Everyone, and we mean everyone is talking about collagen right now. Not only have we seen it in skincare, but it’s in powder forms to add to smoothies, incorporated into protein bars, and is even available in pill form. This beauty fad doesn’t look like it’s slowing down anytime soon. It seems to be the answer to everyone’s skincare problems, but specifically, the secret to youthfulness. The collagen supplement market was valued at $2.5 billion in 2019 and only continues to grow. Collagen promises reduced wrinkles and youthful skin. But does it live up to its name? Is it worth the hype?
Unfortunately, medical experts have said that there is no scient5ic evidence to support claims of younger-looking skin and reduced wrinkles. Yet. Dermatologist Dr. Adrian Lim explained, “We don’t really have any data on duration of effect and certainly no data whatsoever and no clinical evidence for clinical effect of someone actually looking younger so all the changes are essentially microscopic. My personal view is that nothing beats a healthy, balanced diet.” So let’s break down exactly what collagen is. It is a protein in our bodies, one that we happen to have the most of, and makes up almost one-third of the amount of protein in us. Most healthy individuals create enough collagen to maintain a healthy body.
Many celebrities have paved the way for this skincare trend, such as Jennifer Aniston, Kate Hudson, and Khloe Kardashian. Beauty therapists have even raved about collagen benefits, not just for our skin, but for our hair, nails, as well as joints. Rene Herald of The Temple Skincare and Spa in Castle Hill referred to a study in which 75 women between the ages of 35 and 75 who consumed collaged supplements between three to six months had a surge in hydration and skin density. But to get a real bang for your buck, Herald recommends skipping the drugstore brands and opting for boutique brand options to ensure you are getting good quality collagen. While we may not have all the science just yet, it may not hurt to try some products that are out there. After all, who doesn’t want beautiful, young-looking skin?