Video Credit: Dr. Arsalan Aspires
You've probably heard about collagen – the protein that provides strength and flexibility to our skin, bones, and muscles.
As we age, collagen levels begin to decline, giving rise to skin aging and other related issues.
In this article, we'll talk about the the effectiveness of collagen supplements, the best collagen supplements in Singapore, and the top mistakes to avoid when incorporating these supplements into your health routine.
The Importance of Collagen
Collagen acts as the building blocks for our body. It contributes to the firmness of our skin, the resilience of our bones, and the toughness of our muscles.
Unfortunately, as we age, our body's collagen production diminishes, leading to the emergence of wrinkles. The chief contributor to aging skin is the decline of collagen – the very component responsible for maintaining youthful skin.
Collagen levels start to deplete at age 20
Do Collagen Supplements Actually Work?
One of the prevailing questions surrounding collagen supplementation is whether the body can absorb it effectively.
Contrary to misconceptions, research reveals that ingested collagen isn't entirely destroyed by stomach acids. Instead, it breaks down into smaller di-and tripeptides.
These peptides survive hydrolysis and traverse the intestinal mucosa via a specialized transporter, PEPT-1, and ultimately finding their way to our skin.
In essence, the collagen we consume do indeed reach our skin!
How Does Collagen Reverse Aging?
To grasp how collagen combats aging, let's explore the role of fibroblasts.
These cells play a vital role in maintaining the firmness of our skin. However, as we age, they become less active, allowing destructive enzymes called MMPs (matrix metallopeptidases) to take over.
MMPs degrade collagen, causing our skin to lose its tautness. Collagen supplements come to the rescue by stimulating fibroblast activity.
When these cells become more active, they work to repair our skin's structure and combat the effects of the harmful MMPs, thereby reversing skin aging.
Top 5 Mistakes to Avoid with Collagen Supplements
1. Not controlling stress
High stress levels increase cortisol production, which reduces collagen production. Stress management through activities like exercise, laughter, and yoga is important.
2. Not getting enough vitamin C
Adequate vitamin C is crucial for collagen function. It serves as a cofactor for collagen and elastin synthesis and acts as an antioxidant against collagen-damaging free radicals.
3. Not getting enough sleep
Lack of sleep compromises the immune system, slowing collagen production. Getting 7-8 hours of sleep per night is ideal.
4. Drinking collagen hot
Collagen supplements should only be taken at room temperature or with a cold beverage, as collagen falls apart as temperatures above body temperature.
5. Skipping sunscreen
Even with collagen supplements, using sunscreen is crucial. UVA rays penetrate deeply and break down collagen. Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours and consider physical sunscreens for immediate protection.
Top 5 Collagen Supplements in Singapore
We here at Superfood Reviews have done the research to find out what the best option for collagen supplements in the market. We have graded each choice through a stringent grading based on the following criteria:
Our evaluation criteria:
1. The Purest Co Collagen Glow Berries
Key differentiators: Superior ingredients, large amount of collagen
Price: $115
Pros:
Hydrolyzed collagen peptides from Japan
Contains complementary ingredients
Made in an FDA-approved facility
Cons:
Frequently out of stock
The Purest Co’s Collagen Glow Berries contains a potent dose (5500mg) of marine collagen sourced from Japan in each sachet, and follows it up with supporting ingredients like vitamin C (250mg), bilberry extract, and mixed berries concentrate juice.
Collagen Glow Berries uses a patented technology to extract their collagen peptides, ensuring faster and more effective absorption of collagen into the body.
With its mixed berries concentrate juice, the taste is a hit amongst consumers and feedback is that it is just right in terms of sweetness. Not only does this make for a delicious supplement, but the Vitamin C in these berries provide added antioxidant support and improve your body’s rate of absorption.
2. Laneige Youth Collagen Drink
Key differentiators: Promotes sleep, moisturizing
Price: $120
Pros:
Contains GABA to promote deep sleep
Contains pomegranate and red orange extract
Made in an FDA-approved facility
If the goal is to tighten the skin and replace fine lines and wrinkles into supple skin, Laneige aims to do just that. Their Youth Collagen Drink contains fish collagen peptides that replenishes the body’s collagen supply while helping you maintain healthy skin. This drink also contains minerals that promote relaxation and help one have better sleep.
This collagen supplement, however, is on the pricey side. Laneige is one of the more well-known skincare brands worldwide so this is a hit with more mature customers who experience some sogginess and lack of collagen.
3. Renew+ Marine Collagen Powder
Key differentiator: Comes in 4 flavors (Watermelon, Mixed Berry, Mango and Pineapple)
Price: $99
Pros:
Hydrolyzed collagen peptides from Japan
Contains hyaluronic acid
Delicious taste
Each pack of Renew+ Marine Collagen Powder contains 30 servings of powdered collagen, recommended to be mixed into cold water. Their collagen drink contains complementary ingredients, which can also be found in most collagen supplements, such as Vitamin C and natural fruit flavors. Among their key ingredients, at the forefront is hyaluronic acid. This substance, naturally produced by the body, assists in retaining moisture levels.
It’s also helpful to note that most customer reviews for Renew+ Marine Collagen Powder mention its benefit of keeping the skin complexion healthy along with the drink’s distinctly fruity taste.
4. Meiji Amino Collagen Powder
Key differentiator: Budget-friendly collagen supplement
Price: $122
Pros:
Budget-friendly, one pack can go for months
With 5,000mg of low-molecular fish collagen
Another collagen supplement in powder-form, the Meiji Amino Collagen Powder is an odorless and neutral-tasting collagen supplement you can mix in hot or cold drinks. The formulation contains arginine, glucosamine, and Vitamin C that help the skin become softer and smoother to combat wrinkles and spots from recurring.
A single scoop of this powder contains about 5000mg of collagen. Consumer feedback states that a pack can last them months, making Meiji’s Amino Collagen Powder the budget-friendly choice among the products in the list.
5. Sato Hakubi Collagen Drink
Key differentiator: Contains Coix Seed Extract
Price: $56.50
Pros:
Contains Vitamins B2 and B6, and Coix Seed Extract
With 10,000mg of hydrolyzed collagen
An order of Sato’s Hakubi Collagen Drink contains 10 50ml collaged drinks to be consumed daily. It is one of the pricier options for collagen supplements, but each bottle contains up to 10,000mg of low-molecular fish collagen and essential vitamins that reduce the skin’s sebum production - which helps maintain smooth skin and reduces the occurrence of blemishes.
This collagen supplement boasts its Coix Seed Extract content, a commonly used treatment for anti-inflammatory issues of the skin. It is known as a beauty ingredient that derives from Chinese herbal medicine.
Buying The Best Collagen Supplement in Singapore
Our body’s collagen production naturally decreases over time, so it’s ideal to take collagen supplements that prevent a lack of this substance that keeps our skin, nails, hair, joints, and bones in their top shape.
It’s important to check the nutritional values of the drinks and powders you’re considering to buy and compare their health standards and especially collagen contents for optimum collagen absorption and to reap the benefits that come with it.
Best Product Overall: Collagen Glow Berries
30 Sachets
Clinically proven to: Firm, Lift, & Moisturize skin
Collagen peptide: 5,500mg premium grade Japan Nitta-Wellnex™
Infused with: 250mg Vitamin C & 100mg Bilberry extract
Lightly sweetened with: Real fruit juice
Risk-free money back guarantee
Sustainably-harvested from: Tilapia fishes
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