Does Collagen Really Work?

It seems like everyone is talking about the benefits of collagen lately. People are touting the benefits of collagen for skin, collagen for digestion, collagen for fat loss, and more. It seems like there’s nothing it can’t do, which makes one wonder, does collagen really work? We’re about to answer that question and more in this guide to collagen supplements.

Collagen 101

Collagen. Collagen. Collagen. We hear about it a lot, but what is collagen, and does it really work? Collagen is actually a protein that is produced in your body. In fact, collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, as it accounts for about 30% of your total protein content. You’ve probably heard there is collagen in your hair, skin, and nails, but its reaches go way beyond that. Collagen is also found in your muscles, ligaments, and tendons. It’s in your bones and marrow. You can even find collagen in your organs. It’s, quite literally, holding you together.

So, we have a lot of collagen in us, but what does it do? There are a lot of benefits of collagen, but it’s helpful to think of collagen as a bunch of bungee cords. Bungee cords hold things in, but they are stretchy and have room to expand and shrink. Collagen is the same. It gives the body strength and structure by keeping things together, while at the same time providing flexibility and allowing for movement.

Now the next question is if your body produces collagen, why are so many people taking it as a supplement? It’s true, your body does produce collagen, but sometime in your 20s, that production peaks. As they say, it’s all downhill from there. Sometime around the age of 25, you start producing 1% less collagen every year. That may not seem like a big deal, but that 1% change adds up over the years. By the time you’re 40 and your body has seen a 10% decrease in collagen production, you start to see and feel the effects. These come in the form of wrinkles, hair breakage, creaking joints, muscle loss, and more since collagen supports all of these systems

Does Flavor Matter With A Collagen Supplement?

Technically, a bad-tasting, chunky collagen will probably give you some of the same benefits as a great-tasting collagen. However, how likely are you to consistently take something that doesn’t taste good? Not likely, and that’s not your fault. It makes sense that your brain would want to avoid something that produces a negative reaction in your taste buds. But you only see results from collagen after consistent use. A bad-tasting collagen won’t be effective because you will only take it for a while, even if you have incredible willpower. So give your brain, taste buds, and willpower a break as you add collagen to your health regimen by picking a collagen that tastes amazing. Xyngular has developed an unflavored collagen, great for adding to your favorite smoothie, coffee, or a protein shake with no change in texture, consistency, or flavor. Or, try the piña colada flavor, either on its own or with your favorite fruity drink.

DISCOVER: Your Collagen Peptide Questions, Answered

11 Common Myths About Collagen

There’s a lot of information out there about collagen, which means there’s a lot of misinformation, too. Perhaps you’ve come across some of it in your collagen research. Here are a few of the most common myths about collagen:

1. Your Body Makes Enough Collagen

Your body does make enough collagen...until it doesn’t. Collagen production begins to decrease in your 20s, and the older you get, the less you produce. As you age, you’ll begin noticing the effects of this decrease, which is why it’s a good idea to start supplementing before you notice the changes.

2. You See Collagen Results Immediately

Think of taking a collagen supplement like a marathon and not a sprint. It can take up to four weeks to see any changes from collagen and 2-3 months for it to really take hold. Consistency is key. If you don’t notice changes right away, that’s ok. These things take time. You’ll need to stick with it for a few months to really see results.

3. All Collagen Supplements Are the Same

Just like any other supplement, not all collagen supplements are created equal. When selecting a collagen supplement, you want to look for one that has multiple types of collagen, as well as multiple sources. Each type of collagen benefits different areas of the body, and sourcing can affect the quality of the collagen. For example, ethically sourced collagen may have higher amounts of amino acids. You also want a supplement that contains hydrolyzed collagen, also known as collagen peptides. Collagen is a large molecule, so collagen peptides are broken down into a form that is easily digestible. Finally, choose collagen that has vitamin C, as this stimulates natural collagen production.

4. You Have to Take Collagen in the Morning

Some people like to take their collagen first thing in the morning. Others say it works better at night. The truth is, you should do whatever works best for you. Unlike some supplements, there isn’t a set time or method that is best for taking collagen. Find what feels right for you, and stick with it. We made Xyngular collagen a delicious piña colada flavor, so you may want to take it as a treat in the afternoon, evening, or even the morning.

5. You Must Take Collagen on an Empty Stomach

This is another greatly debated topic. Just like there’s no set time when you should take collagen, there isn’t a preferred method, either. While some swear by taking collagen supplements on an empty stomach, others prefer to take them with food. There’s no right or wrong answer here.

