Collagen supplements are part of the many innovations in the beauty industry. People are now incorporating orally taken collagen in their beauty regimen because of its aesthetic and health benefits. But can collagen whiten the skin? And what else can collagen supplements do for the body?

How Collagen Works

The body is composed of numerous proteins essential to its normal function. As an external barrier, the skin needs to be in its best shape to perform its protective effects for the skin.

However, many people realize that the skin has more functions than being a mere barrier. Since this is the first thing people see, the skin often becomes a huge deal regarding aesthetics and physical appearance. Thus, many aim to achieve spotless and evenly toned skin with a youthful glow.

Three important elements make the skin the way it is. These are elastin, hyaluronic acid, and collagen.

Elastin is part of the skin’s extracellular matrix. As the name implies, elastin contributes to the elasticity of different body parts including the skin, tendons, ligaments, and cartilages. This protein allows these structures to be resilient that whenever they stretch, they can go back to their original, healthy shape.

Next, hyaluronic acid retains water molecules in the skin. This element provides adequate hydration to the skin, and  lubrication in joints for optimum function.

Lastly, collagen is a major protein found abundant all over the body. Collagen dominates in the skin and this tough protein makes up a third of the proteins in the entire body. As we will discuss later, collagen can give numerous benefits to the body, but for now, let us focus on what it does for the skin.

Collagen levels of the skin are responsible for its strength. The tough interconnection of collagen fibrils makes the skin plump, youthful, and free from wrinkles. However, as people age, their natural collagen depletes, causing concerns regarding skin aging, fine lines, wrinkles, and contribute to hyperpigmentation.

Indeed, collagen is naturally a part of the body. But the body can also acquire it from outside sources like food and supplements. Pork skin and bone broth are examples of food rich in collagen and currently, there are numerous collagen supplements available in the market designed to be easily absorbed by the body.

Collagen is a protein and the body absorbs it similar to how it absorbs other proteins. The digestive system digests and breaks down collagen from the food you eat or the supplements you take into simpler amino acids and peptides. These compounds are then easily absorbed by the small intestine and are transported to different parts of the body.

Collagen and Skin Whitening

As we age, collagen levels deplete. Although this would not warrant a medical emergency, it can manifest as signs of skin aging. So, you may notice wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin, or hyperpigmentation.

Hence, collagen supplements are much known for helping combat the signs of skin aging. However, there is also a rising discussion on the correlation between collagen supplement intake and skin whitening.

Can collagen whiten the skin? Yes, studies suggested that the appropriate type of collagen supplements used correctly can safely and effectively whiten the skin.

To understand skin whitening, we must discuss the effect of melanin. Melanin imparts the pigment of the skin. This also protects the skin from too much sunlight as the pigment acts as a natural barrier against it.

However, too much sun exposure can lead to the overproduction of this pigment. Through time, the melanin accumulates making the skin appear darker and uneven, depending on where sunlight hits the most. This leads to esthetic issues like uneven skin tone and hyperpigmentation.

This is where collagen plays a role. Sufficient levels of collagen can have a whitening effect because it can inhibit tyrosinase, an enzyme that catalyzes melanin production. As collagen inhibits the enzyme, the skin produces less melanin, leading to lesser pigmentation of the skin.

Collagen also helps the skin achieve a youthful glow because of its hydration effects. Because of this, the skin is less susceptible to dullness and wrinkles. Other than hyperpigmentation, the skin-lightening effect of collagen supplements may also reduce the appearance of acne scars.

Other Benefits of Drinking Collagen

Collagen supplements impart numerous benefits, making them well-known in the beauty industry. Did you know that aside from lightening the skin, collagen supplements provide other health benefits?

Regulates skin cells.

Two important cells that keep the skin plump and healthy are keratinocytes and fibroblasts. These cells make sure that the skin’s extracellular matrix is intact. So, how does collagen help this? Collagen ensures these cells last and remain viable for as long as possible. The regulation of these cells helps maintain healthy skin.

Improves overall skin health and appearance.

Collagen can boost the activity of different enzymes working on the skin. With more of these healthy enzymes readily available, it balances the activities of various processes that prevent damage to the skin’s cells.

Studies have shown that collagen supplements may slow down skin aging by reducing the appearance of wrinkles. The right amount of collagen in the body sure has an essential role in the skin’s strength, elasticity, and hydration.

Boosts joint health.

Aside from the skin, joints and cartilage also contain collagen. When collagen depletes as you age, it also affects these structures. The older population suffers from osteoarthritis and seeks the aid of collagen supplements to alleviate symptoms like joint pain.

Collagen supplements can induce the cartilage to produce more collagen, reduce inflammation, and decrease pain.

Improves bone and muscle health.

Bone and muscle also benefit from collagen supplements. And like the previous cases, bone and muscle can also deteriorate in old age. Bone and muscle mass can decrease, leading to overall weakness and loss of weight.

Studies have shown that collagen supplements may lower bone breakdown and boost bone density!

How to Take Collagen Supplements

Now that you know the wonders of collagen supplements, it is the perfect time to browse the available products to try. The market has all sorts of preparations, types, and concentrations of these supplements.

A prudent consumer would always look at the reputation of the brand and its FDA approval. Gloww Collagen is a safe and trusted option among these supplements. This supplement delivers collagen in powder form. You only need to mix it into a glass of water for easy intake. A great thing about Gloww Collagen is the fast and complete absorption of collagen with its Verisol Collagen Powder.

Collagen supplements like Gloww Collagen can help improve skin health, minimize aging, and whiten the skin. You may take one sachet of Gloww Collagen every day or as instructed by a medical professional.

You can start depleting your body’s collagen levels as early as your mid-20s. Hence, you may begin venturing into collagen supplements by this age. 

On the other hand, collagen supplements aimed at joint pain are best taken one hour before exercise or other strenuous activities. This regimen ensures that the collagen peptides have enough time to be absorbed into the joints and cartilage to produce profound effects.

Some people use collagen supplements to ease their sleeping problems. Collagen supplements contain the amino acid glycine which prepares the body for its much-needed rest. In this case, the supplement is taken right before bedtime.

Still, it is important to understand that the effects of collagen supplements may vary as people have different lifestyles, diets, and existing medical conditions. Collagen supplements are safe and have very minimal adverse reactions. However, when in doubt, it is always best to consult a medical professional before intake.

Conclusion

Collagen is found all over the body, and this is due to its massive health and beauty benefits! Because of the expected depletion of collagen as one ages, most people reach out to these supplements.

People often take collagen supplements regularly to alleviate joint pain, provide anti-aging benefits, and other beauty concerns. Can collagen lighten the skin? As we have seen in this article, it sure can. All you need is the appropriate collagen supplement taken in the right regimen.

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Article Reviewed by: Dr. Mary Amy Fatima Cagayan Chua