It’s one of the most common questions we get asked, so today we’re here to talk about the different types of collagen, and of course, we’ll delve into why you need to supplement with collagen in the first place. (Spoiler alert: it’s an anti-aging superhero!)
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It’s found in your tendons, ligaments, skin, muscles, bones, and blood vessels and literally holds everything together as it helps to make tissues strong and resilient.
Collagen is important for the skin as it helps to give it structure, thus keeping it firm and smooth whilst keeping fine lines and wrinkles at bay. It also speeds up cellular repair and regenerates skin tissue as you age. And we’re not done yet – collagen is also exceptionally good at rehydrating skin that needs a moisture boost. The result? You’ll notice a plump, dewy complexion that’ll last throughout the day.
Type 1 or Type III?
Although the body is made up of several different types of collagen, there are two main types for the skin, which may vary depending on the product.
- Type I: Occurs mostly in your skin, hair, and bones. It makes up 80-90% of your skin protein and is found in tendons and ligaments.
- Type III collagen: Mainly found in skin, blood vessels, and organs. It’s often found alongside type I collagen.
Collagen declines with age
While you’re born with an abundant supply of collagen, your levels naturally deteriorate with age. The exact rate at which you lose it can vary depending on a variety of factors, such as your genetics and lifestyle habits. However, research shows that on average, collagen production starts to deteriorate by 1- 1.5% per year from age 25.
This continues with aging and can be exacerbated by sun exposure, smoking, pollution, and processed foods packed with chemicals, additives, preservatives, and colorants. So, what this essentially means is that by age 40, your body would have slowed down its collagen production by about 30% compared to when you were in your 20s. No wonder your skin needs a little boost to keep those wrinkles at bay!
How will you take your collagen?
Some collagen supplements are made from animal sources, such as cows (bovine), while others are made from marine sources, such as fish or shellfish. There are also vegetarian collagen supplements made from plant-based sources.
Nowadays, the beauty wellness industry has come up with some fun and interesting ways to take collagen including:
- Pills
- Powder
- Gummies (sweets)
- Bars
- Liquid drinks
- Concentrated shot drinks
So, which type of collagen is best?
While they all have their pros and cons, microbiologist Mario Van Biljon says bovine collagen contains both Type I and Type III collagen - both of which are found extensively in the human body. As a result, bovine collagen is easily recognised and absorbed by the body. Additionally, bovine collagen is thought to be tolerated better by those who have digestive issues, as it’s rich in Type III which is present in the gut.
A note on powder: At Tululla, we wanted to include the right combination of beauty-loving vitamins in the right quantities to make up the best quality hydrolyzed collagen on the market. We could also pack a higher concentration of collagen as well as collagen-boosting vitamins into our powder formulation – giving you more bang for your buck per scoop.
A double dose of collagen
We’ve made sure to include plenty of collagen boosters in our beauty infused COLLAGEN formulation too. Did you know that vitamin A along with zinc and vitamin C stimulates collagen production in the body? Vitamin E is also a potent antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from damage, which means collagen levels are maintained. Essentially, you’re not only getting a good dose of hydrolyzed collagen in every scoop, but you’re also stimulating your body’s own collagen production with the right combination of vitamins. Bonus!
Plus, there’s no doubt that collagen powders are super convenient as they can be easily mixed into drinks or added to food. See our Made With Love section for creative (and delicious ways) to enjoy your beauty infused COLLAGEN