What is Marine Collagen? Top Skin Benefits from Marine Collagen
A good diet, face wash, and moisturizers can go a long way towards fighting against physical signs of skin aging. However, these usually only work cosmetically, giving you a cosmetic fix rather than a biological one.
The right dietary supplements are more than skin deep, working beneath the surface to provide holistic benefits outside of just aesthetic improvements. One of the most wonderful examples is collagen.
Often called the “fountain of youth,” collagen is an important protein supplement for supporting skin health. Although collagen is often sourced from mammals, marine collagen is a new alternative that provides the same benefits in addition to many others.
WHAT IS COLLAGEN?
Collagen is the most plentiful protein in the human body, making up 70% of the skin. There are at least 16 different types of collagen, but around 80-90% of the collagen in the body consists of types I, II, and III. Collagen is composed of amino acids, including glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. Proline and glycine specifically have antioxidant properties, which can help combat free radical damage in the skin.
Type I collagen is the most abundant, accounting for 90% of the body’s total collagen mass. This is the type that provides structure to skin, bones, tendons, and connective tissue. Type III collagen supports the structure of muscles, organs, and arteries. Types I and III are most plentiful in fish collagen.
Collagen is also a major building block in bones, ligaments, and muscles. It helps provide structure to many of the most critical areas of the body.
WHY IS COLLAGEN IMPORTANT?
Collagen is a protein that gives skin strength and elasticity. The body naturally produces it in order to keep the complexion looking young, rejuvenated, and glowing.
However, by the age of 18, collagen production begins to decrease. By the age of 40, up to 1% of the body’s collagen can be diminished per year. This equates to thinning in the skin, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots.
Adequate collagen production is imperative for strong bones, skin, hair, and nails. Including more collagen in your diet can help to:
- Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
- Thicken and strengthen hair
- Support healthy bone density
- Boost the flexibility of your joints
- Helps improve skin hydration
- Promote connective tissue formation and help improve wound healing
WHAT DAMAGES COLLAGEN
The aging process can naturally decrease levels of collagen, but other behaviors can lead to the destruction of the protein at an accelerated rate.
Overexposure to the sun can decrease collagen levels and lead to dry, cracked skin. This is a process called photoaging, and it can cause unwanted skin deformities and increase the risk of developing skin cancer.
Sugar and carbs also attack proteins within the body, so diets that are high in these two compounds may affect collagen’s ability to repair itself. A healthy diet is imperative in conjunction with collagen supplements to ensure that neither cancels each other out.
HOW CAN COLLAGEN BE REPLENISHED?
There are a few different ways that you can utilize the positive effects of collagen in your body. Collagen is a safe supplement that shouldn’t have adverse effects. However, you can always consult a doctor or nutritionist before adding more collagen to your diet if you have any doubts.
DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS
Perhaps the easiest and most efficient way to increase the production of collagen in your body is to take collagen supplements. These are typically in a capsular form that can be taken orally once daily.
These supplements usually contain other vitamins and minerals as well, which are useful for holistic benefits outside of just better skin health, such as helping with gut health or digestion. Most collagen supplements are made with the bones of mammals like grass-fed, pasture-raised beef, as collagen proteins can be easily harnessed from those areas. However, collagen can also be sourced from deepwater fish.
Bovine collagen only contains Type I and III, meaning it does not include the Type II collage that is primarily found in cartilage, and it can be sourced from cow's hides.
EATING COLLAGEN-RICH FOODS
Bone broth is a particularly rich source of collagen proteins. The marrow of chicken and pig bones release more collagen the longer they are simmered, which makes them great natural remedies for increased production.
However, vegan-friendly alternatives include fruits and vegetables, particularly those high in vitamin C. Large amounts of collagen can be found in citrus fruits like oranges and limes, or even bell peppers and strawberries.
Additionally, the nutrient proline is a rich source of collagen found in egg whites, dairy products, and mushrooms.
WHAT MAKES MARINE COLLAGEN STAND OUT?
Marine collagen products are sourced from ocean life rather than land mammals. Although they offer similar benefits, marine collagen powders and capsules may be a more positive substitute to bovine collagen for a number of reasons.
