Collagen is more than just topical
Supplements are key.
If you’ve been to my YouTube channel (or know me at all), you’ve heard me banging on about collagen. To me, collagen is the fountain of youth.
So it’s probably no surprise that in addition to using products that help build and maintain collagen on the outside, I also take a supplements to build from inside.
Why collagen?
Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in our body. It forms connective tissue everywhere - from skin, bones, teeth, hair to muscles, tendons and ligaments. It’s like the scaffolding of our body. It holds everything together and props it up.
It’s nothing new in the beauty space. For centuries Chinese women ate exotic foods like pigs feet and donkey hide (which contains high concentration of collagen) to preserve plump, youthful skin.
Collagen makes up 80% of our dermis; it’s what gives our skin resilience and durability. Combined with elastin, which keeps our skin bouncy and hyaluronic acid to keep it hydrated, it’s the perfect storm of youthful skin.
But collagen is more than just good looking skin:
Healthy collagen levels contribute to:
Joint health
Protection of the kidneys and other organs
Healthy cardiovascular system
Like all the good things our body produces naturally, (collagen, elastic, hyaluronic acid, growth factors), we have loads of it when we’re young. But production peeks in our 20s and then we start to lose 1% of collagen production each year (gasp).
And then we lose about 30% the first 5 years of menopause. So now, I’m pretty much screwed.
The lack of collagen leads to thinner, drier, saggy skin. And then the wrinkles come.
Other contributors to collagen depletion
Collagen production falls even faster by choices we make:
Smoking
Poor eating / sleeping habits,
Lack of UV protection
Even stress
Even if we do all the right stuff - eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, reduce stress and wear sunscreen - we hit a point where it breaks it down faster than we can produce it.
So….I’m always looking for ways to increase collagen production. I use a number of antiaging devices such LED light therapy, microcurrent, radio frequency and microneedling.
I started supplementing with ingestible collagen peptides about 18 months ago. For me it was a no-brainer.
But I recently changed over to the Hydrolised Collagen Peptides from Do Not Age. They’re a supplement company solely focused on healthy longevity. I’ve started taking a deep dive into their product range. I’m 51 and while in pretty good health, I want to keep it that way. And I’m looking for products that work synergistically together. I’m currently taking 6 or 7 of their products and continue to increase as the months go by.
How I take it
This is a powder product. I take 1 scoop (10g) in my black coffee every morning. I’m sure you can mix with water or any other beverage. It has no taste at all. I may increase to 2 scoops at some stage, we’ll see how it goes.
I’m on a hybrid work schedule – I’m ½ in the office and ½ at home - so I have one container at each.
Why they aren’t for vegetarians (sorry)
One thing to note: this is not a vegan or vegetarian product. The source of collagen is Bovine.
There are collagen products on the market that come from plants, but they’re not as effective. Plants don’t offer a source of collagen – it can only be found in animals. Plant-based options contain ingredients like amino acids, ceramides, minerals (like copper) and antioxidants like vitamin C, which help the body to fuel collagen production. They’re helpful, but you’re actually adding collagen. That’s the name of the game for me. And this one by Do Not Age is the one.
The supplier is a member of Sedex (which ensures ethical and responsible sourcing of ingredients) and are also Friend of the Sea/Earth certified
Cost
A 1-month supply is $20 and a 6-month so there are options.
And you can discount code SOMARY10 for 10% off.
For me, this is a no-brainer. Easy to use, no bad taste and gives that collagen boost I need. More youthful skin? You betcha!
