WHY COLLAGEN ISN'T HELPING YOUR SKIN, and what to do instead. ↓🧵
Collagen supplements are some of the most proliferous and highly recommended products for skin, hair, and nails.
While many people do see changes in their hair and nail growth after supplementing collagen, I've dug around and found that many people complain that their skin hasn't changed a bit from supplementing collagen, even if studies claim that they should see a difference.
I have a few ideas as to why this might happen in people’s real world experiences. Here is just one of them. ↓
While many people do see changes in their hair and nail growth after supplementing collagen, I've dug around and found that many people complain that their skin hasn't changed a bit from supplementing collagen, even if studies claim that they should see a difference.
I have a few ideas as to why this might happen in people’s real world experiences. Here is just one of them. ↓
AMINO ACID DISTRIBUTION⚡️
When you digest collagen (or any sort of protein), it gets broken down into amino acids.
It doesn't just get shipped around the body as a "collagen complex." Your body has to first reorganize and distribute these amino acids based on its priorities.
Those amino acids (glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and more) are funneled to various jobs:
repairing cartilage...
strengthening joints and bones...
fixing to micro-inflammation and wound repair...
etc.
There is a lot that our body needs to take care of that isn't so glamorous...
When you digest collagen (or any sort of protein), it gets broken down into amino acids.
It doesn't just get shipped around the body as a "collagen complex." Your body has to first reorganize and distribute these amino acids based on its priorities.
Those amino acids (glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and more) are funneled to various jobs:
repairing cartilage...
strengthening joints and bones...
fixing to micro-inflammation and wound repair...
etc.
There is a lot that our body needs to take care of that isn't so glamorous...
One of the main jobs of glycine and proline is maintaining the gut lining.
We live in a fast-paced and toxic world. Chronic stress, high cortisol, pesticides (like diquat, glyphosate), and environmental toxins constantly damage that barrier.
Knowing this, a measly scoop of collagen might not even be able to keep up with gut repair. Why would any be left over for our anti-aging routines? 😭
Skin often sits lower on the priority list. Considering that it's our largest organ, and that those skin-loving amino acids already have other jobs, I suspect that most people need far more collagen to cover the entire territory than what they really consume.
Most people are also already under-eating protein, or mainly eating muscle meats (low in glycine, critical for skin elasticity).
Clearly, there is a deficit.
If you only take 1 scoop a day, those amino acids likely never even reach your skin. ↓
We live in a fast-paced and toxic world. Chronic stress, high cortisol, pesticides (like diquat, glyphosate), and environmental toxins constantly damage that barrier.
Knowing this, a measly scoop of collagen might not even be able to keep up with gut repair. Why would any be left over for our anti-aging routines? 😭
Skin often sits lower on the priority list. Considering that it's our largest organ, and that those skin-loving amino acids already have other jobs, I suspect that most people need far more collagen to cover the entire territory than what they really consume.
Most people are also already under-eating protein, or mainly eating muscle meats (low in glycine, critical for skin elasticity).
Clearly, there is a deficit.
If you only take 1 scoop a day, those amino acids likely never even reach your skin. ↓
On the flip side:
People who dramatically increase gelatin-rich foods (🦴🍖bone broth, slow-cooked meats, jello, gummies) do often report better skin hydration and bounce, probably because their overall glycine pool is much fuller than with just a scoop of collagen powder.
From reading tons of people's reviews, gelatin often has way better results than collagen powder. It's cheaper, so people end up eating more of it in actuality.
Hydrolyzed collagen is often marketed as more bioavailable, because the amino acids are already more broken down. However, the difference is negligible...
Remember, your body still has to distribute these amino acids. A bigger pool gives your skin a better chance. ↓
People who dramatically increase gelatin-rich foods (🦴🍖bone broth, slow-cooked meats, jello, gummies) do often report better skin hydration and bounce, probably because their overall glycine pool is much fuller than with just a scoop of collagen powder.
From reading tons of people's reviews, gelatin often has way better results than collagen powder. It's cheaper, so people end up eating more of it in actuality.
Hydrolyzed collagen is often marketed as more bioavailable, because the amino acids are already more broken down. However, the difference is negligible...
Remember, your body still has to distribute these amino acids. A bigger pool gives your skin a better chance. ↓
Therefore, it might be wiser to skip pricey collagen powders. Some even contain heavy metals or contaminants (Vital Proteins, for example).
Instead, focus on eating more gelatin-rich foods and connective tissues.
Jello, gummies, turkey necks, bone broth, etc. Sweet or savory, pick what you love. What matters is that you are consistent and that you enjoy it. 🫶
As a personal anecdote, I noticed that many East Asian dishes contain gelatin or tendon meats and broths, and these populations are known for having good skin well into old age. I personally love Chinese braised pig feet and chicken feet...🙊
If that's not for you, up your chicken soup intake, or just try glycine. ↓
Instead, focus on eating more gelatin-rich foods and connective tissues.
Jello, gummies, turkey necks, bone broth, etc. Sweet or savory, pick what you love. What matters is that you are consistent and that you enjoy it. 🫶
As a personal anecdote, I noticed that many East Asian dishes contain gelatin or tendon meats and broths, and these populations are known for having good skin well into old age. I personally love Chinese braised pig feet and chicken feet...🙊
If that's not for you, up your chicken soup intake, or just try glycine. ↓
Plain glycine itself is also a powerful tool for boosting skin elasticity and synthesizing collagen in the body.
Glycine is way more affordable in comparison to most collagen supplements, and has quite a high safety threshhold. The NOAEL for glycine is 129.0 mg/kg of body weight per day, though 3-5g a day is a good start for most adults, though some people may take up to 10g.
Bonus: glycine reduces stress, anxiety, and inflammation, too. I started taking it for that reason, and over time noticed that my skin became noticeably bouncier. If you take it before bed, you'll probably sleep very deeply! 🌙😴 ↓
Glycine is way more affordable in comparison to most collagen supplements, and has quite a high safety threshhold. The NOAEL for glycine is 129.0 mg/kg of body weight per day, though 3-5g a day is a good start for most adults, though some people may take up to 10g.
Bonus: glycine reduces stress, anxiety, and inflammation, too. I started taking it for that reason, and over time noticed that my skin became noticeably bouncier. If you take it before bed, you'll probably sleep very deeply! 🌙😴 ↓
To recap:
Collagen powder often doesn’t put a dent in skin repair. Your body uses those peptides for repairing other organs, joints, and other functions first.
To see visible skin changes, you'll need to flood your system with more resources. Fill your glycine pool high enough that your skin finally gets some. Thus, eating gelatin/collagen-rich foods will benefit your skin more than just taking a collagen powder.
The real key is making sure your body can actually use that collagen once it’s in. More on that soon; stay tuned! 🧬🫶
Collagen powder often doesn’t put a dent in skin repair. Your body uses those peptides for repairing other organs, joints, and other functions first.
To see visible skin changes, you'll need to flood your system with more resources. Fill your glycine pool high enough that your skin finally gets some. Thus, eating gelatin/collagen-rich foods will benefit your skin more than just taking a collagen powder.
The real key is making sure your body can actually use that collagen once it’s in. More on that soon; stay tuned! 🧬🫶
@threadreaderapp unroll
• • •
Missing some Tweet in this thread? You can try to
force a refresh
