One of the secrets of tight and young skin is the high amount of collagen in it. Over the years, its levels in the body decrease dramatically, and the beauty industry is persistently looking for ways to increase them. One way is to inject it into the body. But recently, it has become increasingly fashionable to take collagen in liquid form in juices, serums, smoothies and as an additive in other drinks
Many dermatologists claim that taking collagen in the form of capsules is a good solution and effective, but it should be for months. However, there are still controversial opinions about its intake in the form of a drink.
How does collagen work?
Collagen in various supplements, like all other proteins, breaks down during digestion, explains Myra Silva, a biochemistry graduate at Kings College London.
“Collagen is not absorbed as collagen, but is broken down into amino acids. But it provides the necessary ingredients to synthesize more collagen in the body. It doesn't take much because our own collagen is recycled, but a small amount can help because we're constantly losing some of our starting collagen," says Silva.
What are collagen drinks?
On the labels of powdered collagen supplements, you're likely to come across the word "hydrolyzed." Broken down into smaller units, this type of collagen has become popular because it can be dissolved in both warm and cold liquids. Powders are not only easier to use, but also easier to grind, according to Silva.
“Collagen is a fibrous protein and therefore breaking down its natural form is difficult. Hydrolyzed collagen is much more soluble and more easily absorbed by the body. Keep in mind, though, that this is a product that comes from cows, chickens, fish, and other animals, so if you're vegan, it's not for you," adds Silva.
“In order for supplemental collagen to be active in the deeper layers of the skin, it must survive acid digestion in the stomach and then cross the intestinal barrier in our gastrointestinal tract before reach the blood.
Absorption studies confirm that within six hours of reaching the bloodstream, 95% of collagen leaves the bloodstream and can be found in the dermis, the layer of skin where the peptides are actually needed and where they can work to stimulate remodeling," she says.
“It takes about 40 minutes for his body to absorb the collagen from the pills. Another difference between powdered collagen and other types of collagen is the "freshness" and "bioactivity", which is highly recommended. The collagen in the sachets, dissolved in your favorite drink, remains stable and fresh for up to 30 minutes after it is dissolved. Pre-dissolved collagen liquids, on the other hand, although well sealed and isolated from the outside environment, are hardly fresh and bioactive, even if they are advertised as such," commented the expert.
According to her and many of her colleagues, the advantage of collagen injections is that they locally attack the problem and therefore the results of such manipulations are quick and visible. When collagen is taken as a supplement, it is distributed throughout the body and works towards an overall increase in collagen levels in the body.
