So what is collagen?

In many ways, collagen is our bodies' unsung hero. That protein is what keeps everything together. Consider it as your skin's, bones', muscles', tendons', and ligaments' scaffolding. It maintains the elasticity of your skin, the strength of your bones, the smooth movement of your muscles and joints.

Over the years, collagen has become one of the most talked about beauty ingredients on the market and is well known for its plumping and age-defying benefits, but the benefits of collagen are much more than skin deep. 

Why is it so important?

Collagen is the most abundant structural protein found in the human body, playing a vital role in:

• Maintaining skin elasticity, supporting firm, youthful-looking skin.
• Added bone strength
• Promoting quicker recovery and muscle strength.
• Maintaining painless and flexible joints.
• Quickening the healing process after an injury.

The natural production of collagen decreases with age which is why the development of fine lines, hair loss, joint pain and muscle deterioration accelerates in the later years of life. 

Collagen Types

Note that collagen isn’t just one thing. There are different types, each with its own job:

• Type I: Found in skin, bones, and tendons. It’s the most abundant and strong.
• Type II: Makes up the cartilage in your joints.
• Type III: Supports the structure of muscles, organs, and arteries.
• Hydrolysed collagen: Hydrolysed collagen is still collagen, but the process of hydrolysis breaks down the molecules into smaller bits. This can aid digestion.

Collagen makes up approximately 70-80% of the skin’s structure, contributing to its elasticity, firmness, overall health and radiance. Our skin is primarily made up of Type 1 Collagen, followed by Type 3 Collagen, Elastin, Hyaluronic Acid and specialised cells known as ‘Fibroblasts”, which work to synthesise new collagen production.

Benefits of Collagen

Taking collagen has some pretty sweet perks:

• Helps reduce wrinkles and keeps your skin "glowing".
• Less pain and more mobility in your joints!
• Contributes to lean muscle mass and strength.
• Overall Wellness: Supports your gut health, hair, and nails too!

Where Does Collagen Come From?

A combination of healthy living and choosing a collagen supplement or snack that contains ingredients that encourage our body’s natural production and synthesis of collagen is super important for the maintenance of healthy skin, hair and nails. 

You can get collagen from food and supplements. Here’s where to find it:

Natural Sources:

• Bone broth
• Chicken skin
• Fish skin
• Egg whites

Supplements:

• Collagen peptides (powder)
• Collagen snack bars
• Collagen capsules
• Liquid collagen

Here’s where Beauty Bites come in handy, they are filled with 3.8g of collagen per serve, plus Vitamin C + E, one billion Probiotics and they’re 100% natural, gluten free and super low in sugar.

Collagen Production and Ageing

Ageing causes our bodies to produce less collagen at a rate of about 2.5% per year starting from around the age of 25. 

Joint stiffness, weaker bones, and wrinkles follow from this. But don't worry, you can boost collagen production:

• Include the above-listed food sources in your diet and consider delicious supplements like our Beauty Bites and our Hydrolised Collagen Peptides.
• Collagen is produced by your body in part by vitamin C. Incorporate strawberries and citrous fruits into your diet.
• Maintain an active lifestyle, give up smoking, and be sure to protect your skin from the Aussie sun!

Collagen FAQs

Should anyone not take collagen?

Collagen is safe, but if you have allergies to fish or eggs, be cautious with supplements. Ask your doctor for advice if you are concerned.

Are there side effects of taking collagen?

Some people might experience mild digestive issues, but it's rare.

What is the main function of collagen?

To provide structure, strength, and elasticity to your skin, bones, muscles, and connective tissues.

What are the symptoms of a lack of collagen?

Wrinkles, sagging skin, brittle bones, and joint pain.