A wildly popular ingredient in the community lately has been collagen. We know about the host of benefits it offers, from replacing dead skin cells to promoting skin elasticity and radiance, this is one super ingredient that has to be in your routine to make it holistic.
What Is In A Collagen Supplement/Product?
Most collagen skincare products don’t actually contain collagen since collagen fibres are too large to permeate your skin’s outer layers. Instead, products with peptides, glycolic acid, vitamin C, and retinol stimulate the production of collagen after being absorbed by your skin.
When it comes to oral supplements, these can be consumed in the form of pills, powders, and certain foods. Oral supplements tend to be more effective and usually contain amino acids and a few additional nutrients like vitamin C, biotin, and zinc.
Now collagen can be taken orally or in serum form but like most things, too much of it is never a good idea. There are a series of side effects that come with too much collagen intake, so here’s how to catch it before it turns into something serious.
The Side Effects Of Collagen
Mild digestive symptoms, bad taste in your mouth, diarrhoea, breakouts and rashes on the skin are common symptoms you might experience if you’ve just started a new cycle of supplements. If you feel any of these coming, try stopping the supplements to see how the symptoms react. If they still don’t cease, you should probably go see a doctor.
A few serious side effects of collagen supplements are anaphylaxis (an allergic reaction that causes respiratory collapse) or liver abnormalities. There is also a very low chance that you might develop kidney stones or hypercalcemia (high calcium levels)
Additionally, collagen supplements can increase oxidative stress. Oxidative stress can lead to cell and tissue damage and also make you susceptible to diseases like cancer.
How To Safely Consume Collagen
Start by scheduling an appointment before you engage in a supplement cycle. This way you’ll know if you’re allergic to collagen before you start the process.
Make sure to read the ingredient list before purchasing from a new brand. FDA-approved collagen supplements exist, so look for those to prevent the intake of contaminated collagen (especially if it’s animal-based).
There’s also a list of people who should just generally avoid collagen:
- People with a fish, shellfish, or egg allergy
- People who are on a vegan/vegetarian diet
- Pregnant or breast-feeding women
Either way, it’s best to see a doctor before starting a supplement course – especially if you’re on other meds that might react with them.
Some Tried And Tested Collagen Supplements
The Himalayan Organics Plant-Based Organic Collagen Builder is a plant-based supplement that nourishes your skin and hydrates skin cells. It also has vitamins E and B that help strengthen soft and brittle nails while reducing breaking and splitting.
The Inja Wellness Pro Finest Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen Powder is another good quality powered supplement that features hydrolyzed marine collagen sourced from Japan. It reduces the appearance of fine lines and makes your skin brighter. Additionally, it’s sugar-free, gluten-free, and free of any harsh preservatives!
Last on the list are two peptide creams that work pretty well to keep your skin plump and hydrated. The SNP Prep Peptaronic Toner is enriched with peptide complex, while the Barrier Plus Ceramide Moisturiser has a ton of ceramides that help strengthen your skin barrier.
In conclusion, while collagen supplements are widely lauded for their potential benefits, it’s crucial to approach them with a degree of caution! Stay safe, stay informed and don’t believe everything you see on the internet.
Featured Images: Instagram & Unsplash
