Collagen: For Skin, Hair, and Nails

True Beauty Comes from Within

Healthy living habits along with herbs, essential oils, and collagen can really enhance the appearance of your skin as well as offer support for your overall structural health.

Our body actually absorbs the collagen peptides in groups of two or three amino acids. These small compounds travel throughout your body and reach tissues such as cartilage and skin, where they support the many collagen-producing cells.

Unfortunately, as you age, your body makes less collagen. Collagen production begins to decline as we age, contributing to changes in our skin, joints, bones, and other connective tissues. It’s no wonder why so many people are talking about!

Collagen and Your Skin

Not only does your body produce less collagen as you age, but the fibers in your skin also become less organized, resulting in reduced elasticity and more sagging. If you add collagen to your diet, it can really help with the appearance of your skin. The structure of collagen helps to provide shape and rigidity for your skin to resist stretching. Studies may suggest that when you take it, your body is influenced to create more, which can improve your skin elasticity as well as its hydration.

Shiny Hair and Strong Nails

You may notice that as you age, your hair is becoming thinner and less shiny. Maybe your nails are also becoming more brittle. Many of us, as we age, tend to eat less protein, which adds to this as well; however, supplementing with collagen can also help. The connective tissue that supports your hair follicles is partially made up of collagen. Collagen provides amino acids the body can use to make proteins, including those involved in healthy skin, hair, and nails. Our fingernails, which are made up of a hardened protein known as keratin, also rely on collagen for support.

More Benefits

As we age, wear and tear kicks in on your joints, bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Maintaining bone health is important. Studies have explored collagen supplementation for supporting joint health and physical function, particularly as we age. Taking a supplement of it can help you maintain a more active lifestyle and a stronger body.

Gut health is also key to overall health. Collagen provides amino acids, including glycine and proline, that are used throughout the body, including in connective tissues. Researchers are also studying how collagen and its peptides may influence the intestinal barrier and gut health. Plus, adding collagen to protein drinks or meals adds additional protein, which may help with fullness and support lean muscle mass.

Taking a high-quality collagen supplement is important. Make sure your source offers easily absorbed peptides. You may also look for it to include electrolytes and minerals to further promote skin moisture and hydration. Nature’s Sunshine offers a non-GMO, grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine collagen that is dairy-free, gluten-free, and paleo- and keto-friendly.  It also contains 15 grams of protein per serving.

Facial Rejuvenation with Collagen

You can also incorporate collagen into a homemade facial mask as part of your skin-care routine.

Below is a facial mask recipe you can try.

• Bentonite or Kaolin Clay – 1 Tablespoon
• Collagen Powder – 1 Tablespoon
• Honey – 1 Teaspoon
• Lavender Essential Oil – 2 Drops
• Frankincense Essential Oil – 2 Drops

Create a paste by adding water. Apply to your face, let it dry, and rinse off with cool water. Apply a Facial Moisturizer when done.

Supporting Healthy Skin, Hair, and Joints as You Age

Collagen is only one part of healthy aging. Eating lean proteins, staying hydrated, and eating nutrient-dense foods support your skin as well as your overall health. It’s also important to protect your skin from overexposure to the sun and to keep moving.

Aging isn’t to be feared. There is nothing wrong with showing some signs of aging; the goal is to stay strong and healthy as you age.