Look Good

Collagen supplements – are they worth it?

We find out.

Written by High Life North
Published 13.03.2021

By Rebecca Redford

Collagen: what is it, and how can it benefit us? In recent years, collagen supplements have become quite the trend and their popularity only continues to grow with celebrities and wellness gurus promoting the various health benefits associated with the protein. But with so many different products so readily available to us now, how do we know which one to choose?

What is collagen?

Collagen is a protein that’s naturally produced in our bodies. It’s what keeps our fine lines at bay and the wrinkles away, helping us look younger – and who wouldn’t that, right? 75% of our skin is made up of collagen. And while it provides our skin with its elasticity, the older we get the more our natural collagen levels decline. From the age of 20, each year we (rather devastatingly) lose 1%.

Does it work?

We’d be lying if we said we weren’t at all curious to see if collagen supplements worked, so we’ve spoken with two local ladies who have been trying collagen different products on the market.

Alison Prangnell, 49, has been using a So Body Co collagen supplement for the last 16 months.

‘I started using collagen because my hair would moult heavily,’ she tells us. ‘As such, my hair was getting thin, particularly around the front. Also, my nails had always been weak and flaky.

‘Collagen has dramatically changed my hair. While my hair has always been fine, it’s now much thicker, and the shredding has reduced probably by 80%, (I’m not constantly using the hoover anymore, anyway!). Oddly, some of my hair is growing back dark instead of grey, and I’m now getting waves in my hair which has always been so straight – before it was almost impossible to get curls into it.

‘Skin-wise, while my complexion has always been pretty good, I think it does have more of a glow now, and any lines are fine and indistinguishable from a distance. I had a large, dry patch of eczema on my arm which has disappeared. My nails are now far stronger and less liable to break.’

What does the science say?

Due to the ongoing discussion of collagen over recent years, scientific studies have been conducted to find out the benefits of using collagen supplements. Now collagen has been scientifically proven to benefit the following:

  • Skin – it has the ability to improve your skin’s health
  • Joints – joint pain can be relieved
  • Strength – muscle mass could be boosted
  • Heart – encourages a healthy heart
  • Hair and nails – helps the growth of healthy hair and nails

 

 

What do other people say?

We also caught up with Joanne Scorer, 40, who has only started using a collagen supplement – the drinkable Herbalife Skin Collagen Booster – within the last three months.

‘A new product was launched by the company I represent, so I wanted to see the results for myself before selling it,’ Joanne says.

‘I have previously used botox and fillers on my fine lines, so I know the results I can get through those, but I wanted to see the results I could get from a drink. I’ve found it to be an especially great alternative with the beauty industry remaining closed due to COVID-19.

‘I have most certainly noticed a difference since using this product. There’s a notable difference in my fine lines and elasticity, and my skin feels much softer too. I certainly don’t feel like I’m desperate to have my usual botox and I’ve noticed a difference in the appearance of my cellulite.’

 

Where to start?

Here at High Life North, we’ve gathered together a list of some of the most highly-rated collagen supplements on the market right now, so that you can (hopefully!) get results fast.

COLLAGEN COMPLEX

Coming in at number one is Collagen Complex. Infused with six other natural ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, the combination works to give your body the optimal restoration it needs. These capsules are used to promote anything from healthy skin to a boost in your metabolism.

ABSOLUTE COLLAGEN

Next up we have Absolute Collagen. This liquid sachet means that you’re able to ingest the good stuff straight away – quick and easy for when you’re on the go. Made with marine collagen instilled with vitamin C, these sachets could be revitalising your skin before you know it. Our Editor Laura takes this one every day. 

VEGAN COLLAGEN SUPERFOOD

Finally, we have Vegan Collagen Superfood. This powdered supplement is to be used daily – all you have to do is simply add it to your favourite drink! Winning at the 2021 Beauty Shortlist Wellbeing Awards, this anti-ageing product would fit in perfectly to your daily beauty routine.

Other stories by High Life North
The Crown: Shop the style of Princess Diana’s iconic looks
29.11.2023

The Crown: Shop the style of Princess Diana’s iconic looks

High Life North
Laura Kingston editor High Life North autumn style staples
12.09.2023

The autumn staples our editor is buying right now

High Life North
The Watcher Naomi Watts fashion style
22.10.2022

The Watcher: Shop the style of Naomi Watts as Nora Brannock

High Life North
07.09.2022

How flowers are being used to tell stories of inspirational women and Durham’s history

High Life North
09.08.2022

Touch the rainbow, wear the rainbow! Colourful outfits perfect for holidays

High Life North
25.07.2022

Looking for summer nails ideas? Check out these six Newcastle nail salons (and beyond) for some inspo

High Life North