Let’s answer the million dollar question.
Video by: Dr. Andrea Suarez
What if there was a natural miracle way to delay skin aging? Collagen supplements might be the closest thing we have to that. Nevertheless, there are still many who insist collagen doesn't work. They don't realize what they know is based on outdated collagen studies published a long time ago.
In recent years, scientists have released new, promising research on collagen. That includes the biggest scientific review on collagen the industry has ever seen.
Keep reading to learn the latest insights about collagen and its biggest misconceptions. We recommend the 5 best collagen supplements in Australia, based on these findings.
Why Do We Need Collagen?
Healthy collagen is the picture of youth. Not only does it provide the bouncy structural support and stretchy connective tissues in skin. It keeps your joints lubricated and flexible. So you can jump, run and bend your knees with ease.
Unfortunately, the body naturally loses healthy collagen as we age. Collagen becomes sparse and stiff. The result is sagging, wrinkles, and fragile skin. Not to mention painful joints!
Collagen contributes to your skin's youthful look.
Image credit: Taste For Life
Pollutants and sun exposure are also collagen's enemies. They activate enzymes that “chew up” healthy collagen – accelerating your skin's decline.
This man’s face is more wrinkled on his left side, due to sun exposure.
Image Credit: New England Journal of Medicine
Collagen Supplements Are NOT Actually Collagen
Contrary to popular belief, collagen supplements are actually something else: Hydrolyzed collagen peptides.
This is a special form of collagen taken from cows, pigs or fish, and broken down into tiny pieces. The process used is hydrolyzation.
These collagen peptides are so small they can travel through your digestive system. Thereafter, they can enter your bloodstream, and finally end up in your skin. That's where they work their "magic".
So What’s The Latest Collagen Research?
The most significant research published so far is this:
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 19 double-blind, randomized controlled trials. They examined the effects of taking hydrolyzed collagen supplements on the skin. Best of all, it covered a total of 1,125 participants. This is considered a relatively huge review – after all, most papers before only focused on a small number of people.
In short: The findings are groundbreaking in the field of collagen research.
Here’s what the researchers found…
✅ Consume 2.5g to 5g of hydrolyzed collagen
Most trials observed skin benefits when participants consumed at least 2.5 - 5 grams of hydrolyzed collagen everyday.
Takeaway: Look at the ingredients list of your collagen supplement. Ensure it contains at least 2.5g of hydrolyzed collagen, or aim for 5g for even better results.
✅ Supplement daily for a minimum of 60-90 days.
Most trials reported skin benefits appearing around the 60-day and 90-day mark. They noticed these benefits continued for 30 days, even after stopping the experiment.
Takeaway: Do not "give up" on the supplement before 60-90 days are up, even if you don't notice a difference yet.
✅ Collagen supplements do have skin anti-aging benefits.
Finally, after meeting the above criteria, the majority of trials measured improvements in:
Healthy collagen levels
Skin hydration
Skin elasticity
Reduced wrinkles
Changes were more obvious in skin that's exposed to environmental pollutants and sun.
Takeaway: The right collagen supplement can help delay skin aging.
3 Major Misconceptions About Collagen
❌ Collagen Products Sold In Stores Are Regulated & Proven
TRUTH: Dietary supplements are not held to the same standards as medication. So you must practice caution, even for products sold in retail stores. The best supplements have a third-party certification. It means they had an impartial, independent lab verify their product’s claims.
❌ Bone Broth/Collagen Soup Is As Good As A Collagen Supplement.
TRUTH: The collagen in such soups is mainly gelatin, not hydrolyzed collagen peptides. Gelatin molecules are too large to be absorbed efficiently. Plus the amount of collagen in soup is insufficient compared to a supplement.
❌ Collagen Supplementation Alone Is Enough
TRUTH: Your skin actually requires vitamin C to “make” healthy collagen. The vitamin donates enzymes to peptides, which transforms into healthy collagen. It's recommended to take a daily dose of ~100 mg of vitamin C.
Do Collagen Supplements Really Work?
Yes, they do, according to the latest studies. But not all collagen supplements are effective.
