Collagen occurs naturally in our bodies but as we age, production slows. Collagen gives strength to various structures and organs while also keeping skin, hair, and nails healthy and strong. Feeling an ache in your joints? Does your hair seem a little limp while your skin is missing that youthful glow? Collagen can help!

How Collagen Functions Inside the Body

Collagen is a protein made up of amino acids and in nature is found exclusively in animals, especially in the flesh and connective tissues of mammals. As the main component of connective tissue, collagen plays an important role in the healthy function of joints, tendons, ligaments and muscles as it acts as the strong weaving fiber throughout our bodies for strength and support. Because collagen production slows with age, pain and stiffness can occur in joints while ligaments and tendons become less elastic. By supplementing with collagen you’re able to assist your body in the diminishing of this important protein and avoid some of the pains and stiffness that can occur. Type II Collagen  from Immucell supports healthy joint function and is absorbed quickly into the bloodstream because it parallels the amino acid structure of our own body’s collagen type II. This product also contains glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health!

Collagen for Hair, Skin and Nails

Aging gracefully is possible with collagen supplementation. As we age our skin becomes thinner and is more susceptible to the effects of environmental toxins, sun exposure and stress. You may begin to notice crow’s feet, sagging skin and wrinkles as well as your hair losing some of its life and appearing unhealthy or limp. Our nails can also be affected by age (or change in seasons, winter is a great time to incorporate collagen for nail health) and aside from the nail becoming brittle you may experience flaking or peeling. The types of collagen used to address these aging issues are I and III and we have three great picks!

• Collagen + C Pomegranate is a liquid supplement you add to juice, herbal tea or water, (preferably) in the morning on an empty stomach. This antioxidant rich liquid tastes great and supports the collagen in tendons, ligaments, hair, skin, nails, and lean muscle.
• Super Collagen + C (Type 1 & 3) is a tablet that can correct split, rigid and weak nails; strengthen and nourish ligaments, tendons and bones; and help minimize fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin elasticity and hydration. Take this powerful supplement often to see visible improvements within 3 weeks.
• Super Collagen Type 1 & 3 is a powder form of the tablet with the same visible improvements reported!
• Beauty Bursts Gourmet Collagen Chews are like a treat for your tastebuds and skin. The collagen in these chews will thicken fine hair, add body and slow down hair loss while also repairing connective tissues for improved elasticity, circulation and wound healing. The glycine builds lean muscle to help burn fat while you sleep.

Though collagen is one of the most plentiful proteins present in our bodies, because we lose it over time it’s important to supplement to ensure we’re keeping our connective tissue, bones, joints, ligaments, hair, nails and skin healthy! Collagen type I and III is specific to skin, hair and nails while collagen type II is beneficial to connective tissue, joints, ligaments and tendons. The collagen mentioned in the above products is derived either from 100% pure pharmaceutical food grade bovine collagen or a natural blend of sternal chicken collagen. Any time you take a collagen supplement you should do so on an empty stomach and with some form of vitamin c, whether through orange juice or supplementation. No incomplete proteins should be taken with collagen as they will bind together and render the collagen to be no longer be bioavailable. Because of this please note that while collagen I and III can be taken together, they should not be taken at the same time as collagen II. If you’d like to incorporate all three types of collagen into your wellness routine try taking type I and III in the morning (on an empty stomach) and type II before dinner.

Want even more to keep yourself looking young? Check out our employee picks for anti-aging!