Skin

Collagen Supplements – Why are they important?

Collagen supplements are popping up everywhere, with companies sticking their own labels on products that are mass produced under poor health and safety conditions in Asia. They often contain the wrong contain collagen and very little in the way of active or effective ingredients and no scientific evidence behind them. So what is the real truth behind collagen supplementation?

We lose 1-2% of our collagen every year from the age of 25 and even more when women hit the menopause. Skinade has been been available since 2012 and is an at home, medical grade supplement that gives your body the building blocks it needs to stimulate your fibroblast cells to produce collagen and hyaluronic acid causing changes in the skin, bones, hair and nails. Use daily for 90 days then just every other day for maintenance.

Is all collagen the same? Skinade contains 7000mg of type I and III collagen peptides (there are actually 14 types, but I and III are the effective ones for the skin). Skinade’s collagen is hydrolysed; carefully broken down from a molecular weight of 300kDal to just 2kDal making Skinade unique in that it is 100% in solution,  ensuring 90% to 95% absorption (tablets and gloopy pastes also hang around in the stomach and are damaged by stomach acids). This level of bioavailability can never be matched by tablets or powders suspended in liquid. NB increasing collagen levels beyond 7000mg does not increase efficacy, so if a company is pushing the amount of collagen in their product this is a clear sign that they will not be understanding their product. It is also important to note that collagen peptides are only able to function when combined with appropriate levels of the catalyst calcium sorbate (PH neutral vitamin C, not ascorbic acid, the cheaper version that is not absorbed as well). Skinade contains 450% RDA Vit C calcium sorbate in every bottle.

Where does collagen come from? There are many sources from animals and fish. Skinade uses freshwater fish from a reputable European source because salt water can cause mercury contamination and high levels of sodium. Vietnam and Asia do not have strict food manufacturing conditions and do not yield high levels of hydroxyproline which is the peptide that stimulates the body’s fibroblasts to produce collagen and hyaluronic acid. Think of the skin as a mattress; the collagen are the coil springs and the hyaluronic acid is the stuffing in between). This is why ‘amount of collagen’ in a product does not equal ‘results’.

Do men need a different supplement to women? No, this is a marketing ploy.

Why do some companies put hyaluronic acid in their supplement? Hyaluronic acid is a real buzz word in the industry but I am afraid there is no evidence that ingesting Ha gets it into the skin.

Skinade is a ‘treatment in a bottle’ and here’s why:

‘In-clinic’ collagen stimulating treatments cause a cascade of reactions which tell your body to repair itself and create collagen and elastin, thus reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It has been proven that Skinade on its own can do this.

The full list of ingredients are:
– Vitamins B1 ,2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9  & 12 to promote all cellular functions, making all cells efficient, reactive and ‘fit’
– Vitamin C -calcium sorbate NOT ascorbic
– Hydrolysed marine collagen
– MSM – a sulphur containing element used for joint health and connective tissue repair
– L-lysine an essential amino acid to bind the new collagen to your existing collagen and also aids calcium absorption and promotes bone and connective tissue repair
– Flaxseed oil to normalise sebum production in oily and dry skin. It also reduces inflammation and helps prevent cancer and improves heart function
– Omega 3 and 6 to assist brain function, help stimulate skin and hair growth, maintain bone health, regulate metabolism and maintain the reproductive system

Skinade has a delicate fruity taste and is lovely to drink straight from the fridge. It’s recommended to take Skinned first thing in the morning, before food and must be at least 30 minutes before or after caffeine . A month’s supply is £128.50 and we can deliver this to your door free of charge. After 90 days, you can drop down to one every other day. Skinade is also available in travel sachets.