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Give your skin the healthy glow it deserves.
By Aly Walansky — Written on Sep 10, 2019
Collagen is an incredible part of what makes our bodies tick. It's the single most abundant protein in the human body, and in some ways it's the "glue" that binds us together — everything from our skin to our bones and so much more.
Collagen is also the main protein that gives our skin elasticity, and helps our hair and nails stay vibrant and strong. A collagen boost can improve hair strength, nail growth, and give us healthy-looking skin. It can also reduce your risk of bone fractures and improve your mobility with a supplement that gives bones and joints their flexibility.
And while you can add it to your shakes in the form of a powder, not everyone prefers it. That's why taking collagen pills is another great way to increase your intake.
Before you start taking collagen pills, it's important to check with your doctor. And according to celebrity dermatologist Dr. Doris Day, there's a particular reason why individuals include collagen in their daily lives. She says:
"As we age (30 and older) there is a decrease in collagen production and decrease in collagen content. Sun will accelerate this by increasing the production of specific enzymes called MMP's that break down collagen (aka cause wrinkles)... As the collagen peptides are absorbed into the bloodstream, 14C-labelling experiments show that collagen reaches the skin.
These fibroblasts 'perceive' the peptide fragments as part of the body’s own collagen, stimulating cells to increase pro-collagen, proteoglycan and hyaluronic acid production. The body starts producing collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid in the dermis, leading to an increase in collagen density, skin elasticity and skin hydration.
However, there is zero solid research showing any benefits, or danger, of collagen supplements. For my patients who want to take a collagen supplement, Skinade and Liquid Biocell have the best data available."
With that, here are some great options.
1. Youtheory Collagen Advanced with Vitamin C
Youtheory Collagen Advanced with Vitamin C helps replenish this vital protein to fight the effects of aging by revitalizing skin, hair, nails, tendons and ligaments.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
2. NeoCell Super Collagen + C – 6,000mg Collagen Types 1 & 3 Plus Vitamin C
Contains glycine, an amino acid that is part of natural collagen makeup, which promotes lean muscle growth. It contains 6,600 mg BioActive NeoCell Collagen and Vitamin C.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
3. ForestLife Advanced Collagen Supplement
This formula reduces marks by maintaining your skin’s moisture and elasticity. These veggie capsules are non-GMO and free from dairy, gluten, eggs and nuts. They are tested for absorption to ensure proper digestion.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
4. Welluxa Multi Collagen Peptides Pills
These clinically effective Multi Collagen Peptide Capsules from Welluxa have been expertly formulated with a special digestive enzyme called DigeSEB Plus. Absorption is a big problem with collagen supplements, but this is an advanced blend, which includes 2,000 mg of collagen peptides Types I, II, III, V and X.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
5. NutriFlair Multi Collagen Pills
The NutriFlair all in one Multi Collagen Protein Complex is packed with all 5 types of collagen. This is all you need to slow down aging as it contains all the ingredients you need, and nothing you don't.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
6. Purely Optimal Premium Multi Collagen Peptides Capsule
While most other products contain one or two types of collagen, this Collagen Complex contains all 5 types of collagen (Type I, II, III, V, X) that help to maintain a young, strong, and healthy body.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
7. BioOptimal Collagen Pills
Premium quality grass fed and pasture raised collagen capsules for women and men, these have no additives or preservatives, and are non-GMO, antibiotic- and growth hormone-free. It's double hydrolyzed for optimal bioavailability.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
8. Sanar Naturals Premium Collagen Pills with Vitamin C, E
Premium hydrolyzed peptides capsules for women and men work to advance youthful beauty by reducing wrinkles, boosting skin elasticity and strengthening joints.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
9. Nutrivein Multi Collagen Protein Capsules
This collagen and bone broth supplement has a high-quality blend of grass-fed beef, chicken, wild caught fish, and eggshell collagens, and is unflavored and easy to mix in smoothies, soups, coffees or baked goods.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
10. Carlyle Advanced Collagen Peptides
Full of amino acids, this promotes healthy muscle growth. These on-the-go caplets are a convenient alternative to collagen powder for those with busy lifestyles.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
11. Root Vitality Collagen Pills
Packed with the types I and III collagen that your body needs, these are most abundant forms found in over 90 percent of the collagen in the human body.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
12. Sundhed Natural Max Collagen Plus C
These collagen supplements are fortified with 5,000 mcg of Biotin as well as 10 mg of Bioperine for enhanced absorption that lets your body maximize the dose.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
13. MAV Nutrition Collagen Hair Vitamins Gummy
Support improved appearance of hair, skin and nails, in a chewable gummy. Each serving provides 50 mg of hydrolyzed collagen Type 1 & 3 with essential vitamins and minerals that strengthen and support the health of hair, nails and skin.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
14. Physician’s Choice Verisol Bioactive Collagen Pills
Verisol contains bioactive collagen peptides that have undergone multiple double-blind, placebo-controlled studies that have shown their success. What makes these collagen peptides highly advanced is that they directly target collagen growth within the deeper skin layers.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
15. Nature’s Nutrition Collagen Peptides Pills
With high-quality blend of bovine, chicken, fish, and eggshell collagens, Nature's Nutrition Collagen Peptides support your skin, hair, tendons, cartilage, bones, and joints.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
16. Youtheory Men's Collagen Advanced with Biotin
Youtheory Men's Collagen Advanced with Biotin helps replenish collagen, a vital protein, to fight the effects of aging by revitalizing skin, hair, nails, tendons and ligaments.
(Check prices and reviews on GNC)
17. KetoStat 3,000mg Collagen Peptide Pills
Ketostat’s collagen peptides offer high solubility, absorption, and digestibility to ensure you are getting every milligram of collagen in each dose.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
18. HealthyU Premium Multi Collagen Peptides Pills
Containing all 5 types of collagen, this hydrolyzed protein powder pills supplement is a real bonding agent, assisting your entire body and keeping the signs of aging at bay. These capsules help restore the youthful glow, reinforce your skin's natural elasticity, strengthen your nails and nourish your hair.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
19. Garden of Life mykind Organic Plant Collagen Builder
Mykind vegan collagen hair supplement helps build the body's own natural production of collagen with co-nutrients such as silica for beautiful hair, skin and nails.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
20. Rejuvicare Super Collagen Capsules
This product supports the natural collagen structures in your hair follicles and nail beds, and the high potency formula includes antioxidant support and provides vital amino acids.
(Check prices and reviews on Amazon)
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Aly Walansky is a NY-based lifestyles writer who focuses on health, wellness, and relationships. Her work appears in dozens of digital and print publications regularly. Visit her on Twitter or email her.
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