There are all kinds of collagen products on the market, but what exactly is collagen and what does it do? Is it really beneficial to your skin? Do you need collagen or nutrients to help build collagen naturally?

What is collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and is often described as the glue that holds everything together. It’s mostly found in fibrous tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and the dermis of the skin where it acts as a structural scaffold.

Collagen, along with elastin and keratin, are the three key “beauty” proteins in the body. Its key structural protein works with elastin to provide the skin with strength, smoothness, and elasticity, while keratin is what protects the outer layer of the skin and makes up 95 percent of our hair.

When we are young, we have an abundance of these three proteins, which is why children and teenagers have beautiful shiny hair and smooth, supple skin. As we age, our body’s production of collagen and other structural proteins starts to slow down, our skin starts to lose its elasticity, and we start to notice sagging skin and wrinkles.

Do collagen supplements work?

If you’ve ever watched TV or walked down a pharmacy aisle, I’m sure you’ve observed the countless anti-aging creams that highlight collagen, claiming to plump up the skin and suggest turning back the clock. Seems appealing right? But what most people don’t realize is that collagen is a fairly large molecule that can’t be absorbed whole through the skin, so most of these creams simply stay on the skin and do not build collagen within the body.

In addition to lotions, dietary supplements for collagen-building have become popular but just like collagen skin creams; whole collagen supplements cannot be absorbed. But here’s the bottom line: You can’t eat or slather on collagen to build collagen. You need to help your body create collagen.

How to build collagen naturally

Eating a diet rich in clean plant protein and filled with vitamins (especially A, C, E, and the B’s), minerals (zinc and silicon), and other co-nutrients can help build your body build collagen. I have seen this evidence firsthand. I credit a vegan diet 100 percent for improving my health and wellness, and making my skin and hair more radiant than ever. While I get nutrition directly from the whole foods I eat, the prospect of having a handy vitamin safety net filled with nourishing and youthful goodness excites me! And I know I’m not alone. For consumers who want to supplement to support hair and skin, I wanted to provide something clean that actually works, so you don’t waste your money and get tricked.

It’s why I created mykind Organics Certified USDA Organic, Non-GMO Project Verified, Vegan Certified, Gluten-Free Certified Plant Collagen Builder. It is made from more than 30 real, nutritious organic, family-farmed whole food foods—with specifically chosen ingredients to help support the body’s own collagen production. We only use natural and organic ingredients, including:

– Silica from 100% Certified Organic and All Natural Bamboo Extract; bamboo shoots are excellent sources of protein, supplying a variety of minerals, including silica.
– Organic Amla Berry: amla serves up a healthy helping of whole food vitamin C, a vital co-nutrient for collagen production in the skin. Plus, it protects cells and skin from nasty free radicals, helping to prevent signs of natural aging.
– Pomegranate: pomegranate is an antioxidant/ polyphenol (polyphenol is a term for the several thousand plant-based molecules with potent antioxidant properties) superstar! Antioxidants provide numerous health benefits, while polyphenols are beneficial for proper enzyme and cell receptor function. Among other things, high polyphenolic pomegranate supports skin health and protection from UV damage.
– Organic Rooibos and Organic Green Tea: rooibos is a herb with 50 times more antioxidants than green tea, is known to fight free radicals and is rich in vitamin C, tannins, and minerals—all of which can support healthy, glowing skin, healthy teeth and bones. The Green Tea is decaffeinated through a water extract so there’s so stimulating caffeine effect (and no chemicals), just antioxidants.
– Biotin; is actually vitamin B7, it’s sometimes referred to as vitamin H – for hair – and is commonly found in supplements for hair, skin, and nails. This biotin comes from flowering plants in the pea family, called Sesbania, a clean, pure biotin source.
– Organic Turmeric; turmeric’s active ingredient is curcumin—a powerful antioxidant supporting healthy aging by inhibiting the breakdown of cells, including skin cells.

Stay healthy!

Love,

Alicia