Why does collagen powder work?
Already from the age of 25, the body’s natural collagen production decreases by 1-2% per year, and this process is accelerated with age. Over time, production decreases so much that the skin can no longer keep the skin as tight and supple as before. Fortunately, it is possible for the body to absorb collagen from the outside through the digestive system. Either from collagen-rich food or via a supplement.
Through the digestive system, the collagen protein is broken down into smaller amino acid chains, called peptides, and individual amino acids. These are small enough to pass into the bloodstream for the body to use.
Unlike the collagen you can get from food, collagen powder is already broken down into small peptides. This ensures that as much collagen as possible finds its way through the digestive system and is absorbed into the body.
Which type of collagen powder is best?
We recommend marine collagen if you would like to have fewer wrinkles and firmer and more elastic skin. This is because marine collagen is highly absorbable and consists of type-1 collagen, which is the most common type in the skin. If you want to know more about marine collagen, read more in our comparison of marine and bovine collagen.
But the source of the collagen is not the only thing you should look for. There can be a big difference in quality depending on species, production method, etc. To help you choose, I have written a guide to how to choose the right collagen supplement.