I can’t think of any other health trend that is as big as collagen supplements in Singapore. Every time I walk into a pharmacy or beauty store, I see dozens of anti-ageing products in rows, each promising to rid your face of fine lines and wrinkles to reveal younger-looking skin. Most of these products boast collagen as their primary ingredient.
If I were being honest, I resisted this fad at first. The fact that this beauty ingredient can be found in all sorts of products—collagen drinks, capsules, creams, etc.—weirded me out a little bit. But, I eventually gave in by ordering Avalon, a recommended brand for collagen supplements in Singapore.
I have so many questions answered through careful research online that this blog post just begs to be written. So, here it goes.
What is Collagen, Anyway?
Collagen is actually a type of protein that our body produces in high amounts. It gives our skin elasticity while keeping it supple and firm. However, as we age, the collagen that our body produces declines. This contributes to our skin ageing, causing fine lines and wrinkles.
The concept of taking collagen supplements for beauty has swept the world by storm. It has caught the attention of celebrities and beauty enthusiasts and the world can now follow suit, thanks to the availability of collagen powders, pills, and topical products.
I wonder where this miracle ingredient comes from and I found out that the majority of collagen products are derived from animal parts that are normally discarded: bones, skin, fish scales, and connective tissue from eggshells, fish, cows, and chickens.
As it turns out, our ancestors have long realised their benefits thus, have used them for homemade bone broths and stocks. But, as we typically discard them today, it makes more sense to get them concentrated in supplements instead.
But, it’s not the only reason why we should turn to supplements to get our collagen fix.
Why Should You Take Collagen Supplements?
Collagen in its true form is a large particle that is not easily absorbed by the body. Therefore, simply eating collagen-rich foods such as bone broth won’t cut it. But, with collagen supplements, the collagen is broken down into small particles called hydrolysed collagen, which is easily absorbed by the body. It makes the amino acids more bioavailable or easier to absorb.
With all these said, we move on to discussing the benefits of collagen supplements.
Benefits of Collagen Supplements
Better Skin Health
As earlier said, collagen supplements can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles. I learned that it doesn’t directly add collagen to our skin but instead, increases collagen production. But, another benefit of collagen to the skin is that it also promotes healing. Such healing properties are attributed to collagen’s ability to improve skin elasticity and hydration.
Healthier Hair & Nails
Hair and nails are primarily made of keratin, which is a type of protein. Taking a collagen supplement provides the body with protein that serves as the building blocks to support keratin production, resulting in stronger hair and nails. Therefore, if you have brittle nails, you can take collagen to make it stronger.
Protects Joints
The cartilage between your joints serves as a cushion. But, as we age, this cushioning effect can be compromised particularly if you have arthritis. The good news, however, is that supplementing with collagen can have a protective effect on the cartilage, providing relief for joint pain.
Strengthening Bones
It’s not only the cartilage that becomes affected as we age but bones as well. Diminishing bone density can lead to osteoporosis, which is common in both men and women. In a study, women who took at least 5 grams of collagen peptides daily showed improvement in bone production and slowed down bone degradation after 12 months.
How Do You Find the Right Collagen Supplement?
While the benefits of collagen supplement abound, the question is which collagen supplement to take? You see, not all collagen products in Singapore are created equal, particularly when the industry is not well regulated with regards to supplement. Although it’s the case, there are some points that should help you with the decision.
• Opt for supplements with collagen peptides, hydrolysed collagen, or collagen hydrolysate. These labels indicate that the protein has been broken down to improve its bioavailability.
• Look for certifications that can indicate that the collagen product has met certain quality and sanitation standards.
What I am currently taking is the collagen powder supplements from Avalon, a beauty brand in Singapore. My current favourite is the Avalon DewyPure Collagen Peptide which contains skin-perfecting ingredients such as ceramide, marine collagen peptide, probiotic complex, and vitamin C.
I would happily recommend it to anyone. But, I’m pretty sure they would love to try other Avalon products too.
