We all know the importance of collagen for our skin - it helps to maintain elasticity, firmness and hydration, essentially helping skin to retain its youthful radiance. There are also a whole host of other reasons why collagen is necessary throughout the body. And as we age, unfortunately, our collagen levels decline, and this starts to impact our skin and overall health.
To find out the best ways to boost your collagen levels the EK Clinic team explores exactly what collagen does, why our levels decline, and the standout supplements worth adding to your routine.
Collagen’s Key Functions
Did you know that in addition to skin health, collagen is also necessary for muscle health, wound healing and even gut health?
It’s the most abundant protein that the body produces and is found all around the body in the skin, tissues, tendons, bones and cartilage where it helps to maintain elasticity, firmness and hydration.
Different types of collagen
From our mid-twenties the body’s production of collagen begins to decline, and this decline accelerates after the age of 30. Because collagen is important for maintaining the health and function of many different tissues in the body, a deficiency can lead to a variety of health problems.
People who are experiencing collagen decline may start to notice a host of symptoms from wrinkles and sagging skin, joint pain, reduced bone density and gut problems.
How to boost collagen levels
There are a number of lifestyle changes that can be made in order to boost collagen levels and slow down this decline.
It has been agreed by all experts that protecting the skin from the sun’s harmful rays by wearing a high factor broad spectrum SPF helps to reduce the destruction of collagen. We have many choices at EK Clinic and make expert recommendations from the AlumierMD or Obagi medical range.
Stopping smoking can also have positive benefits on collagen levels. This is because smoking increases MMP levels which leads to the degradation of collagen, elastic fibers, and proteoglycans.
Whilst eating a diet rich in foods that can boost collagen can be beneficial, as can using skincare products that contain collagen.
It’s for this reason that dietary supplements can be an ideal way of getting the necessary amounts of collagen. The team at EK Clinic Brackley and Witney can assist you in making the correct choices.
Collagen supplements
As collagen supplements have gained popularity over recent years, there has been much debate about their efficacy and benefits. However, research has found a link to improved skin elasticity for people who consume extra collagen.
This supports the belief that supplementing the body with additional collagen can indeed be beneficial. And it’s logical to assume that if the benefits are being reported in the skin, then it will also be positively impacting other areas of the body too.
However, whilst dietary supplements are beneficial, the fact that there are a huge number of these available to buy can make it difficult to determine which are the most effective. Here the EK Clinic team explains.
Different types of collagen
The collagen supplements industry is huge and so it’s always important to seek expert advice before embarking on any new supplement regime. It’s also useful to understand a bit more about the different types of collagen supplements.
Collagen supplements can be divided into a number of categories based on the source of collagen they use. The main sources are marine, bovine, and vegetarian/vegan. Depending on your dietary or ethical preferences this is for many a first point of distinction when selecting a collagen supplement.
The type of collagen that your supplements contain is also another aspect to consider. The three most common types of collagen are type I, II, and III.
Type I collagen is the most common in the body and it helps to give structure to skin, tendons, ligaments, bones and connective tissues. Supplements containing this type of collagen can be particularly effective for skin health.
Type II collagen is found in cartilage and for that reason is believed to be especially good for joint health.
Type III collagen works alongside type I collagen in skin, ligaments and joints.
Trusted collagen supplements by the EK Clinic Team
Good sources of collagen include:
ZENii Fusion is a multi-award-winning scientific blend of 10,000mg marine collagen, hyaluronic acid (150mg), MSM, antioxidants, vitamins and minerals. It is clinically evidenced to improve skin hydration, improve elasticity and to boost the skin’s own collagen production. ZENii has re-named Skin Fusion ‘ZENii Fusion’ because it does more than transform the skin, it transforms the whole body – from hair thickness to nail strength, joint motion, and blood vessel health.
ZENii Fusion contains skin specific amino acids proline, glycine and hydroxyproline. These are the three most important amino acids for the Triple Helix of Collagen. These amino acids send signals to the body’s collagen producing cells (called fibroblasts) to powerfully jump start them into production mode. Like flicking a light switch on, your skin responds to these amino acids with new collagen production (a process called neocollagenesis). Think of it as taking your body back into youthful mode!
This has been designed to be the ultimate daily support for men’s health. It’s a scientifically proven daily supplement created and formulated for men. It contains 20 times more collagen than any capsule or tablet on the market with 10,000mg per serving of type 1 & 3 hydrolysed marine collagen. Infused with Vitamin C for maximum absorption and efficacy, this delicious sugar-free liquid supplement has a higher absorption rate than collagen pills and is blended with powerful clinical strength co-ingredients to deliver visible results.
Totally Derma Nutraceutical Collagen
Totally Derma Collagen is a revolutionary supplement that enhances skin regeneration and overall wellness. This advanced formula combines bioavailable collagen, hyaluronic acid, and other active ingredients to boost collagen synthesis.
At its core is Arthred®, an exclusive bovine hydrolysed collagen source, delivering a potent 10,000mg daily dose. This therapeutic amount surpasses other powdered bovine collagen forms, working internally to plump and firm skin while reducing visible lines and wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid provides deep hydration, while essential vitamins, antioxidants, and minerals support collagen production and cell repair.
Beyond skin benefits, Totally Derma Collagen supports joint health, alleviating inflammation and promoting flexibility. Clinical trials also show improvements in hair and nail strength within approximately 6 weeks.
Available in a 30-day supply, Totally Derma is a sugar-free, vanilla-flavored powder. Totally Derma Collagen offers a comprehensive approach to beauty and wellness, addressing multiple aspects of health from the inside out.
While some supplements take a while to become part of your daily ritual, True Collagen slots in seamlessly. Odourless, tasteless, and highly dissolvable, its versatility means you can combine it with anything from hot and cold drinks to smoothies, soups and stews.
Exceptional ingredients, intelligent formulations and a truly sustainable approach to manufacturing is what sets Ancient + Brave apart. While founder Kate Prince and her team of experts, including nutritionists and an immunologist, ensure only the best, most efficacious ingredients are used to create its health-enhancing rituals, the brand is meticulous about ensuring the rest of the production process is as diligent. A certified B corp company and member of 1% for the Planet, Ancient + Brave is dedicated to providing pure, potent and sustainable supplements that help you, and the planet, thrive.
Ancient + Brave also offers type II ancient-brave-noble-collagen, marine ancient-brave-wild-collagen as well as a vegan offering, ancient-brave-vegan-radiant-collagyn. Ancient + Brave has something to suit everyone.
Still unsure why not speak to one of the EK Clinic team at our Brackley or Witney clinic. Our team members can assist you in making the correct recommendation to suit your needs and your budget.