Mar
The tendency of taking collagen supplements is increasing day by day due to its potential benefits for skin and health. The most effective way of taking collagen is through diet; however, sometimes, you have to take supplements to meet the demands of your body. There is not much research to support the idea that collagen supplements are better than a healthy protein diet. However, dermatologists suggest collagen supplements under certain circumstances.
Below are some science-based facts to help you identify who should take collagen and whether you should take collagen or not, depending on your age, health, and other factors.
Who Should Take Collagen?
At or Above Age 20
The collagen production in your body naturally reduces with age- it reduces about 1% each year after the age of 20 years. How quickly its production reduces depends on exposure to UV rays, pollution, imbalanced diet, and stress. Dermatologists recommend using collagen supplements as you age to reduce the associated risks such as loss in skin elasticity, wrinkles, bones or muscles pain, weakness, or other age-related issues.
Women Facing Hormonal Imbalance
Changes in hormone levels may occur in both males and females, but women are usually more likely to suffer at some stage of their lives. The most common causes of hormonal imbalance are unhealthy food, stress, anxiety, polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), menstruation, and pregnancy, etc.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately a decline of 30% collagen production occurs in women during the first 5 years of menopause. It becomes slightly slower, with around 2% collagen loss each year. So, doctors and nutritionists recommend taking peptides to women facing hormonal imbalance to minimize the adverse effects.
People with Joint and Muscles Pain
Research suggests that collagen peptides have healing, curative, and therapeutic properties to improve joint fitness. Thus, people having arthritis, osteoporosis, and other bones or joints related problems may use collagen supplements to reduce the symptoms. However, never use the supplements without consulting your health advisor.
Difficulty Absorbing Food Nutrients
The most effective way of taking collagen peptides is through diet. But sometimes, your body can’t efficiently absorb the nutrients obtained from food. So, your physician may recommend some collagen supplements to meet the demands of your body. Collagen supplements are typically easy to digest and absorb.
You Need Quick Healing
Sometimes, you need recovery or healing of skin that might be due to a skin burn, accident, or surgery. Collagen is the most abundant structural protein present in the skin, so increasing your collagen intake may help you heal quickly. It recovers and rejuvenates the skin by increasing cell turnover.
Signs of Aging
You can’t measure your collagen level, but finding wrinkles and fine lines may signify its decreased levels. Collagen is a fibrous and supportive protein in bones, skin, tendons, ligaments or cartilage that makes up around 70-80% of the skin. It increases skin strength by improving the skin texture deformed due to aging, sun UV rays, pollution, or other related problems. Hence, a proper quantity of collagen is required to restore skin elasticity and youthfulness.
Undergone Resurfacing Procedures on Skin
Harsh resurfacing skin treatments may cause skin rash, redness, and acute skin sensitivity. In such cases, dermatologists recommend taking collagen supplements for at least 3 months to help skin’s rejuvenation and softness. It also increases the healing process by increasing the production of new skin cells.
Always consult your doctor before taking any supplements to avoid future complications as self-medication can also cause adverse effects.
