Can Collagen Powder Supplements Make You Look Younger?

You don’t have to look hard to find some miracle lotion or cream that claims to get rid of those wrinkles and help you achieve smoother, younger looking skin. Drugstores and beauty magazines have now taken to marketing a collagen powder supplement that you can mix in your drinks to make your face look plumper.
Could this powder actually work?

First, let’s look at what collagen is. Collagen is a naturally occurring protein in your body. It is the main component of connective tissue and is found in tendons, ligaments, bones, blood vessels and the skin. Collagen is one of the components that helps give the skin strength, elasticity and structure. Women produce their own collagen, but as they age, the production rate decreases. According to Dr. Liow Tiong Sin, women at the age of 50 have lost almost half of the collagen once contained in their skin.

Women sometimes turn to products like the collagen powder to prevent this. However, there is not much evidence to prove that taking a collagen supplement actually works. Think about it. When you drink anything, what happens? Your body breaks it down and digests it. The same goes for ingesting collagen. Once it is broken down, collagen is unlikely to reach the bloodstream and self-direct itself to improving the appearance of the face.

So, what does work? Generally speaking, the best ways to retain your natural collagen can be broken down into three categories: Proper skin care, proper diet and reduced sun exposure. For more information, check out Dr. Liow Tiong Sin’s blog at http://cosmedmd.blogspot.com/2012/09/collagen-supplements-do-they-really-work.html

Sources:
http://cosmedmd.blogspot.com/2012/09/collagen-supplements-do-they-really-work.html
http://www.mirror.co.uk/lifestyle/health/miriam-stoppard-on-collagen-skin-drink-1393161#.UtrwT9Io7IU

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.