NERD ALERT: How to Choose the RIGHT Collagen
Hello beauties!
I think by now we all know we should be ingesting more collagen. Not only has it been shown to improve skin elasticity, promote gut health, calm the mind, support joints, and deepen sleep, but it’s quite literally the protein that holds you together! Now before you pop a pill or reach for some collagen-based moisturizer, let me first explain to you that not all collagen is created equal.
Commonly referred to as the “super molecule,” collagen in its native state is unfortunately too large to be absorbed effectively by the intestine. It is only when the molecule is broken down into small, bioavailable components, or peptides, that it can be more efficiently digested and in turn create new collagen fibers in the body. This is why it was SO important to me that we formulated SkinTē to include pure, kosher, grass-fed collagen in peptide form. In fact, studies on collagen peptides similar to ours have shown to be 95% bioavailable, meaning you can sip your skin-and body-care with ease.
Now what does this mean for all the other ways you consume your collagen? Just be sure to thoroughly do your research and take heed that the collagen your ingesting is in fact bioavailable.
Typically, the collagen in everyday face and body creams is too large to be absorbed into the body, and unfortunately, the same goes for some pills, powders, and sadly even bone broth. Now, I LOVE bone broth, especially for its mineral content. However, in terms of collagen intake, studies have shown that it’s not always the most efficient way to consume your daily dose.
Now that you’re all the wiser, I’ve collected some fun facts about why ingesting the right kind of collagen is key to a healthy, happy body!
- The root of the word “collagen” is derived from the Greek word kólla, meaning glue. See! It LITERALLY holds you together!
- 70% of our skin and 30% of our total body protein is comprised of collagen.
- Not only does it act as a structural element for your bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and skin, but it is also found in your blood vessels, the cornea of your eyes, your teeth, cartilage, discs between your vertebrae, and your digestive tract (AKA everywhere!).
- There are at least 16 different types of collagen in your body. While they all have different functions, Type I collagen (which makes up 90%) is stronger than steel—on a gram-for-gram basis!
- Once you hit your twenties and thirties, collagen production rapidly declines thanks to our bodies no longer creating the same quality of collagen as we did in our youth (insert eyeroll here). This greatly impacts the appearance of our skin, overall joint health, and much, much more.