Inside or outside: The Collagen Dilemma

Collagen is the trending name in skincare and nutrition currently. From oral supplements to skincare products, every brand makes its claims on boosting collagen synthesis. 

Content Index

• What really is collagen and what does it do to our body?
• Why do we even need those supplements and skincare products?
• Supplements or skincare products- which is better? Or do we need both?

What really is collagen and what does it do to our body?

Collagen is a protein abundantly synthesised in the human body, and naturally so. It gives you healthy skin, bones and teeth. But did you know that collagen is what makes your skin look smooth and young? There are different types of collagen in our body, Type I being the best collagen for skin. It improves skin elasticity and reduces inflammation. Collagen is an all-rounder that keeps your body healthy, particularly your skin.

But here's the question.

If your body synthesises collagen on its own, why do we even need supplements and skincare products? 

Well, as we get older, these collagen fibres get thinner and weaker (yes, old age plays  its own games). And sadly, the result is wrinkles and fine lines. Even hormonal changes, sun damage, and lifestyle choices such as  smoking and diet, can reduce collagen synthesis. To fight this loss of collagen, we need to provide it from external sources (if a skin that's forever young is what you are looking for!).

Supplements or skincare products- which is better? Or do we need both? 

To decide on this, we need to know how both works in collagen synthesis.

Your body cannot absorb collagen in its whole form. It has to be broken down into smaller peptides or amino acids. Using this amino acid, the body produces collagen. 

Oral supplements have been already broken into smaller peptides of two or three amino acids, and thus your body need not work further. Oral supplements may seem to be an easy option as it gives ready-made collagen. But did you know collagen supplements are not regulated by the FDA? Manufacturers don't have to prove its effectiveness or safety before placing them in the market. This makes this easy option a bit risky. You may sometimes get allergies or rashes as a result. So, always get the opinion of a dermatologist before getting any oral collagen supplements.

You might not know this. Amino acids are not always broken down to synthesise collagen. The body needs protein for other purposes too. Our body, being smart, prioritises what it needs at the moment. So the oral supplements you take may not always end up in collagen synthesis. This is why including a natural healthy protein-rich diet is important (whether or not you take oral supplements). Did you know this? Bone broth is the richest source of collagen! So take care to include meat, avocados and citrus fruits that promote collagen synthesis.

Collagen are large molecules that cannot penetrate the skin. Applying skincare products with ready-made collagen will not work. No worries! There are skincare products that can give you the collagen for skin. They have powerful ingredients that can penetrate the skin as well as boost collagen synthesis. Look for skincare products with ingredients such as vitamin C, which will easily penetrate and help the body break the collagen protein into amino acids.

Now, you may have made up your mind on which one to choose. 

Here’s a tip: the best collagen for skin is the one synthesised naturally (yes, it's risk free!). If you are looking for a good collagen skincare, don't just limit yourself. Include 100% natural skincare products (and a prot

ein-rich diet)  to improve collagen synthesis. Look young with a ‘skintelligent’ approach. Try these collagen boosting skincare products from the skintelligent range of TheUnbottleCo.

Deep Hydrating Body Lotion Proven To Fight Dry Skin With Wheat Germ & Almond Oil 200ml

To treat:

• Kojic acid treats skin conditions such as sun damage, scars, and age spots
• Almond oil preserves skin’s natural moisture

To prevent recurrence:

• Wheat germ oil builds collagen
• Honey corrects skin tone and helps in skin brightening

Age Defence Body Lotion Proven To Fight Fine Lines and Wrinkles with Kojic Acid & Saffron Oil 200ml

 To treat:

• Kojic acid treats skin conditions such as sun damage, scars, and age spots
• Saffron oil boosts collagen synthesis for brighter-looking skin

To prevent recurrence:

• Wheat germ oil builds collagen and improves skin elasticity
• Almond oil preserves skin’s natural moisture

Age-Defence Face Cleanser Proven To Fight Fine Lines & Wrinkles With Grapeseed Oil & Alpha Arbutin 100ml

To treat: 

• Alpha-arbutin brightens skin tone and heals skin damage
• Grapeseed oil improves skin elasticity and flexibility

To prevent recurrence:

• Green tea reduces free radicals and detoxes skin
• Saffron evens and brightens skin tone without causing breakouts

Age Defence Face Serum For Fine Lines & Wrinkles with Grapeseed Oil 15ml

To treat:

• Grapeseed oil improves skin elasticity and flexibility
• Witch hazel relieves inflammation and tighten pores

To prevent recurrence:

• Rosehip oil exfoliates and brightens skin
• Saffron oil boosts natural collagen to improve skin elasticity and brightens skin

Did you know collagen starts getting weaker when you reach your mid-twenties? But relax! You don't always have to fret about having a ‘forever young’ skin. Age like fine wine with a good collagen skincare. A healthy diet, better lifestyle choices and natural skincare is all you need for a young skin that lies about your age for you!