A Guide to Collagen Supplements: What Works & What Doesn’t
When it comes to taking collagen supplements, you want to be sure you’re investing in a product that will not only work but is also safe to consume.
Collagen supplements continue to grow in popularity, which poses a risk for those looking for smooth skin, long hair, and strong nails. Quick fixes, miracle pills, or unproven collagen supplements often make big promises only to prove expensive but ineffective. With so many articles and products out there, it can be challenging to know what to do. With this in mind, we’ve created a guide on collagen supplements. Making smarter decisions starts with understanding your options.
Oral Collagen Supplements
Oral collagen supplements are generally considered safe; however, many scientists, dieticians, and skin care specialists are skeptical about whether or not they can improve your collagen production. It’s also unlikely that oral collagen supplements will protect the collagen your body has already produced. That being said, oral collagen supplements provide your body with a source of protein — a benefit that you should consider.
You should also be aware that oral collagen supplements come from animal parts — fish, chickens, pigs, and cows processed for their collagen content. Something to consider is that these pieces of the animals can act like sponges for contaminants, heavy metals. When considering oral collagen supplements, make sure you choose the brand carefully.
What to look for:
Companies that list how they are keeping heavy metals out of their oral collagen supplements
Companies that list the animal products as cage-free, free-range, and antibiotic-free
Topical Collagen Supplements
Anecdotally, topical collagen supplements may help on a surface level or in wound healing (though you should consult your doctor). These products often will moisturize your skin — but the body can only absorb them so far. Many scientists, dieticians, and skin care specialists are skeptical that they increase collagen production or levels within your body. This is because collagen’s large molecular weight makes it difficult to penetrate the top layer of skin.
Your epidermis (top layer of your skin) is the body’s first layer of defense. By design, it is tough to penetrate down to the dermis (the mid-layer of skin where collagen is located). So, while topical collagen products may make your skin softer, it is likely due to the moisturizing elements of the product.
Biosil®: Not your average collagen supplement
Biosil® contains no actual collagen — it’s an entirely vegan product. Biosil® works to support your body as it produces collagen, giving it the building blocks it needs to create as much collagen as possible. Biosil® also protects existing collagen from degradation, which means your body does not have to work as hard to produce new collagen.
Biosil’s effectiveness is primarily due to a patented compound called ch-OSA®. ch-OSA® Activates the production of new proteins (like collagen, elastin, and keratin) by stimulating fibroblasts. A two-pronged approach, ch-OSA® directly protects the collagen and elastin your body already has and indirectly protects the keratin.†
What to look for:
- Read testimonials by others who have taken Biosil®
- Read the clinical trial results
When taking collagen supplements, the most important step before purchasing is to know what to expect. While we can’t speak to oral collagen supplements, Biosil® has measurable results you can see, feel and touch after 90 days.†
† These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any diseases.