When you drink collagen, does it become collagen in the skin?

Collagen supplements are all the rage and becoming increasingly popular for their potential benefits to skin and joint health. Everywhere you look there is marketing and advertising shouting its benefits.

But have you ever wondered about the fate of collagen once it's ingested? Is there truth to the hype? 

When collagen is ingested, it undergoes a process of digestion and breakdown by enzymes in the digestive tract. These enzymes break down the larger collagen proteins into smaller peptides and amino acids, which can then be absorbed into the bloodstream and used by the body for various functions.

Specifically, the digestive enzymes break the collagen protein down into shorter chains of amino acids, known as peptides. These peptides are then further broken down into individual amino acids, which can be absorbed through the intestinal wall and transported to cells throughout the body.

Once these amino acids are inside the body, they can be used to build new collagen, or they can be used for other purposes, such as building muscle tissue or providing energy.

It's important to note that while some studies have suggested that consuming collagen supplements may have benefits for skin, joint, and bone health, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of collagen ingestion on the body.

In summary, when you consume collagen it is digested into smaller particles just like everything else we eat. Those amino acids are not used specifically for collagen, they are used wherever they are needed. 

WHAT CAN YOU DO TO SAFEGUARD YOUR COLLAGEN? 

There are several lifestyle habits that can help optimize the body's natural production of collagen, which is important for maintaining healthy skin. Here are some tips:

1. Eat a balanced diet: Consuming a diet rich in nutrients that are essential for collagen synthesis, such as vitamin C, zinc, and copper, can help support the body's natural production of collagen. Some foods that are high in these nutrients include citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, nuts, and seafood.

2. Protect your skin from sun damage: Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage collagen fibers in the skin, leading to premature aging and wrinkles. Protect your skin by wearing sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, seeking shade during peak sun hours, and wearing protective clothing.

3. Quit smoking: Smoking has been shown to reduce collagen production in the skin, leading to premature aging and wrinkles. Quitting smoking can help slow down this process and support healthy collagen production.

4. Stay hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helps keep skin hydrated, which is important for maintaining healthy collagen levels. Dehydrated skin is more prone to wrinkles and premature aging.

5. Exercise regularly: Regular exercise has been shown to stimulate collagen production in the skin, helping to maintain its elasticity and firmness.

6. Get enough sleep: Adequate sleep is essential for healthy skin and collagen production. During sleep, the body repairs and regenerates collagen fibers, so getting enough rest is important for maintaining healthy skin.

7. Use active skincare: Products such as Vitae Skin Renewal and Vitae Ageless Infinity Serum are full of ingredients scientifically shown to stimulate the production of collagen in our skin.