The benefits of collagen

We all know that collagen levels decrease as we get older. But while collagen is beneficial to the entire body, it is most noticeably beneficial to the skin. This is because as a person ages, the epidermic (outer layer of skin) thins and loses elasticity in a process known as elastosis. As this happens, a person tends to show more signs of aging and acquire more wrinkles.

According to Wellness Mama good news is that these changes do not seem to be permanent or irreversible. In fact, a double-blind placebo study conducted last year found that women who took collagen hydrolysate (the peptide form) regularly for 8 weeks saw a 20% reduction in wrinkles!

Even more exciting:

Additionally, after 8 weeks of intake a statistically significantly higher content of procollagen type I (65%) and elastin (18%) in the BCP-treated volunteers compared to the placebo-treated patients was detected.

This means that supplemental collagen appears to help the body’s own production process improve, as procollagen is the precursor to collagen in the body.

This study also showed that collagen consumption can increase skin elasticity and moisture, which also declines during the aging process.

It is important to note that this study used the hydrolyzed (peptide) form, which is a more easily digestible form of collagen. I’m not aware of any studies that directly compare gelatin and collagen for their ability to improve skin, so for skin health, I use the peptide form.

Other Benefits

Though not as immediately noticeable, there are other benefits that might be even more important. For instance, collagen has been studied for its role in:

• Bone and Joint Health– Collagen may be beneficial to bones and joints in the same way it benefits the skin. By helping the body’s natural production of collagen and providing a bioavailable source of these amino acids, collagen may improve bone and joint health over time. In fact, a double-blind, placebo study showed significant improvement in joint pain.
• Hormone Balance- Emerging research shows that the specific amino acids in collagen may help improve the amino acid balance in the body and support the body’s natural hormone production.
• Digestion– As mentioned, gelatin and collagen may help coat the digestive tract and improve digestion, and the consumption of gelatin is often recommended on gut-specific diets like GAPS and SCD.

Dr. Spiller Biomimetic Skin Care Collagen Aqua Plus is a soft, moisturising emulsion with a high content of Collagen-Hydrolysate to increase elasticity and tonicity; slowing down the aging process. Skin is nourished and refreshed for a smooth, radiant complexion. With increasing age, the content of Collagen in the connecting tissue is reduced and the remaining Collagen loses its elasticity and water absorption capacity, Collagen Aqua Plus counteracts these effects.

With its water base, this is a universal moisturiser for all skin types. The universal lotion that can be used like a serum or a moisturizer with high content of Collagen to increase the elasticity and tone of the skin to slow down the aging process. Ideal lotion as a primer underneath the makeup for a refreshed, smooth and radiant skin. Use morning and evening. Apply evenly on a cleansed and toned face, neck and décolleté. Massage into skin until fully absorbed. Can be used alone or followed by an appropriate day or night cream, depending on skin type. The oil content is not sufficient in cases of very dry skin to be used alone.

Active ingredients:

• Collagen
• Lanolin