Nohe last years the collagen has become one of the most discussed protagonists in the world of beauty, thanks to the growing interest in everything that it promises more elastic, compact and luminous skin. But how does it really work and why are more and more experts considering it an ally to include in their daily routine? Scientific research has made significant strides in clarifying the role of collagen peptides, the real benefits on the body and why the hydrolyzed liquid formulation appears to be the most bioavailable and effective today. Word to the experts.
Collagen: why it is important for beauty
«Collagen is the main structural protein of the human body. It constitutes approximately 30% of the total protein mass and represents the “scaffold” that supports skin, muscles, bones, tendons, cartilage and blood vessels. In the dermis, fibroblasts produce collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid, fundamental for the elasticity, firmness and luminosity of the skin” begins to explain Tony Sanguinetti, CEO of Minerva Research Labs.
«As time passes, natural collagen production decreases, leading to wrinkles, loss of elasticity and other signs of aging. Starting from around 20-25 years of age, 1.5% of collagen is progressively lost every year, and during menopause, collagen loss accelerates significantly until it doubles.”
An incorrect diet, smoking, alcohol, stress, pollution and UV rays accelerate oxidative stress and hinder the natural regeneration of collagen. «Its reduction makes the skin less elastic, toned and compact, promoting thinning and wrinkles. This is why stimulating and restoring collagen is essential to keeping skin young and healthy for longerslowing down the signs of aging” continues the expert.
Drinking collagen supplements: how they work
«Collagen has a molecular weight of around 300 kDa: too high to be absorbed as it is, it must therefore be hydrolyzed into smaller peptides in order to be assimilated correctly. Collagen peptides, after intestinal enzymatic hydrolysis, are transported via carriers such as PEPT1stimulating fibroblasts to produce new endogenous collagen.”
“The liquid format guarantees faster absorption on average (about 20 minutes)while solids take hours. Furthermore, integrating collagen with antioxidants such as Vitamin C and other nutrients in the diet is very important to stay young, healthy and fit” continues Tony Sanguinetti.
Capsules, powder or liquid: what changes?
«The difference between the various forms of collagen mainly concerns bioavailability, practicality and speed of absorption. Liquid formulations – like those of Gold Collagen – are generally the most performing because the peptides are already dissolved and ready to be assimilated, ensuring faster and more effective assimilation. Furthermore, they allow you to easily integrate synergistic ingredients such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and antioxidants, making the product more complete from a dermatological point of view.”
“The powders remain a versatile solution, to be dissolved in water or other drinksbut their effectiveness depends a lot on the quality of the hydrolysis and they often offer a lower content of additional active ingredients. Capsules are the most convenient to takebut the small space limits the amount of collagen and nutrients present, with generally slower absorption.
Overall, when the objective is to promote the well-being of the skin and obtain visible results, the liquid form confirms itself as the most bioavailable and complete choice» continues the Professor Andrea Corbo, MedicalSpa dermatologist in Rome.
The skincare ingredients to combine with the supplements
«The ingredients that work best in synergy with the Collagen peptides are those that support its production and protect the skin from oxidative stress. There vitamin C is essential because it stimulates collagen synthesis, while thehyaluronic acid helps maintain hydration and volume, amplifying the plumping effect.
Copper and zinc play a key role in tissue repair processes, while the antioxidants – from resveratrol to coenzyme Q10 to polyphenols – defend collagen fibers from damage caused by free radicals.
How to combine them with other supplements
«There are no ingredients to avoid in an absolute sense, but it is important do not accumulate supplements with the same micronutrients to avoid risking an excess. Pay attention to formulations containing personal allergens and to your own clinical situation: those who follow specific therapies should always consult a doctor before introducing new active ingredients or supplements into their routine” continues the professor Corbo.
The benefits for skin and hair
«A particularly interesting aspect of collagen intake concerns the speed with which hair and nails respond to the new protein support. Being skin appendages, they react much earlier than the skin and show improvements already after 20-30 days: hair appears stronger, shinier and less prone to breakage, while nails become thicker, more resistant and less prone to flaking.”
«The skin follows with more physiological times, showing improved hydration after approximately 3-4 weeks, an increase in elasticity and tone between 6 and 8 weeks and a more even and smoother appearance within 8-12 weeks» adds the professor Corbo.
When to start
“In the end, there is no minimum age to take collagensince it is a protein already produced naturally by our body. However, its synthesis begins to decline around the age of 25, and it is from this stage that integration can become useful from a preventative perspective. In general, collagen-based supplements are well tolerated and suitable for a very broad adult audience.”
«However, they remain not recommended in the presence of known allergies to the ingredients, particular clinical conditions or during pregnancy and breastfeeding without the advice of a doctor. Even those who follow diets that exclude specific components should evaluate their intake with a professional” concludes the expert.