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 They don't realize what they know is based on outdated collagen studies published a long time ago.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 Malaysia, 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 Malaysia
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:
Key differentiators: Superior ingredients, large amount of collagen
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.
Key differentiators: Comprehensive formulation, diverse supporting ingredients
Pros:
Antioxidant support with vitamins A, C & E
Cons:
Tablet form may be inconvenient for some people
Swisse Ultiboost Collagen Plus boasts a well-rounded formulation that includes collagen hydrolysate, hyaluronic acid, copper, beta-carotene, and vitamins C & E. This blend is designed to provide comprehensive nourishment and support for overall wellbeing.
The inclusion of Vitamin C plays a crucial role in collagen formation, contributing to the health and maintenance of connective tissues. Additionally, the antioxidant properties of vitamins A, C & E provide protection against oxidative stress by free radicals.
Key differentiators: Widely available online
Pros:
20g of Collagen per serving
Popular brand
No sugars and artificial flavorings
Widely available online
Contains Vitamin C & Hyaluronic Acid
Collagen Peptides by Vital Proteins is a high-quality powdered collagen supplement and is one of the more well-known brands in the market.
This type of collagen is soluble in hot or cold liquids, making it easy to mix in beverages like water, smoothies, and some even to their morning coffee.
The supplement from Vital Proteins contains grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine collagen that helps support healthy hair, skin, bones and joints. A scooper is included to measure 2 scoops of powder per serving - which contains 20g of Collagen Powder. The collagen powder is flavorless and free of gluten, dairy, and cholesterol.
It is also stated to contain high levels of Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid. However, some reviews have shown that the inclusions of these two are inconsistent.
This soluble collagen supplement is a good option that offers a good amount of collagen if you want your daily collagen intake to be mixed into your daily drinks or food.
Key differentiator: Popular, well-known brand
Pros:
Available in unflavored and flavored types
Contains Vitamin C
High dose of collagen per scoop
Neocell’s Collagen supplement contains 6g of collagen per serving. They utilize types 1 & 3 of collagen, and provide a keto-certified and gluten-free daily collagen supplement. Neocell uses hydrolyzed collagen that provides the body building blocks that aid in collagen formation.
According to their website, the suggested way of taking it is by dissolving and mixing it into your favorite beverages and taking it with an empty stomach. However, this format isn’t ideal for people who are on-the-go and have little time every morning to prepare a supplement.
Additionally, their product listing notes that this product may contain traces of sulfite residue - a chemical preservative.
Key differentiator: Healthy dose of Vitamin C
Pros:
Hydrolyzed collagen peptides
Contains daily dose of Vitamin C
Similar to the majority of collagen supplements in the market, Youtheory’s collagen capsules contains Vitamin C, which helps against the effects of aging and revitalizes skin, hair and nails.
This brand offers a gluten-free daily supplement, while using hydrolyzed collagen. Youtheory contains 6,000mg of collagen per serving, with 18 amino acids and highly absorbable peptides. However, adults require taking 6 capsules per day to ensure optimum daily collagen intake.
Customer feedback shows that this can get quite tedious. This is also not recommendable for those who have a hard time swallowing or taking supplements in pill or capsule format.
Buying The Best Collagen Supplement in Malaysia
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
