What is collagen?
Collagen is the highest occurring fibrous protein within the human body. The main component of the body's connective tissue, it bonds cells together giving skin its youthfulness and elasticity. Studies demonstrate that collagen production starts to decline in our mid 20s and continues to decrease significantly as we grow older resulting in the thinning and sagging of skin as well as a dull complexion.
Why drink it?
A study published by the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology shows that participants who incorporated a collagen peptide drink into their daily beauty regime improved the appearance of their skin in as little as eight weeks. The collagen density levels within their skin also increased significantly. Ingestible collagen products originated in Asia where brands like Shiseido have been producing collagen powders and drinks for many years. Western cosmetic companies have caught on and there are now a vast variety of companies which produce collagen drinks. The body absorbs collagen most effectively when it is ingested rather than applying it topically or injecting, providing the body with the nutrients it needs to create and repair its connective tissues. Flooding the skin with collagen internally stimulates and kick starts collagen formation. The collagen in most ingestible drinks is actually derived from fish scales and then blended with natural ingredients to make the taste slightly more palatable, there are also some plant-based collagen drinks available such as Fountain's The Phyto-Collagen Molecule formula.