There is a growing focus today on self-care, and skincare as a branch of it. We have several sources to guide us through skincare practices and remedies. Whether in the form of topical products, edible solutions, or lifestyle recommendations – skincare is accessible to all. But, when there is an abundance of products, we must experiment with them before we can find what works best for us. One particular ingredient that deserves our attention and use is Collagen, common in several skincare products today.
What is Collagen?
Collagen is abundant in the body. It helps build up the skin, muscles, bones, and connective tissues. Collagen promotes skin elasticity and strength. The loss of collagen levels as we grow older contributes to skin aging. Therefore, boosting collagen production in the body keeps our skin strong and elastic, helping us look young. So, we must replenish our collagen levels with external sources. This can be done topically as well as orally with marine collagen or vegan collagen.
When considering topical or oral supplements for skincare, most people prefer topical methods, thinking it ensures faster results and better efficiency. But in the case of collagen, topical collagen doesn’t entirely infiltrate through the skin barrier. So oral collagen ensures it absorbs into the body quicker and integrates with internal functions.
Benefits of Collagen
Collagen plays a large role in our skin’s overall health. Its benefits span across various dermatological interests:
1. Wrinkles: The use of collagen skincare products helps improve skin elasticity, reducing wrinkles.
2. Hydration: Collagen retains moisture in its fibers, thereby moisturizing the skin and hydrating dry skin cells.
3. Brightness: Tightening the skin and smoothening wrinkles ultimately helps even out the skin tone and gives a brighter appearance to skin.
4. Improve Skin Barrier: By improving elasticity and hydration, collagen strengthens the skin barrier. It helps the skin fight sun exposure, harmful materials, and skin aging.
Marine Collagen
The best marine collagen in India is in the form of powders or tablets to mix with drinks. This is called collagen peptides – small particles of collagen that are easily absorbed through the digestive tract.
How it Works
Marine life closely shares collagen properties with humans. It contains the same Type 1 Collagen as us, which is responsible for upholding our skin, hair, and nail health. So when we use marine collagen supplements, we’re replenishing our body with the same kind of collagen that we use to support skin health.
Vegan Collagen
The increasing demand for animal-free and plant-based products has given rise to vegan skincare. So of course, vegan or plant-based collagen has also been created to satisfy this demand.
How it Works
Vegan collagen powder or supplements are made up of ingredients that drive collagen production in the body. These ingredients support the natural internal generation of collagen, so the body can keep replenishing its own supply of collagen.
So, what works better?
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Marine Collagen |
Vegan Collagen |
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Source |
Sourced from marine life, which includes fish. |
Produced with herbal ingredients, including plant and vegetable extracts. |
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Function |
Shows potential for healing bone injuries[i], apart from improving skin quality and making you look younger naturally. |
This fulfils skin remedial issues – reducing skin roughness, tightening, and moisturising the skin. |
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Homogeneity |
Shares homogeneous properties with human collagen, making it a befitting nutritious source for the human body to adapt to.[ii] |
Production of vegan collagen recreates the structure of the Type 1 collagen present in the human body. It thus replicates our own amino acid profile.[iii] |
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Environmental Concerns |
The source of collagen here is fish scales and bones, which are anyways discarded in the seafood industry. So, marine collagen is eco-friendly as it provides scope for waste to be put to regenerative use. |
Environmentally safe as it upholds vegan principles while fulfilling anti-aging objective. |
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Absorption |
Easily absorbed and blends with the body and replenishes the collagen levels. Since it is absorbed directly, it can get to work faster. |
Includes the ingredients needed to boost collagen levels in the body. So it doesn’t actually contain collagen but helps the body produce it itself. |
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Allergies |
People with fish allergies must be cautious when consuming these supplements. |
These products are made up of several plant and vegetable extracts. People must review ingredients of these products to check for allergen properties. |
Collagen Foods
Foods with collagen can be added to regular diet to aid natural collagen production. Animal collagen also has similar properties as humans. Gelatin, bone broth, animal skins (chicken, pork), and fish are sources for animal collagen.
Apart from consuming collagen-rich foods, you can eat foods that supply the raw ingredients needed for collagen production. These are some of the nutrients that boost collagen production in the body, and where to obtain them:
1. Vitamin C: citrus fruits like oranges, strawberries, broccoli, potatoes, etc. Even blackcurrants and peppers have a high Vitamin C level.
2. Proline: this is an important amino acid that maintains youthful skin by repairing skin damage. Mushrooms, wheat, peanuts, egg whites, fish, meat, and dairy products supply proline to the body.
3. Glycine: this supports the production of serotonin. You can start by adding an ample amount of seeds, peanuts, granola, quinoa to your diet. You can also choose to add red meats (beef, pork, goat) as well as turkey and chicken.
4. Copper: mushrooms, nuts, seeds, leafy vegetables, and shellfish like lobsters and oysters have a high copper content. Copper is also present in dark chocolate, for those who like to finish off with a dessert.
5. Zinc: found in plant-based sources like leafy vegetables, whole grains, and nuts and seeds. Dairy products as well as red meats and oysters are rich in zinc.
For the most effective anti-aging and skin improvement results, collagen is best taken orally – through marine or vegan sourced collagen that include the above ingredients to boost internal collagen production.
Final Thoughts
Collagen is famously shown to nurture skin health, support anti-aging functions, and revitalize the skin. Whether you choose marine collagen for its fast absorption and similarity to human collagen, or vegan collagen for its plant-based, eco-conscious formulation that stimulates natural production – both options can support your skincare goals. And with a variety of oral supplements available today, it’s easier than ever to integrate collagen into your daily routine and let your skin thrive from within.
FAQs
Q1. Which is better, vegan collagen or marine collagen?
Both marine as well as vegan collagen offer the same skincare benefits. The major distinction is that vegan collagen adheres to vegan and animal-friendly principles. However, marine collagen has higher bioavailability, which means it is more easily absorbed into the body. Ultimately, both fulfil the same purpose, so it depends on preference.
Q2. What is the best type of collagen to take?
Type 1 Collagen is responsible for maintaining the skin and providing structure to the skin and bones. So for skin-related issues, Type 1 collagen provides the remedy. Type 3 collagen collaborates with Type 1 to support skin health, keeping the skin firm and elastic.
Q3. Does vegan collagen have side effects?
Vegan collagen is generally considered safe to use as there are no registered side effects. However, it’s important for people to read its ingredients. Some may include ingredients that are not suitable to consume for allergic reasons.
Q4. Does marine collagen really work?
Marine collagen is effective in skin-related problems like reducing wrinkles, improving skin elasticity, and supporting bone health. Overall, it is beneficial in anti-aging functions.
Q5. At what age should I take collagen?
While there is no recommended age to start taking collagen, the body’s natural production of collagen begins to slow down in our early 20s. So, you can start taking collagen supplements as early as possible, if there are increased concerns with skin aging.