How Collagen Peptides Improve the Skin

Did you know that when it comes to wrinkles, scars, and stretch marks, collagen peptides are a girl’s best friend. But, what are collagen peptides? They are small proteins used in cosmetic products for their anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. A good example is Palmitoyl Tripeptide-5 in Good Skin Corrective Cream and Scar Removal Cream. This compound - 3 amino acid chains linked by fatty acids - occurs naturally in the body. Studies show that it can help boost collagen production and improve the texture of the skin. Thus, it falls under the collagen peptides category.

What are Collagen Peptides?

Also called hydrolyzed collagen, these small proteins are the broken-down versions of collagen. These proteins are sourced from bones and cartilages of cows and chickens, fish scales, crustaceans’ shells, beans, legumes, seeds, and nuts. As an ingredient in supplements and cosmetic products, collagen peptides usually come in powder form to be easily absorbed in the bloodstream. While collagen can be harvested from plants and animals, it’s impossible for our body to assimilate it in its original form. The only way is to break it down into peptides. But why do we need to get collagen from elsewhere when our body naturally manufactures it? You see, collagen makes up 90% of our connective tissue, cartilage, and bone mass, and 70% of our skin. Unfortunately, its production decreases as we age. This is the main reason for joint pain, body aches, wrinkles, fine lines, and even arthritis as we get older. However, you can address those health concerns with collagen peptides in supplement and topical form. Compared to the normal size and constitution of collagen, they are more bioavailable.

Collagen Peptide Skin Benefits

What does collagen peptide do for your skin? Whether taken orally as a supplement or applied topically as a cream or gel, collagen peptides can do wonders for your skin, such as:

• Increase hydration and lessen wrinkles in aging skin
• Improve skin elasticity for older people
• Minimize wrinkles due to sun damage in younger women
• Lower acne breakout incidences
• Lighten dark patches on the face (melasma)
• Reduce cellulite
• Help with stretch mark removal
• Target symptoms and decrease the severity of eczema (atopic dermatitis)
• Accelerate the healing of burns and wounds
• Diminish skin redness, increase moisture, and promote elasticity post-laser removal treatment

(As a bonus, collagen peptides can also strengthen brittle nails and promote nail growth.) Arguably, scars are one of the most serious skin concerns, especially those on the face. They are not only permanent but also difficult to remove. Costly treatments like these would be required, such as surgery, steroid injections, radiotherapy, and laser surfacing. But not always.

So, Does Collagen Help Reduce Scar Tissue?

You bet! The collagen benefits for skin also extend to scars. Collagen strengthens our skin’s dermis layer by making it thicker and more elastic. Over time, the elasticity allows the skin to stretch, thus diminishing the appearance of the scar. However, collagen peptides alone may lengthen the process, and even then, might not completely reduce scars. Topical products that complement the natural collagen levels of the skin could guarantee better results. These creams typically contain silicone, like Good Skin Corrective Cream. Silicone can prevent scar formation as a wound heals by hydrating the skin and acting as a protective barrier. It regulates collagen production within normal levels, resulting in flat and smooth scars. When used for an extended period, silicone can help change the scar to the skin’s original texture and color. It also works on acne scars, fades stretch marks, and reduces keloids. Even scars acquired from surgery could decrease in texture, color, and thickness when treated with silicone. Hyaluronic Acid Serum (also in Good Skin Cream) is another essential ingredient in the efficacy of collagen. Our body naturally produces Hyaluronic Acid (HA), a liquid substance found in connective tissues and the fluids in the joints and eyes. It provides collagen a moist environment to enable it to stretch without snapping. HA hydrates other parts of the body, including the skin. Its antioxidant properties prevent skin aging and protect it from environmental stressors.

Collagen Supplements for Skin

The best collagen peptides that you can take orally contain 2.5 to 10 grams per serving. These are by far the most effective skin supplements that we have found: Persona Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. This supplement comes in soluble powder form which you can mix in any hot or cold beverage. Aside from this convenience, the formula also contains Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid. Both are beneficial for keeping the skin young and radiant. Persona Vital's collagen comes from grass-fed and pasture-raised bovine. Average Cost: $43 (284g) Hum Collagen Love. If you prefer your collagen peptides in capsule form, then this is for you. It is non-GMO, gluten-free, and does not contain artificial sweeteners or colors. Additionally, the manufacturer has had its potency verified by several independent laboratories. Good-for-your-skin ingredients include Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, Chondroitin Sulfate, and Grape Seed Extract. Each serving equals 3 capsules, and you can take it any time of the day with food. Average Cost: $40 (1 bottle/90 capsules) Future Kind Vegan Collagen Booster. This is a great option for vegans who cannot take collagen peptide supplements from bovine or marine source. Its collagen peptides come from the Amla herb, the mineral Zinc, Vitamin A, Grape Seed Extract, and Bamboo Silica Extract. The serving size is 2 easy-to-swallow capsules (also vegan). Average Cost: $1,503 (1 bottle/60 capsules) Rousselot Peptan, Gelita Verisol, Nippi Collagen, and Vinh Wellness. Products containing these scientifically proven peptides are known to effectively promote healthy skin. Backed by clinical studies they are touted as the world’s leading brands in collagen peptide ingredients and promise results. They are added to nutrition bars, powdered drinks, confectionery, and supplements. So, if you see those names on the labels of food products you buy, you can expect positive results.

Side Effects of Collagen Peptides

Collagen peptides in supplement form are generally safe in doses of up to 10g per day and when taken for up to 5 months. Rarely do side effects occur, and when they do, the levels are minimal and mostly on the digestive system. Individuals who are inherently allergic to seafood should avoid marine-sourced collagen peptides, both in supplement and topical forms. Also, like any skincare product, it is recommended to apply collagen creams or gels on a small patch of skin to test your reaction.

Final Thoughts

Have you been living with scars, wrinkles, and stretch marks just because you believe there’s no safe and affordable way to get rid of them? Well, we hope that this information on collagen peptides gets you thinking. Now you know that you have a wide range of options - from oral to topical, and bovine, marine and plant sources. These non-synthetic proteins are wonderful for their versatility, easy absorbability, and accessibility. Best of all, they truly work!