24 May Collagen: Your Anti-Ageing Hero

For a lot of us, ageing and our lifespans are preconceived notions but have you ever considered the comparison of lifespan vs health span?  

While your lifespan is the total period for which you live, it’s your health span that has far more impact on your daily life. A person’s health span is described as the period of their life in which they are in good health and able to live happily and comfortably. There are many conditions that are stereotypically associated with ageing – loss of skin elasticity, arthritis, osteoporosis and so on. But as the world moves on, so does research and technology and we discover new and accessible ways to boost and support our bodies through the ageing process. 

Collagen has proven to be a firm favourite in healthy ageing support for its incredible effects on skin, hair, gut health, joint health, eye health and more. There are many ways in which we can give our systems what they need to ward off the typical speeds of ageing and extend our happy healthspans. Age really is just a number. 

Discovering the 6 types of collagen

• Type 0 – A stem collagen derived from Jellyfish
• Type I – The most abundant and found in our skin, bones, tendons, & ligaments
• Type II – Important for optimal joint health as it makes up elastic cartilage
• Type III – Found in our cartilage, connective tissue, and bone marrow
• Type IV – This type is found primarily in the layers of your skin
• Type V – Forms part of cell surfaces, hair, and placenta tissue

Collagen for skin benefits 

Collagen plays a role in skin strength, elasticity and hydration. As we age, natural collagen production slows down, contributing to skin wrinkling and sagging. Studies have shown that supplementing with collagen may boost skin health by improving elasticity, hydration and structure within the dermis layer of the skin. The best type of collagen for skin health is Type I, which is most abundant in bovine and marine collagen supplements.

Collagen for bone health benefits 

The collagen network within our bones begins to lose integrity as we get older, resulting in decreased bone density and strength. One study conducted in postmenopausal women found that supplementing with collagen increased their bone mineral density, indicating increased bone formations and improved bone strength, slowing the ageing process in the bones and aiding to prevent them from becoming brittle. Type I collagen is ideal for supporting bone and skeletal health.

 Looking for plant-based sources to get the benefits of collagen? 

While most collagen supplements are animal-based, there are vegan supplements that help the body stimulate natural collagen production and ward off the decline that comes with getting older. Improving the production of your own collagen can provide similar anti-ageing benefits without compromising on your values, beliefs or lifestyle.