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Boost Collagen and Elasticity in 1 Month With This Supplement

Here's how to improve your skin in a major way, according to Maya Thosani, MD.
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

The bad news? Starting in your mid-20s, collagen production naturally decreases with age, starting in your mid-20s. The good? There are ways you can boost collagen and elasticity. According to Dr. Maya Thosani, MD, Double Board Certified Dermatologist and Owner of Modern Dermatology in Scottsdale, AZ, taking one simple supplement can help improve your skin in a major way.

Hydrolyzed Collagen Can Boost Collagen and Elasticity

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What is the supplement Dr. Thosani recommends? "Hydrolyzed collagen ingested orally has been shown in numerous studies to positively affect the skin in many ways," she says.

Research Backs Up the Benefits

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According to Dr. Thosani, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies found statistically significant improvement in skin hydration, skin elasticity, reduction in wrinkles (measured using a skin analysis visualization system), reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL), improved skin firmness and skin radiance (as measured by a visual analog scale).

The Dermis Is Almost Entirely Composed of Collagen

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Why does this magical ingredient help so much, and have such an influence on the skin? "It is because the dermis, the second layer of the skin, is almost entirely composed of collagen," says Dr. Thosani. "In fact 70% of the dry weight of skin is from collagen."

The Loss of Collagen Results in Wrinkles, Dry Skin, and Decreased Elasticity

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Additionally, she explains that the extracellular matrix is composed of three crucial elements that contribute to skin elasticity: Collagen, elastic fibers, and hyaluronic acid (HA), "collagen being the key player," she says. "Chronic exposure to sunlight causes photoaging, and significantly decreases the collagen and breaks down the elastic fibers over time, along with reduced hyaluronic acid formation, the loss of collagen results in wrinkles, dry skin, and decreased elasticity."

Combining with Other Antioxidants Makes Collagen Supplements More Effective

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Stressors on the body, "such as smoking, alcohol, high glycation end products (HGE's) in our diet, advance cellular aging," she continues. "Oral collagen supplementation – especially when combined with other antioxidants – can help reverse damage, and preserve skin elasticity and health," she adds.

The Supplements Stimulate Collagen Synthesis

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"The method by which hydrolyzed collagen improves skin elasticity and hydration involves the stimulation of collagen synthesis, an increase in moisture content within the stratum corneum (the top layer of the skin), and the reinforcement of the skin's natural barrier," she continues. "These combined effects contribute to overall skin health and vitality, making collagen supplements effective in preserving rejuvenation and maintaining a well-nourished complexion."

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Here Is How to Take It

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Dr. Thosani maintains that hydrolyzed collagen is more easily absorbed than other types of collagen. "Supplements can be found in capsule or powder form," she adds. "Research shows a safe and effective dose for skin rejuvenation is 300 mg to 5 grams of HC peptides daily. Collagen preparations can be combined with other active ingredients, and provide benefits if consumed for more than four weeks."

💪🔥Body Booster: Improve your skin's appearance and health by taking hydrolyzed collagen supplements orally. Research has demonstrated that this simple addition to your diet can lead to noticeable improvements in your skin's overall condition.

Leah Groth
Leah Groth has decades of experience covering all things health, wellness and fitness related. Read more