FAST ABSORPTION RATE
Fish collagen has a superior absorption rate, meaning you may start seeing results even faster when compared to taking mammalian collagen. In our clinical trials, participants saw a 21% decrease in wrinkle depth after just 30 days of using marine collagen.
SUSTAINABLY SOURCED
Many collagen supplements are not produced sustainably, and they can take a toll on the environment in multiple ways. However, marine collagen is a natural and sustainable alternative that you can feel good about purchasing. Still, it is derived from fish skin or scales, so it's essential to ensure that your marine collagen is sourced from sustainably caught fish and shellfish.
Not to mention, One Ocean Beauty is partnered with Oceana, the largest global organization working to change policies and protect the oceans. So, purchasing marine collagen is ultimately part of helping to take necessary steps towards protecting this vital resource.
ENHANCED BENEFITS
The active ingredients in marine collagen peptides have a number of benefits that stand out from most other protein supplements. Hydrolyzed marine collagen has a low molecular weight and is biocompatible with human skin, allowing it to work in unison with your body rather than against it. Fish collagen protects against loss of collagen and oxidative stress, which leads to skin aging.
The marine active glycoprotein also has a number of natural properties that provide a cryoprotective shield against cold and dryness. It also promotes elasticity, regeneration, and wrinkle reduction through the stimulation of protein production.
Wakame extract, a brown algae native to the Sea of Japan, is also used in our marine collagen supplements. Wakame extract soothes irritation and reduces inflammation. Not to mention, it helps to prevent skin degeneration, inhibits dark spots, and brightens the complexion.
KEY BENEFITS OF MARINE COLLAGEN
In short, marine collagen can offer the following benefits to your skin:
- Firming
- Wrinkle reducing
- Age-defying
- Anti-inflammatory
- Revitalizing and rejuvenating
HOW TO INCORPORATE COLLAGEN INTO ANY SKINCARE REGIMEN
Collagen will work great on its own, as it's a powerful supplement that is proven to show you results. However, this protein itself will only go so far when it comes to your skin health. Ensure that you are still engaging in proper regimens to take care of your body.
It’s still essential to moisturize and cleanse your face as you normally would, even when taking collagen supplements. Excess oil on the skin can lead to breakouts, so cleansing is necessary to keep your complexion smooth.
However, oil reduction tends to dry out the skin, so it is equally essential to moisturize after cleansing. This will keep your skin smooth, supple, and firm, allowing the collagen to help maintain your youthful glow.
Also, be sure to take the recommended dosage of collagen. While collagen is generally considered to be safe and non-toxic, too much collagen might cause an upset stomach, feelings of fullness, or even just an unpleasant taste. Play it safe and just take one capsule of our marine collagen every morning with a glass of water.
WHEN WILL RESULTS BE NOTICEABLE?
Collagen supplements won’t work overnight, so it’s essential to be patient. Most collagen supplements can take up to six weeks to show results. But since marine collagen has a superior absorption rate, you may start to notice benefits even sooner at three to four weeks.
It’s important to remember that the collagen is still working even if you can’t see the results. Since supplements just speed up the collagen production process, rather than just supplying you with more, be patient with your body as it naturally works to create more of this precious protein.
IN CONCLUSION
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the animal kingdom, making up 70% of our skin and 30% of our bones. It’s necessary for supporting skin elasticity and keeping the complexion looking youthful.
Aging, sun exposure, and unhealthy foods can all damage collagen production. When collagen is damaged, it can lead to skin dryness, age spots, fine lines, and wrinkles.
Collagen can be replenished by eating certain foods or taking dietary supplements. Always make sure your collagen supplements don't include harmful ingredients like heavy metals or GMOs. While most supplements are made with the bones of mammals, marine collagen is sourced from deepwater fish. It is more sustainable than alternatives.
Marine collagen has a superior absorption rate and offers enhanced benefits thanks to the inclusion of marine actives. It makes it an overall better option for people looking to increase their collagen levels naturally.
Sources:
Collagen: The Fibrous Proteins of the Matrix - Molecular Cell Biology - NCBI Bookshelf