Learn how Collagen Drinks Work

The story of the Fountain of Youth has been around for thousands of years.  It’s said that the fountain has the power to restore youth to anyone who drinks from it or bathes in its waters.  In fact, Ponce de Leon is said to have found the fountain in the 1500s when he traveled to the area that is now Florida. While the Fountain of Youth may, or may not exist, businesses are constantly striving to introduce and sell new products to help customers retain their youthful look.  In the past, a facelift was a popular method for patients to remain youthful in appearance. One of the latest trends in the beauty field that claims to help the skin remain smooth is collagen drinks.

Collagen Drinks Provide Smooth Skin

Collagen is a protein that occurs naturally and helps to keep skin looking smooth.  In fact, collagen is the most abundant protein in the body.  It’s part of the connective tissue that binds bones, organs, arteries and muscles.  Less collagen is produced by the body as people get older.  Since there is less collagen being produced, the skin gains more wrinkles and has greater overall dryness.

After gaining popularity in the United Kingdom, the trend of collagen drinks is making its way to the United States.  The manufacturers of the drinks claim they boost the body’s natural collagen production.  The daily supplement drinks are available in bottles, shots and powders.  They can also be stirred into other beverages.

The various collagen drinks on the market contain a variety of ingredients so no two versions of the product are the same.  Many of the collagen drinks contain a form of collagen normally sourced from fresh water.  This marine form of collagen is low in sodium and also contains Vitamin C (a vitamin that is essential to the natural production of collagen). Other ingredients found in many collagen drinks include antioxidants and amino acids and hyaluronic acid (a binding and protective agent).

Benefits of Collagen Drinks

While the scientific community is not completely sold on the drinks, there are many who claim to see a variety of benefits from the collagen drinks including tighter pores, finer and smoother skin, fewer wrinkles, better skin moisture and less facial lines. Collagen is composed of long-chain proteins and ingesting collagen powder lets the digestive system convert the proteins into amino acids.  After being absorbed, the amino acids begin to support the production of collagen throughout the body.  The collagen produced through this method can help skin look smoother along with having fewer wrinkles and less dry skin.

Do Collagen Drinks Work

Many experts advise that collagen drinks are not the answer to smoother, more youthful-looking skin.  According to Katie Rodan, MD, who is a cosmetic dermatologist in Oakland, “Your body will break it down and use it for energy. Digestive enzymes are powerful, so the collagen won’t be absorbed into your bloodstream, meaning they won’t make it to your skin.”

Dr. Rodan suggests the use of tretinoin to help women increase their collagen levels.  Tretinoin is a derivative of vitamin A and is also used to treat acne.  It penetrates deep into the skin which is helpful for collagen production since collagen is found underneath the epidermis.

As noted above, there are some experts in the medical community that don’t support the use of collagen drinks.  There are others who say the drinks may help create thicker hair and healthier nails as well as lessen scars and wounds and even reduce inflammation in the body.  While more research is necessary before these claims can be validated, there is a large majority of believers in collagen drinks.

It’s easy to give the drinks a try.  They can be ordered through a variety of websites and are normally sold with a month’s supply of the product at a time.  Please consult with a board-certified doctor before making the final decision about whether or not to try a collagen drink.

Once the collagen drink enters the body, the nutrients are absorbed into the bloodstream faster than any topical remedy. As the collagen drink works its way through the body, the collagen peptides stimulate fibroblasts in the skin to trick the collagen in the body of the person into becoming more active.

For the best absorption of the collagen, it’s advised to take a collagen supplement one hour before or after food at any time of the day. This schedule should continue for 8-9 weeks to get the best results. After this, a person can have a collagen drink whenever it fits into their schedule.

Skeptics of Collagen Drinks

Those who are skeptical about collagen supplements claim that the benefits of collagen drinks never really reach the skin. That's because, as collagen is a protein, it is broken down in the gut during digestion.

This is the major concern pointed out by critics of the treatment. It doesn't pose any significant health risks or concerns so, other than the fact that it might not work, patients have nothing to fear.

Collagen drinks are a lifestyle choice and, if they have no benefit at all to consumers, they don't have to consume them on a regular basis.