Unless you’ve been sleeping under the proverbial rock, you’ve probably heard about collagen in the context of beauty and wellness. For the past several years, this powerful protein has turned into a leading supplement and favored skincare ingredient. Here at Hush & Hush, we recently released our own formula: Collagen+. One of the first vegetarian options, it provides a more complete protein than bovine or marine sources can. That makes it a new chapter in the collagen story, and we’re pretty excited about it. But you might be asking, why all of the hype in the first place? What is so great about collagen? Today, we’re offering up the full download on a blog post platter.
The Science Behind Collagen
First, let’s talk technicalities.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It serves many purposes, including … drum roll please, maintaining the youthful appearance of your skin. This is because it is responsible for skin elasticity and softness.
Unfortunately, the amount of collagen you have is dependent on age and other factors. Yes, it’s the most abundant protein in the body, but that doesn’t mean it escapes fluctuation. After the age of 20, your body’s collagen production is reduced by 1% per year. Variables like environmental pollution, alcohol consumption, increased blood sugar, vitamin C deficiency, sun exposure, and smoking can also influence the percentage of collagen production you experience.
And when collagen decreases, the effects are less than desirable. This is one culprit in skin aging. Depletion can also contribute to joint pain, stiffness, and functionality, since collagen repairs the cartilage in your joints.
Specifically, type II collagen is found in cartilage, and its decrease is linked to arthritis. And that brings us to our next bit of scientific insight: there are multiple types of collagen!
Here is the overview:
- Type I makes up 90% of hair, skin, and nails. It supports healthy, youthful-looking skin.
- Type II helps build cartilage and maintain the gut lining. It supports joint and digestive health.
- Type III supports bone health. It is a part of your arterial walls, so it’s important for cardiovascular health, too.
- Type V helps to promote hair growth and improves skin health.
- Type X plays a role in new bone growth. It is essential for muscle repairing and restoring.
While the numbering of these types may be confusing (don’t look at us—we didn’t name them!), rest assured they are the five common types of collagen.
Now consider this … bovine supplements only contain types I and III. Marine supplements only have type I and II. Collagen+, however, contains types I, V, and X. Not to mention, it isn’t missing one of the nine essential amino acids, like animal collagens are.
There is a reason we love to say, “it’s not bovine, it’s better.” People who know their collagen know that innovative vegetarian formulas like Collagen+ are the most well-rounded option on the market today.
Benefits of Collagen Supplementation
The good news is this: supplementation has been proven to offer immense results. Taking collagen can improve the health of skin, hair, and nails, provide joint pain relief, prevent bone loss, boost muscle mass, and promote heart health.
Specifically, Collagen+ contains a clinically studied formula observed to replenish collagen for a more youthful appearance and support healthier hair, skin, and nails. Hydrolyzed peptides assist with absorption, making it a highly effective choice. Since it’s vegetarian, made with natural flavors, non-GMO, gluten-free, and produced with no sugar, Collagen+ can be a go-to for many.
All the while, it’s an eco-friendly decision, too. We make our formula with eggshells that would have been thrown into landfills otherwise. It’s an incredible solution, since this ingredient benefits the user, too. Here are the elements that make eggshells a wellness booster:
- Collagen: promotes skin strength, elasticity, cohesion, and firmness.
- Elastin: creates elastic tension that allows skin to resume shape after stretching.
- Desmosine and Isodesmosine: unique amino acids that help stimulate dermal collagen synthesis.
- Glycosaminoglycans: serve as structural components of connective tissue.
- Transforming Growth Factor Proteins: powerful peptides that play a crucial role in tissue repair.
Honestly, what’s not to love?! Bovine had better moove on over!
With Collagen+, you can anticipate a more youthful appearance with just 450 mg a day for four weeks. Everything from reduction of crows feet and fine lines to a more even skin tone are likely coming your way when you make Collagen+ a part of your routine.
Just like that, your collagen IQ is on the rise—and your skin and hair health will follow suit soon.