Ever feel like there’s a new beauty ingredient you can’t stop seeing and hearing about? That all of the sudden, it’s in every product and all over your Instagram feed? This is what our Beauty Buzzwords series is all about – helping you learn more about these mysterious ingredients and why everyone is raving about them.

Next up we’re taking a closer look at Collagen, the beauty industry’s latest skin health hero.

What is it?

Collagen is a glue-like protein made up of amino-acids—namely, glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. Collagen is predominantly found in our connective tissue, including ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and bones. We have it to thank for our skin’s elasticity, our hair’s strength, and for keeping our joints healthy and our gut happy.

You’ve probably seen the words peptides and hydrolyzed on the labels of collagen products; they’re the same collagen protein but fragmented into smaller pieces that are easier for us to digest. They also dissolve well, which makes them great for use in drinks and recipes. The three main sources used for consumer products are bovine (beef), marine (fish), and chicken collagen.

What are the benefits?

While collagen benefits our whole body by reducing joint pain, balancing hormones, and improving digestion. Its effect on our skin is where it really shines. A boost in collagen improves skin hydration and firmness and can even help reduce wrinkles. Collagen also contains the amino acids needed to produce keratin, which keeps our hair and nails strong and shiny.

The most effective method for increasing your collagen levels is to up your internal consumption

Who should be using it?

As we age, we see a natural decline in our body’s collagen production, making it a terrific addition to those focusing on anti-aging skin care. Other factors such as a high sugar diet, alcohol, stress, and dehydration can also slow down our natural production of this skin nourishing protein.

How can you use it?

The most effective method for increasing your collagen levels is to up your internal consumption. Drinking collagen rather than using it topically provides the whole body with the benefits of the protein. Consuming collagen supplements can help kick start your own body’s production of the protein, a process that severely slows down in our mid-twenties.

My Favourite Product:

• Organika Enhanced Collagen Protein Powder: This protein powder consists of hydrolyzed collagen peptides that are sourced from grass-fed, pasture raised cows with no antibiotics or hormones. The formula contains an amazing protein to serving ratio–8g of protein per 8.5g serving (1 tablespoon). It’s also available in convenient single serve packs that you can tuck into your purse and add to your morning coffee!
• Organika has also just released this “Relax” version of their collagen protein powder – I haven’t yet tried it but it could be worth a shot if you need some stress relief!

Do you have a fave collagen product? Let me know what it is in the comments!