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Recently, Indian actress Aishwarya Lekshmi posted on Instagram about the health drink she drinks in the morning to boost her skin’s function. As a responsible health advocate, she acknowledged that there is no research to prove her claims, adding that this was just a personal anecdote about using oral collagen and the appearance of her skin, and that it just happened to work for her.
A MBBS doctor from Kerala, she also offers insights into other factors that can impact skin health like sleep hygiene, diet, environmental stressors, etc., leading to a healthy discussion that tackles health misinformation. She does not endorse any particular brand and advises you to do your own research on brands.
Mihir Gadani, skin expert at OZiva, a plant-based start-up, says that after the age of 20, collagen production slows down, making the skin more susceptible to damage from free radicals and environmental stressors.
This essential protein, which naturally declines as we age, is key to the plumpness, elasticity and radiant glow that are hallmarks of youth. Incorporating collagen into your daily routine in powder or other form can help replenish these vital stores, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and age spots that often appear in your 20s and 30s.
Kerala-based hepatologist, Cyriac Abbey Phillips, sheds light on the use of collagen and its impact on the liver as patients visit him seeking solutions for dry skin and pigmentation. “Oral collagen has also been studied for improving joint symptoms in inflammatory joint diseases and for its ‘anti-ageing’ or anti-wrinkle effects on the skin.”
He added, “A recent high-quality meta-analysis (the highest level of evidence) found no evidence that collagen use makes skin ‘healthier looking’ in the long term, although some meta-analyses suggested that short-term use of hydrolyzed collagen for 90 days improved elasticity, hydration, and reduced skin wrinkling compared to placebo.”
The optimal dosage, duration and type of collagen (collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen) that can actually improve the appearance of skin is still unknown (as studies have used different formulations, for different durations and with different types of people).
Most importantly, you should know about the source of your collagen: collagen of any kind is only available from bovine sources (mainly types 1 and 2, the natural collagen found in bovine cartilage, bones and skin), while marine collagen (from fish – usually from the skin of endangered wild cod) is mainly type 1 collagen.
He says, “There are no plant sources of collagen, so vegans and vegetarians should exercise caution before taking collagen supplements for the skin.”
Natural Sources of Collagen:
Bone broth: Bone broth, made by boiling animal bones, is rich in collagen.
seafood: Especially the skin, bones and scales.
chicken: Especially the skin, cartilage and bones.
White: It contains a lot of proline, an amino acid necessary for collagen production.
Berries: It is rich in Vitamin C, which aids in collagen synthesis.
garlic: It contains sulfur, which aids in collagen production.
Nuts and seeds: Almonds, cashews, and sunflower seeds contain zinc and copper, which support collagen production.
In Gadana’s experience, collagen’s benefits go beyond cosmetic improvements: “Studies have shown that collagen improves hydration, enhances skin elasticity, and even promotes healthy hair and nails.”
There’s a master antioxidant called glutathione that plays a major role when it comes to collagen degradation. Glutathione acts like a shield, protecting cells from oxidative stress and promoting overall skin health. Luckily, advances in skin care have made it easier than ever to naturally boost your glutathione levels.
Gadani recommends starting an aggressive regimen early that incorporates collagen and glutathione supplements will lay the foundation for a future in which skin will glow with confidence, no matter your age. But it’s important to know that skin care alone isn’t enough. Developing healthy lifestyle habits is just as important for optimal skin health. Adequate hydration, balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and Stress Management These all play an important role in supporting the skin’s natural repair and regeneration processes.
