Clinical test have shown results around improvement in skin firmness, elasticity and radiance with as little a 5g of collagen taken daily for 4-8 weeks. (Source: No Ugly)
We are now across the benefits of a collagen supplementation, but what are the best ones to take. Below is a full comparative table of the main collagen supplements available in Australia and New Zealand. But before you jump to that, it’s good to understand the difference between the various types of collagen used in the various supplements.
Marine vs Bovine Collagen. Bovine collagen is a Type I and Type III collagen, and is sourced from cowhide and hooves (ewww). It can aid with an improvement of joint health, and to a lesser degree skin, hair and nails. Marine collagen is Type I collagen and sourced from fish and has all the benefits outlined above.
Some studies have suggested that Type I collagen, or marine collagen, maybe 1½ times more bioavailable than bovine collagen. This is because marine collagen has smaller protein particles and can be easily digested. A lot of the beauty supplements use marine collagen. Also, Type I collagen is what is found in our skin, hair, and gut.
If you are vegan, there are collagen supplements available and they are generally sourced from the proteins from genetically modified bacteria and/or yeast. At the moment there isn’t a lot of research on how beneficial these are, and are still relatively hard to get your hands on. However, if you do have allergies, or follow a vegan diet, there are collagen supplement options. And depending on your intake preference, collagen supplements usually comes in a powder, liquid shot or capsule.
No Ugly. This is a new-comer to the Australian market and I have to say, I love. Not only does the company behind the brand have an amazing philosophy of no ugly (or nasty ingredients), they also cater to the market of people who don’t enjoy taking supplements even when they know they would benefit from them. They came up with the genius idea of putting all their supplements in a delicious beverage. No Ugly Skin has one of the highest amounts of sustainable sourced French marine collagen (10 g per serve), 88% of your Vitamin C RDI (according to their latest testing) which helps your body produce its own as well Enzogenol® a New Zealand pine bark extract (one of nature’s most powerful antioxidants), vitamins, minerals and electrolytes.
"Gorgeous in, means gorgeous out. That’s why we carefully formulate all our products to ensure they contain only the most gorgeous ingredients" ~ No Ugly
As we understand more about our skin and what it takes to keep it strong and elastic, we are beginning to realise good skincare can only do so much. I am absolutely taking a leaf out of the Book of Beauty by the Japanese (who have been taking collagen for centuries) and boosting my beauty with a collagen supplement.
Disclaimer: Always speak with your doctor before adding new supplements to your diet, especially if you take other supplements or prescription medications.
Research source: https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/collagen-benefits