To observe the anti-aging skin benefits, the updated research recommends you:
Consume between 2.5g - 5g of hydrolyzed collagen a day
Take 100mg vitamin C a day
Keep it up for at least 60 - 90 days
If you’ve been wanting to try collagen supplements, now you know how to look for the right one and how to take it!
Top 5 Collagen Supplements in Australia
At Superfood Reviews, we’ve conducted comprehensive and thorough research to shortlist the best collagen supplements in the market. We’ve 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.
Pros:
Marine collagen peptides
Heat stable
Sustainably sourced
No unnecessary ingredients or additives
Widely available online
Positive feedback from readers
Cons:
Non-branded marine collagen source
No complimentary ingredients such as Vitamin C
Can be pricey
BOTTOMLINE:
Marine collagen powder by Vida Glow is a high-quality powdered collagen supplement from a reputable brand.
Their powder contains strictly marine collagen without any other added ingredients, and as it is tasteless, it can be added to your daily drinks, making regular consumption very convenient.
We do like the fact that Vida Glow has focused on providing just a no-frills high-quality collagen powder, without unnecessary additives. While Vida Glow does have a subscription option that allows you to save some money per order, their absolute price of 140 AUD may be a barrier for some customers.
This is a good option with a good amount of collagen per 2 servings, and can be your go-to daily collagen supplement if you are able to add it to your morning coffee or smoothie. As research has shown that drinks typically have a higher absorption rate than powders, we would typically recommend a collagen drink (rather than a collagen powder) as the preferred form factor however.
Pros:
Marine collagen peptides
Heat stable
Sustainably sourced
No unnecessary ingredients or additives
Widely available online
Positive feedback from readers
Cons:
Non-branded marine collagen source
May include some unnecessary ingredients
Includes stevia
BOTTOMLINE:
JS health has produced a collagen powder which also doubles up as helping to boost your vitality through a number of interesting ingredients that they have added to their offering. Not only is it marketed as helping your skin, but it also supports energy production and relieves digestive discomfort.
While our team are not huge fans of all-in-one powders that claim to treat a large number of things at the same time, the Vitality X + Collagen powder from JS health does include a number of ingredients that are believed to increase vitality. For example, they have added Turmeric and also Siberian Ginseng, which are ingredients not commonly found with collagen supplements.
In addition, JS health has also added Vitamin C in their product, which is always something we like to see as we consider it complementary to a collagen supplement.
While each tub only gives a moderate amount of marine collagen, this product would be a good option for those who are looking for not only the benefits of collagen, but also for an increase in energy throughout the day.
Pros:
Convenient tablet form
Affordable
Contains Vitamin C and E
Cons:
Uses generic collagen - no information on collagen type
Not much information online about their processing standards
BOTTOMLINE:
Collagen Boost & Glow by Centrum is the only collagen supplement in tablet form on our list. While tablets as a form factor may be less effective than drinks, we feel that this offering by Centrum does provide a good option for customers who value convenience above all.
While each tablet does not have a large amount of collagen (1000mg), they do include a small amount of Vitamin C (100mg) which we feel is a good, complimentary ingredient.
Even though there are a decently large number of customers who give centrum a good review, we feel that because they do not provide enough information about their collagen source, it may not be the best option out there.
However, for those who are on a budget and would like to try collagen supplements for the first time, this could be the go-to option.
Pros:
Large amount of collagen per serving
Contains camu camu extract
Uses “branded” collagen
Cons:
Bovine collagen sources
Regular feedback of container being half full
BOTTOMLINE:
Collagen Beauty by Nutra Organics is a collagen powder supplement made from bovine sources from Brazil and Germany.
Due to this usage of bovine collagen, they are able to provide a whopping 10g of collagen in every serve, compared to the average of 3g for typical marine collagen products. Nutra Organics are able to do this as collagen supplements formulated with bovine collagen are cheaper to manufacture.
While the brand states that there is no large difference between bovine and marine collagen sources, and it is more so due to the process in which they are treated, we feel that there has been enough research to show that marine collagen is more effective in terms of quality and bioavailability.
We would recommend this option only for customers who are on a budget and would like to try collagen for the first time. Additionally, we would recommend switching to a collagen supplement that utilizes collagen from marine sources after that.
Buying The Best Collagen Supplement in Australia
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
