Collagen is the body’s main structural protein, found throughout your tissues – particularly your joints. Supplements come in pill, powder, gummy or liquid forms.

Many websites claim that collagen can improve skin elasticity, ease joint pain and increase muscle strength and bone density; however, evidence supporting such claims remains uncertain due to some studies not using methods designed to minimize bias.

1. Skin Health

Collagen is one of the body’s most abundant proteins and a key structural component in skin, tendon and bone tissues. Furthermore, collagen plays an integral part in various medical products like dental composites, skin regeneration templates and biodegradable matrices.

As we age, our skin experiences numerous environmental and biological stresses that can contribute to its decline. Over time, this can cause collagen levels to breakdown resulting in fine lines, wrinkles and reduced elasticity as well as dryness or dullness – impacting both our confidence as well as overall wellbeing. Maintaining glowing, healthy skin can increase confidence while contributing to overall wellbeing.

Collagen’s beauty benefits are well documented, and one way to support healthy looking skin is by taking a collagen supplement orally. When taken orally, collagen peptides travel throughout your body stimulating fibroblast cells to produce more collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid which rejuvenate skin elasticity while rejuvenating it further.

Marine collagen is an integral component in supporting skin health, often relied upon by people seeking to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by providing essential peptides and antioxidants that provide a protective shield for their complexions.

Selecting the ideal type of collagen supplement can make a big difference. Cara Harbstreet, RD and author of Street Smart Nutrition (which focuses on “getting healthy without losing your mind”) advises choosing hydrolysed collagen peptides over other forms as this type is easier for digestion due to being broken down partially into amino acids, she notes.

Recent studies on collagen peptides and skin health demonstrate promising results when it comes to improving hydration and elasticity. One such study showed that women who consumed collagen peptide powder experienced an increase in skin elasticity, reduced fold depth and dryness after just six months of taking the supplement.

Another study published in Open Nutraceuticals Journal revealed that supplementing with hydrolysed collagen peptide increased skin hydration and elasticity within six weeks when measured against baseline readings before and after taking daily collagen peptide pills; furthermore, they helped improve appearances associated with aging skin.

2. Joint Health

Joints are the connections between bones that allow us to bend our knees, elbows, hips, turn our head or wave our hands. Smooth tissue called cartilage and synovial fluid cushion your joints to protect the bones from rubbing against each other as you move. As we get older our cartilage wears down more rapidly; but taking steps now to maintain joint health can protect and ensure its best functioning in future years.

Provide yourself with enough calcium and vitamin D in your diet in order to prevent or treat bone disease, such as dairy products, green leafy vegetables, berries and nuts. Incorporating oily fish such as salmon, mackerel, sardines, trout herring and anchovies into your daily regimen for added omega-3 fatty acid benefits that reduce inflammation throughout the body.

Active lifestyles are key to healthy joints. Consider engaging in low-impact exercises that burn calories while strengthening muscles, such as walking, swimming and bicycling. When engaging in higher impact exercises such as running, be sure to warm up and stretch beforehand for added protection of your joints.

Your diet can also help alleviate joint pain by providing essential proteins, fats and carbohydrates in balance. Focus on eating more avocadoes, olive oil and seeds for their healthy fats as well as whole grains which contain fiber as well as other essential nutrients to support joint health.

Studies indicate that taking oral collagen supplements could also ease joint pain. Studies that employed hydrolyzed collagen — which has been broken down into smaller peptides for easier absorption — demonstrated improvements in joint health, such as decreased inflammation and symptoms associated with arthritis.

3. Hair Health

Collagen may also help improve hair health by encouraging production of keratin, an essential protein which protects hair follicles against damaging free radicals. (1)

Regular use of collagen supplements can stimulate keratin production and make hair appear thicker and stronger.(2)

Collagen can also help your hair by decreasing oxidative stress, which damages hair follicles and can result in breakage and dullness (3).

Collagen can provide your hair with a fuller and more radiant appearance by alleviating oxidative stress and supporting healthy, strong growth of its strands, giving it a fuller and more vibrant look that may increase confidence levels.

Collagen supplements may also assist in your mental wellness by increasing sleep quality – known to reduce anxiety and stress (4)

Confident Health’s hydrolyzed collagen powders provide the ultimate support for skin, hair, nails and joints. Our premium marine collagen peptides contain glycine and proline, which stimulate your body’s fibroblasts to produce more hyaluronic acid – a naturally-occurring compound which provides moisture retention while diminishing fine lines and wrinkles. Additionally, our collagen supplements contain vitamin C which helps increase cell turnover and encourage new collagen production. Our high-performance powders have been specially developed with superior absorption, digestive health and activation of fibroblast growth factors for faster muscle recovery and optimal tissue repair. I AM YOUTHFUL(r) is packed with high performance oligopeptides for activating fibroblast growth factor receptors, unmatched absorption, gut health support and enhanced collagen accumulation + 10,000 mg grass-fed collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C and probiotics for complete skin, nail and joint rejuvenation.

4. Nails Health

Your nails serve a greater purpose than simply scratching an itch or untangling knots; they’re an indicator of overall health. Changes in nail color, texture and shape could indicate issues like an infection or vitamin deficiency that require attention.

Random white spots on nails may be caused by trauma to them, such as hitting them with sharp objects. White spots could also indicate fungal infection, nutritional deficiency or reactions to medications; if this is the case for you, make an appointment with your dermatologist immediately for diagnosis.

If your nails are experiencing brittleness, one solution might be feeding them collagen. Collagen works together with hyaluronic acid, elastin, and certain minerals to provide strength and structure to nails. A small study published in 2017 demonstrated how taking 2.5 grams of daily collagen peptides for 24 weeks promoted nail growth while decreasing frequency of broken nails by 42%.

Another nail health tip is to protect your nails from harsh chemicals and excess sun exposure, which may cause discoloration and faded nails. An SPF 30+ sunscreen should be used.

Biotin, commonly associated with healthy nails, may interfere with blood tests used to diagnose heart attacks by blocking enzymes responsible for breaking down troponin chemical, leading to false negative results and leading to further investigation.

When it comes to nail health, listening to your body is of utmost importance. If you notice changes in color, shape or texture of your nails, contact a dermatologist immediately for diagnosis and treatment advice.