6. There is Such a Thing As Vegan Collagen

Sorry, but vegan or vegetarian collagen isn’t a thing. Well, not really. There are a few vegan options out there, but their effectiveness remains unproven and greatly debated. Collagen is derived from animals. Any collagen that isn’t an animal by-product is likely to be man-made or chemically based.

7. You Can’t Take Collagen for Weight Loss

While it’s not common to see collagen on a list of weight loss tips, it can definitely help in this arena. As a protein, collagen can help you feel full longer. It also aids in muscle development, which helps burn more calories. Collagen also improves gut health, which helps you better absorb nutrients for a healthier body.

8. Collagen and Protein Powder are Interchangeable

While collagen is a protein, it doesn’t take the place of a high protein diet, or a protein powder or supplement. For best results, you should take both a collagen and protein supplement.

9. Only People Age 40+ Need Collagen Supplements

You don’t need to wait until you start to see or feel the signs of aging to take a collagen supplement. Collagen production starts decreasing in your 20s, so that’s a great time to start supplementing your supply. The earlier you start taking it, the more your body can reap the benefits of collagen.

10. Collagen Only Benefits Hair, Skin, and Nails

While this is the collagen benefit we hear talked about the most, collagen actually benefits many of the body’s systems and components. That’s because it’s found throughout your entire body. Collagen is good for digestion. It’s great for joint health. There are uses for collagen in weight loss, too. And yes, collagen does help your hair, skin, and nails, as well.

11. Collagen Creams Work Better Than Supplements

The thought behind this is that if you want your skin to benefit from collagen, then that’s where you should put it. While that’s a good thought, if you want to see the benefits of collagen for skin, you have to work from the inside out. Collagen molecules are too big to be absorbed through the skin and are best when taken internally.

Does Collagen Really Work

All of this brings us back to the initial question, does collagen really work? The simple answer is yes. But we’ll walk you through how collagen works in a few different areas. In order to understand how collagen works, it’s important to know there are several different types of collagen. The main varieties are Type I, Type II, and Type III. Here’s a look at what each variety does.

Collagen for Digestion Support

If you’re looking for digestion support, you’ll want to take Type III collagen. Bovine collagen is a good source for this variety, which supports your intestines, blood vessels, muscles, and uterus. This type of collagen is best absorbed and utilized when taken with Type I.

Collagen for Joint Recovery

Type II collagen helps protect and keep joints healthy, as well as strengthening damaged joints. This type of collagen is found in cartilage. If you want to supplement it, chicken collagen is a great source of Type II.

Collagen for Weight Loss

The best collagen for weight loss is Type III, because it helps optimize your digestion, while also helping build muscles. Another way collagen helps with weight loss is by helping you feel full longer. Collagen is a protein, and as such, it can help control hunger. Additionally, collagen is made up of amino acids, which help promote gut health, so you absorb more nutrients from your healthy diet.

Collagen for Skin Elasticity

The collagen used for the skin is Type I. It is derived from marine life, and its main purpose is to help minimize the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving skin elasticity. It works by supporting the dermis, which is the thickest layer of the skin. Over time, the collagen fibers in the dermis break down, which is why your skin thins, sags, and wrinkles as you get older. Type I collagen helps build that layer back up or can keep it from getting depleted in the first place.

EXPLORE: The Many Benefits Of Collagen

What Does Xyngular’s Collagen Do?

Like all Xyngular products, we formulated Xyngular Complete Collagen™ to do the most. It’s more than just a hair, skin, and nails supplement, although it certainly benefits those. We used a multi-sourced collagen formula that includes Type I, Type II, and Type III collagen, as well as Types V and X. This makes Xyngular Complete Collagen™ effective at promoting proper digestion, supporting joint recovery, and building lean muscle. It also helps promote natural collagen production. You will find our collagen fits nicely with your Xyngular weight loss plan, as it can help satisfy hunger, improve nutrient absorption, and maintain a healthy gut.*

Love Your Guts with the Digestion Duo

Tackle your gut health with double the love! This dynamic duo of Complete Probiotic and Collagen will help you strengthen your microbiome and improve nutrient absorption. The Digestion Duo products work in tandem to improve your overall digestive health, so you get more out of your nutrition and your life. Make it easier (and tastier!) than ever to take care of your digestive health with both the unflavored and piña colada flavors of Xyngular Complete Collagen. For your best chance at success, keep both on hand to ensure you take it consistently because a lack of consistency means a lack of results.*

When you’re ready to try Xyngular Complete Collagen™ and see what it can do for you, contact your local Xyngular distributor, log in to your account, or give us a call to place an order today.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.