Let's talk collagen supplements. Should we be taking a collagen supplement regularly? What exactly do collagen supplements do? And, crucially, will collagen supplements give us glowing skin? Now, more than ever, there's big business in collagen supplements, but do they really work?
Renowned nutritionist Rose Ferguson thinks so: 'I take collagen, but I think of it more as an all-around body helper as opposed to a skin-specific supplement. I like powder forms of collagen best. If you're a bone broth person, which is a great source of collagen, then great, but when it comes to taking collagen every day I prefer to use a powder supplement. I like Puori Pure Collagen Peptides, £29.99. I do believe with things like collagen, be careful where you get it from and get a really good quality one. There are vegan forms of collagen out there too.'
Jennifer Aniston Adds Collagen To Her Coffee
One person who certainly believes in the benefits of collagen supplements so much she takes it daily is Jennifer Aniston, who even puts collagen powder in her morning coffee.
Considering that she has access to some of the best skincare specialists, nutritionists and collagen supplements in the business we're more than prepared to give her opinion a hefty dose of credence. You only have to look at her glowing skin right?
Oh and newsflash! THE collagen powder that Jennifer Aniston uses is available to buy in Boots and on Cult Beauty! A-list supplements just got accessible. So are collagen supplements her secret?
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Here's How Jennifer Aniston Uses Collagen Supplements
Jennifer Aniston recently announced that she had been appointed Chief Creative Officer of Vital Proteins, a supplements brand that Jen has been using for years. The brand themselves revealed on their own Instagram post that celebrated their new A-list team member that Jennifer Aniston drinks their renowned collagen supplement in her coffee. They wrote: 'The secret's out! We're so excited to have Jen on board as our hew Chief Creative Officer.
Jennifer Aniston drinks collagen in her coffee!
'She's been using our collagen in her coffee and smoothies for years and it's about time she let the world know that wellness starts from within.' Let's recap that quickly. Jennifer Aniston drinks collagen in her coffee! We like coffee, we want Jennifer Aniston levels of glow, should we be doing the same? It's time we asked the experts.
The Skin Expert's Take
Award winning celebrity facialist and aesthetician and founder of D.Thomas Clinic Debbie Thomas says that the emphasis, when it comes to collagen supplements, should be on the quality of the collagen supplement you choose.
The quality of the collagen supplement does make a big difference
'There is evidence that taking collagen supplements helps you to make more of your own collagen, however the quality of the collagen supplement does make a big difference. Collagen supplements were first used to aid muscular and skeletal recovery from injury or surgery. Some people while taking these supplements noticed other side effects like joints becoming more supple, reduction of vaginal dryness and some skin improvements. So skin supplements containIng collagen has become a 'thing' for a reason.'
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Other celebrities like Rochelle Humes and Millie Mackintosh are into their collagen supplements. Both have extolled the virtues of the Vitality X+ Collagen Powder, from founder, Jessica Sepel, a qualified nutritionist. Any scientific claims made in Australia must be backed by thorough evidence, and Sepel's products meet all the quotas.
SHOP: The Best Collagen Supplements
The Best Collagen Supplements Grazia
1 of 11Vital Proteins, Collagen Peptides, Unflavoured, £22.49
This is the stuff Jennifer Aniston adds to her coffees and smoothies so it's got to be good right? She's so enthusastic about the brand that she's become their Chief Creative Officer. The powder is available at Boots and also at Cult Beauty.
2 of 11Arella Vegan Collagen
If you're looking for a little bit of a change in your supplements, try these sachets of liquid that are filled with all the collagen goodness you could need. Including hyaluronic acid, retinol, vitamin C and B vitamins, everything you need is in there for one a day.
3 of 11JSHealth Vitality x Collagen Powder 180g
Founded by Jessica Sepel, a qualified nutritionist, JSHealth's offering is sustainably sourced marine collagen powder, derived from 100% pure cod skin.
Tried & Tested by Deputy Commercial Content Editor, Natalie Corner: 'I've seen Rochelle Humes pop a 6g scoop of this in her green tea in the mornings and rave about how good it is. So I wanted to see what the fuss was about. Firstly I followed a great tip from Rochelle who adds it to her green tea in the morning, it adds a fruity kick. I tried it in cold water but it didn't seem to dissolve as easily and left a powdery aftertaste, however I'd say it works best in porridge. After using it for almost a month I noticed less shedding of my hair and brightness when it came to my skin. I'm going to continue taking it.'
4 of 11Absolute Collagen's Original Lemon Marine Collagen Oral Supplement, from £26.99
Absolute Collagen's Original Lemon Marine Collagen Oral Supplement comes in handy sachets that are great for either adding to your morning beverage - we recommend smoothies or stirring into a hot lemon and water - or drinking on the go. They offer 8000mg of hydrolysed collagen - small enough to filter through to your blood stream and reach the parts of your body that need it - per dose.
