Collagen 101: Youthful Skin and Beauty from Within

If you’re noticing signs of aging like:

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Dry, sagging skin

• Weak, lackluster hair

• Brittle nails

• Joint stiffness or discomfort

You may be experiencing the impact of collagen loss.  

With age, our bodies produce less of many vital nutrients. Our natural stores of collagen, the critical structural protein responsible for keeping our skin supple and hydrated, hair and nails healthy, and joints supported, begins to deplete as early as our twenties.  

But don’t lose hope! Clinical research found that supplementing with a high quality collagen can help slow signs of aging.¹

Looking to replenish, revitalize, and renew? Here’s everything you need to know.

The most abundant protein in the human body, collagen is vital to the structure and strength of your skin, muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and connective tissues. It’s also a component in your blood vessels, organs, and intestinal lining.²

A decline in your body’s collagen production is a natural, age-related process. According to UCLA Health, in early adulthood, collagen begins to decrease by 1% each year. And this percentage climbs for women after menopause. In the five years following menopause, says the American Academy of Dermatology, women lose 30% of their skin’s collagen.³

While eating high-collagen foods like bone broth and organ meats may seem like a logical step in preserving your body’s levels of the protein, your body actually can’t absorb collagen directly.

Essential Nutrients for Collagen Production 

Incorporating these essential collagen-supporting nutrients into your diet can be far more effective than loading up on collagen-rich meals.²

• Amino acids, critical to collagen production, are used by the body to build proteins. Of the 20 aminos, glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline are key to collagen production. Fill your plate with eggs, soybeans, nuts, cheese, spinach, lentils, and peas. 

• Vitamin C plays an important role in collagen synthesis. Snack on citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers, broccoli, kale, and tomatoes. 

• Zinc is necessary to help activate amino acids. Eat plenty of beans, whale grains, seeds, and even dark chocolate.  

• Copper supports the structural integrity of collagen (and elastin). Fuel up on oysters, milk, red meat, and chickpeas. 

Even with balanced, nutrient-dense diet, adding an oral collagen supplement to your routine can be one of the most beneficial ways to support your body’s collagen stores and help promote wellness benefits and beauty from within:

• A youthful, glowing complexion

• Skin hydration and elasticity 

• Hair and nail growth and strength 

• Strength and mobility

Because your body can’t process whole collagen proteins, opt for a supplement containing collagen peptides. Peptides are an easily digestible form of collagen that has been hydrolyzed, or broken down into smaller particles to ensure maximum absorption and bioavailability. 

There are 28 types of collagen, types I, II, and III are most significant to production. Be sure to look for these when choosing a collagen supplement.

With consistent daily use of our premium Collagen Peptides, you may notice:

• After 1 month: Softer skin, shinier hair, and improved energy.*

• After 2 months: Fewer fine lines, glowing skin, and healthier hair and nails.*

• After 3-6 months: New hair growth, fewer split ends, glowing skin, stronger nails, and improved joint pain and mobility.*

One VitaMedica customer, Kathleen G., shared, “I knew it was making a difference when my son complimented my skin.”

Easily mix one scoop of quick-dissolving, flavorless Collagen Peptides powder into your favorite hot beverages, cold drinks, smoothies, shakes, and meals for a daily boost. 

Scroll through the carousel below for some of our favorite ways to enjoy the benefits of collagen. 

Simply choose a recipe, stir, and enjoy!