrane, its a good source of Type I, II, III, V and X collagens.

Followers of paleo-type diets appreciate that Ancient Nutrition makes easy-to-use, whole-food products that adhere to the types of nutritional principles that kept our ancestors healthy and strong by consuming collagen-rich foods.

Are There Any Other Ingredients That Boost Collagen Production

Yes, certain nutrients may support collagen production in your body. Some of these nutrients include amino acids, like lysine, arginine, and proline. Antioxidants like flavonoids and anthocyanin also support collagen.

Minerals, including silica, manganese, zinc, and copper, and vitamins, including vitamin A and C can also help. Many of these collagen-boosting nutrients are suitable for vegans.

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Mukti Bioactive Collagen Booster $12995 At Nourished Life

Mukti Bioactive Collagen Booster. Image: Nourished Life.

This berry flavoured powder supplement is made with sustainably sourced marine collagen peptides and skin-boosting antioxidants to promote a glowing and youthful complexion. It also features science-backed ingredients like Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Resveratrol and Aloe Vera.

A reviewer wrote “I think this product is fab! Taste great, has made my skin clearer and smoother and has helped clear up persistent eczema on my hands which has been lingering for 10+ years! A product I will buy time and time again!”

Which Supplement Is Better For Hair Growth

Biotin and collagen are often recommended by dermatologists and hair experts because each supplement is believed to promote benefits for the hair, skin, and nails. However, they work differently from each other and collagen is thought to be better for hair growth.

As a vitamin, biotin primarily supports hair health by breaking down macronutrients in the body for cell renewal and growth. On the other hand, collagen directly promotes hair follicle growth through amino acids and proteins. Collagen also strengthens the scalps dermis and helps antioxidants fight free radicals which damage the hair.

Notably, collagen is an anti-aging protein and can even prevent age-related hair loss. Having more collagen in your skins tissues replenishes its cells and keeps the skin firm but elastic, which ensures your hair follicles will grow on a healthy scalp.

Another reason why the efficacy of biotin as a hair growth vitamin is because its claims have yet to be proven scientifically. The available preliminary studies suggest that biotin can boost hair growth but lack any conclusive evidence for it. Even though a significant body of data is missing, some patients who take biotin supplements do see improvement in hair health.

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Mykind Organics Organic Plant Collagen Builder

Price: $$$

If you prefer a supplement that includes whole food ingredients, then youll want to consider Garden of Life mykind Organics Plant Collagen Builder.

The supplement is free from artificial fillers and preservatives. Instead, its made entirely from blended fruits, vegetables, and herbs.

It also comes with a certified organic seal, so every ingredient in the product is guaranteed organic.

Furthermore, this hair, skin, and nail vitamin is certified vegan, gluten-free, soy-free, and non-GMO verified. Its also third-party tested, though the name of the third-party organization isnt disclosed on Garden of Lifes website.

Notable ingredients in this supplement include zinc and vitamins A and C, all of which may help promote healthy hair and skin (

52 ).

For best results, the company recommends taking 2 Plant Collagen Builder capsules daily with food, or as directed by a healthcare professional.

What Is The Best Way To Take Collagen

Collagen comes in a number of forms, including as gummies, capsules, tablets or powders. You can take it in whichever form you like best – capsules, tablets and gummies are great for convenience as you can simply take the recommended amount once per day however, if you’re interested in trying different flavours you can easily add a scoop of collagen powder into your morning coffee or smoothie.

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Is Collagen For Kids

Collagen is something we introduced in our diets a few years ago and have seem incredible health improvements as a result. With 5 kids, I have seen a tremendous impact on their health, nails, skin and even hair. This is the one supplement that is a must in our family for better health.

My 10 year old has long, beautiful locks that grow incredibly fast and collagen is a regular part of her diet.

Our ancestors consumed large amounts of gelatin in their diets because they ate nose to tail but these days, we skip many of those animal parts and as a result, our diets dont have as much of the gelatin that our bodies need.

Gelatin and Collagen help seal their gut, which in turn lead to an improved immune system, and help them sleep comfortably.

The glycine in gelatin that balances protein also helps improve sleep quality helps decrease anxiety and balance the mind.

I have good luck using gelatin to make our own gummies at home , and then I use collagen hydrolysate daily in their raw milk once each day.

Do you use collagen? And if so, whats your favorite way to incorporate in your family?

Why Is Collagen A Buzzword In Beauty

Collagen is naturally present in the hair, skin and nails, and the health of these things is dependent on their collagen content. The more collagen they contain â the better!

These strong chains are what give young, healthy skin its resilience and plumpness. Babies, children and teenagers produce collagen at a rapid rate as they grow. This is one reason their skin is so smooth and wrinkle-free.

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Top 6 Benefits Of Taking Collagen Supplements

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Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body.

It is the major component of connective tissues that make up several body parts, including tendons, ligaments, skin, and muscles (

1 ).

In recent years, collagen supplements have become popular. Most are hydrolyzed, which means the collagen has been broken down, making it easier for you to absorb.

There are also several foods you can eat to increase your collagen intake, including pork skin and bone broth.

Consuming collagen may have a variety of health benefits, from relieving joint pain to improving skin health (

Collagen is a major component of your skin.

It plays a role in strengthening skin, plus may benefit elasticity and hydration. As you age, your body produces less collagen, leading to dry skin and the formation of wrinkles .

However, several studies have shown that collagen peptides or supplements containing collagen may help slow the aging of your skin by reducing wrinkles and dryness .

In one study, women who took a supplement containing 2.55 grams of collagen for 8 weeks experienced less skin dryness and a significant increase in skin elasticity compared with those who did not take the supplement .

You can buy collagen supplements online.

Most Important Nutrients For Healthy Hair Skin And Nails

Hair, skin and nails are all made of similar cells the proteins keratin, collagen and elastin so they all require the same nutrients to grow healthily. There are also certain nutrients such as healthy fats, iron, zinc and antioxidant vitamins essential to glowing, well-hydrated skin and strong and healthy-looking hair and nails. Once you understand why these nutrients help, it will make it easier to ensure you are eating a healthy diet including foods packed with these nutrients every day.

The bonus? These nutrients are not only essential for healthy hair, skin and nails, but also for supporting fitness and overall health and wellbeing.

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The Bottom Line: Is Collagen Good For Hair

Collagen can improve the health of your hair in a variety of ways. Studies show that certain types of collagen can provide your body with amino acids that can build new hair follicles and repair damaged ones, antioxidants to fight off free radicals that cause weak and brittle hair, and improve circulation and skin elasticity to prevent thinning hair associated with aging.

Taking 11-20 grams of Type I, III, and V collagen from a marine source every day will provide your body with the right type of collagen it needs to see physical improvements in your hair.

SkinnyFit Super Youth is a hydrolyzed multi-collagen peptide powder that not only has Type I, III, and V collagen for hair and nails, but also contains Type II and X collagen from three different sourcesmarine , bovine , and fowl . Simply mix 1-2 scoops of your favorite Super Youth flavor with water, or mix the unflavored collagen with your favorite drinks or foods, to experience the incredible hair benefits for yourself! To learn more about the benefits of Super Youth Collagen, be sure to read What Is SkinnyFit Super Youth?

So, to answer your questionis collagen good for hair? The answer is 100% YES!

Originally published September 9, 2019 6:00:52 AM , updatedAugust 12, 2020