5 of 11Beauty Pie Concentrated Pure Marine Collagen W/ Biotin & Vitamin C, 21 Servings, £100 (£28.82 for members)
Beauty Pie have put a lot of research into their collagen supplement. In a randomized, double-blind placebo, controlled and ex vivo study, a 10g daily dose (one scoop) increased skin moisture by 28% after 8 weeks and decreased collagen fragmentation by 31% after 12 weeks. That's a lot to take in but think plumper, dewier skin in the long run. It's pricey for non-members but if you're a Beauty Pie member already it's a no-brainer. Oh and the flavour? A hint of strawberry.
6 of 11The Beauty Chef Collagen Inner Beauty Boost, £18
This is a vegan elixir that works to plump your skin whilst nourishing your gut too. With the delicious taste of wild berries, what's not to love?!
7 of 11The Nue Co Skin Hydrator, £30
The Nue Co is changing up our approach to health with supplements that are easy to integrate into your health regime and have noticeable results. Like collagen, lipids begin to deplete as we age. The Nue Co.'s Skin Hydrator is excellent for prolonging your skin's equilibrium. This blend of hydrating hyaluronic acid, aloe vera and hydrolysed bovine collagen works to repair the skin's defences by locking in the moisture that helps strengthen its collagen framework - leaving you with radiant, glowing skin.
8 of 11Bare Biology Skinful Pure Marine Collagen Powder, £35
Bare Biology is considered one of the best producers of fish oil around, and it is stringent about avoiding any non-essential ingredients. In short, you know you're getting the good stuff.
9 of 11Puori Pure Collagen Peptides, £29.99
'I take collagen but I think of it more as an all-round body helper as opposed to a skin-specific supplement. I like powder forms of collagen best. If you're a bone broth person, which is a great source of collagen, then great but when it comes to taking collagen every day I prefer to use a powder supplement. I like Puori Pure Collagen Peptides, £29.99. I do believe with things like collagen, be careful where you get it from get a really good quality one. There are vegan forms of collagen out there too.' - Rose Ferguson, Nutritionist.
10 of 11Dose & Co Collagen Peptides Unflavoured 200g, £26.99
The Dose & Co premium collagen collection is a supplement range founded by naturopath and nutritionist Libby Matthews and supported by business partner and spokesperson Khloé Kardashian. This unflavoured collagen powder is free from gluten, dairy, soy, preservatives, and artificial colours. Blend into coffees, tea, shakes, smoothies and other recipes.
11 of 11GemmaCollagen x The London Aesthetics Company Marine Collagen Capsules, £20
As part of her collaboration with the London Aesthetics Company Gemma Collins has launched her very own collagen supplement. These marine collagen capsules are gluten and dairy-free. Take one capsule before bed each night with water.
What Are The Benefits Of Taking A Collagen Supplement?
According to Debbie you may well notice a number of differences in your skin after taking a good quality collagen supplement regularly and over a prolonged period of time: 'Skin should feel stronger, plumper and be less sensitive as it becomes stronger.'
How Much Collagen Do We Take In Supplement Form To See A Difference In Our Skin?
'Taking a high dose (10000 mg) quality hydrolysed collagen daily supplement is the recommended amount' clarifies Debbie.
What Other Supplements Should We Consider For Better Skin?
'I do take a high dose liposomal vitamin C daily,' says Debbie, 'this has also been proven to improve collagen production by up to 40% when taking 3000mg per day for 3 months. Additionally vitamin D is key to support skin immunity while glutathione protects cells and supports healthy skin behaviour.' So that's collagen, vitamin C, vitamin D and glutathione - got it!
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Celebrity Collagen Supplements Are A 'Thing'
If you thought Jen An's foray into collagen supplements was an isolated celebrity occurrence, then think again. A celebrity collagen supplement circuit is in the process of being formed. The new kid on the collagen block? None other than Khloé Kardashian.
Meet collagen supplement brand Dose & Co. Founded by Libby Matthews (a qualified naturopath and nutritionist) Dose & Co boasts Khloé Kardashian as a business partner and spokesperson and it has now launched into the UK with much fanfare. The range includes seven premium collagen and protein powders, all of which are now available at Holland & Barrett. Of her latest step into supplements Khloé Kardashian says:
'Health and wellness is something I’m hugely passionate about, and I wanted to find a way I could help inform people about the benefits of collagen, without confusion or accessibility challenges. I was looking into brands and speaking to experts around the world when I discovered Dose & Co. Once I tried the brand, I quickly saw how easily it fit into my overall routine and lifestyle. I was so impressed by the ingredients, the results, and the vision, I knew I wanted to get more involved,' says Partner and Global Spokesperson, Khloé Kardashian.
Also new to the supplement game? Gemma Collins
Also new to the supplement game? Gemma Collins, who has launched her own collagen supplement GemmaCollagen x The London Aesthetics Company Marine Collagen Capsules, £20. Take one capsule with water before bed each night to enjoy the benefits of a collagen supplement.