There are a number of benefits that collagen can bring to your body, with proven improvements seen in hair, skin and nails. Our team have put their heads together to take a closer look at some of the biggest benefits it can have for your body.
What Is Collagen?
Before getting into some of the biggest benefits you can expect to find from taking using collagen powder, it’s important to understand exactly what collagen is.
Collagen is a major component of the body’s biological structures. It is found in humans as well as animals.
The main structures that are composed of collagen are:
- Skin
- Hair
- Nails
- Bones
- Tendons
- Ligaments
- Blood vessels
- Muscles
Over the past few years, collagen supplements have soared to popularity due to their anti-aging properties, pain relief, and prevention of bone loss.
In this article, we will focus on the benefits of collagen supplementation in regard to the skin and integumentary system (e.g. hair, nails).
Benefits Of Collagen On The Integumentary System
Collagen is the building block of most organ systems; however, supplementing your body with this product is especially beneficial to the integumentary system.
Here’s how collagen can benefit the hair, skin, and nails:
Hair
The hair follicle physiology is complex and involves multiple factors that come into play to ensure the normal growth of hair.
Collagen supplements help hair in two ways:
Provides The Necessary Amino Acids For Hair Synthesis
Keratin is a crucial component for the hair follicle, and the process of growing hair needs essential and non-essential amino acids.
While essential amino acids can be produced by the body, non-essential amino acids must be obtained through dietary intake.
Fortunately, collagen contains three non-essential amino acids that aid in the formation of keratin and hair growth.
Protects The Hair From Oxidative Stress
Aside from its constructive properties, collagen is a potent antioxidative compound that protects the cells from the destructive damage of reactive oxygen species (e.g. free radicals).
Consequently, collagen supplements prevent age-associated hair thinning and discoloration, as well as hair loss.
Skin
As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, which may lead to elasticity and hydration problems, resulting in wrinkles and skin dehydration.
In a 2013 study, researchers analyzed the effects of collagen supplements on skin elasticity and moisture.
69 participants were divided into three groups, with one group receiving 2.5-5 grams of collagen over a course of 8 weeks.
At the end of the study, scientists noticed a significant improvement in skin elasticity, hydration, and appearance compared to the control group.
Nails
Brittle nail syndrome is a common condition that’s characterized by nail surface roughness, raggedness, and peeling.
To observe the effects of collagen supplements on the nails, researchers conducted a study in 2017, where 25 participants received a daily collagen dose of 2.5 grams for 24 weeks.
The results showed a 12% improvement in the rate of nail growth and a 42% reduction in the frequency of broken nails.
Participants also stated that taking the supplements made them feel better about their appearance.
Collagen is a primordial compound for the normal functioning of all organ systems. Any disruption in the production of this peptide leads to dire consequences that may be irreversible.
We hope that you found this article helpful and learnt a thing or two about collagen and its benefits. If you do require any more information about collagen, or how any of our can help you further, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us today to find out more. You can reach us by using our simple online enquiry form or by joining the conversation on our socials – we look forward to hearing from you very soon!
