While ingestible beauty products have been around for some time now, many of us tend to still question their effectiveness in the back of our minds.
But as we age, the idea of using a beauty supplement—such as a collagen powder—becomes increasingly appealing to support our body’s natural function, as well as giving our topical products a helping hand.
While there are countless collagen masks and creams on offer, and just as many invasive procedures we can undertake to top up our body’s natural production, collagen powders are making major moves to become the number one method to both plump your skin, and keep it looking youthful.
Here, a deep dive to find out if collagen powders are truly effective.
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant form of protein found in the body, and makes up 25 to 35% of all protein in humans. It acts as structural support for the skin, so it only makes sense that as collagen levels decrease, the skin is more prone to wrinkles and fine lines. In terms of how your body actually produces collagen, it’s all to do with diet.
When we eat protein-rich foods, the body uses amino acids from the protein to synthesis collagen. But ensuring that you’re eating enough protein isn’t quite enough. This process also requires iron and vitamin C, so a diet lacking in either can impair collagen synthesis.
What Are The Benefits Of Drinking Collagen?
Working a collagen powder into your diet is a great way to support your body’s natural production if your food intake isn’t up to scratch.
Collagen powders can be used if dietary protein intake is low, or if an added boost to collagen is required due to low protein and/or nutrient intake.
Taking a collagen supplement can be particularly handy to take when you travel, you’re stressed, you have poor gut health, or when you’re on a restrictive diet.
Do Collagen Powders Actually Work?
As mentioned above, taking a collagen supplement is beneficial if your body is lacking in certain nutrients, but some experts recommend it as a good way to give yourself a little boost.
“The body makes its own supply of collagen so making sure your diet supports this process is key,” she says. “If you want an added boost, then taking a collagen powder may be of benefit.”
This kind of supplement becomes more beneficial as you start getting older, as your body’s natural collagen production begins to decrease.
Which Are The Best Collagen Powders To Buy?
The Beauty Chef ‘Glow’ Inner Beauty Essential, $69 at Adore Beauty
Arguably one of the pioneers in the collagen supplement game, Beauty Chef’s Inner Glow Beauty Powder boasts 24 carefully selected skin-loving ingredients that are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, amino acids, minerals, prebiotics and probiotics for a power-packed nutrient hit in every 5g spoonful. The powder itself has a berry-flavour and can be easily mixed with water or a smoothie for easy digestion.
Vitality X + Collagen, $69.99 at JSHealth
If you want your collagen powder to go the extra mile you can’t go past this beauty-boosting offering from JS Health. In addition to sustainably-sourced marine collagen, this formula contains 10 vitamins and minerals to help support skin, digestion and energy.
Collagen Plus HA, $29 at Vitable
The Collagen Plus powder contains high quality hydrolised marine collagen and hyaluronic acid for your skin, hair and nails. Made with premium ingredients in Australia, you won’t find any nasty fillers and artificial sweeteners in this tasty powder.
Collagen Beauty Elixir, $49.95 (currently $19.98) by Skin Physics
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides, $73.04 at iHerb
Vital Proteins’ Collagen Peptides formula is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine for superior quality. It’s available in a variety of sizes and has another formula featuring added hyaluronic acid with vitamin C.
Vida Glow Natural Marine Collagen Original, $70 at Vida Glow
Advanced Skin + Gut Health Collagen Elixir, $110 at Habitual Beauty
With three times the bioavailable and bioactive collagen than a standard powder, one sachet a day is all you need for radiant skin, hair and nails. We recommend mixing this supplement into water carafe to sip through-out the day, for one of the best tasting collagens you’ll ever try (our fave is the Yuzu + Lime).
The Collagen Elixir, $67.50 at WelleCo
This supercharged blend contains sustainably sourced marine collagen that works in synergy with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, silica and digestive enzymes to give you your best hair, skin and nails.
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CSERA Complete Restore, $110 by Adour & Kin
Formulated to rejuvenate your hair, nails and skin from within, Adour & Kin’s CSERA Complete Restore formula features freshwater collagen peptides from France alongside a complex chord of imported ingredients from Italy, Sweden and Japan. These include Nerina strawberry extract for concentrated levels of vitamin C, freshwater micro algae to combat oxidative stress and Japanese cherry blossom extract, which have been shown to possess an anti-glycation affect (reverse ageing) on tissue damage and inflammation.
Nature’s Way Collagen Powder, $22.49 at Chemist Warehouse
