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There are a lot of things that come with getting older—you gain confidence with age, for instance, and stop sweating all of the small stuff. Your skin may also start to look a little bit different, namely an uptick in fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and even dullness due to decreased collagen production.
“Collagen is a family of proteins and the most abundant in our bodies,” explains dermatologist Dr. Marie Hayag. “It is also the main component of connective tissues throughout our body such as skin, bones, tendons, muscles, and ligaments.”
The more abundant the collagen, the healthier and stronger your skin looks and acts, notes Hayag—but collagen production in the skin slows down significantly starting at age 25. “With this decrease in collagen our skin loses its ability to ‘hold itself up,’ translating visually to increased skin laxity and fine lines and wrinkles,” says Hayag. “Along with aging, environmental factors such as sun exposure, smoking, and pollution can accelerate collagen breakdown.”
That’s where supplements like collagen powder come into use. “Collagen powder is made from animal tissue, primarily the skin and bones,” explains dermatologist Dr. Peterson Pierre. “The protein is processed into a gelatinous form, which is further hydrolyzed into peptides to make the protein easier for your body to absorb.” Pierre explains that “collagen peptides can potentially benefit the skin by increasing hydration and elasticity while reducing fine lines and wrinkle depth.”
Ready to try a collagen powder for yourself? Here, we’ve rounded up the best collagen powders for glowing, youthful-looking skin.
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This collagen powder if a fave amongst beauty editors and dermatologists alike. In fact, Byrdie editorial director Faith Xue is a huge fan. Says Hayag, “This collagen peptides powder is sourced from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine to ensure a high-quality and sustainable source of this powerful ingredient.” Hayag adds that the formula contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, two other ingredients that support a more youthful appearance.
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Many collagen powders can be pricey, but this one is effective without a hefty price tag. “NeoCell offers an excellent quality collagen powder that is sourced from grass-fed and pastured raised cows, and contains no soy, wheat, lactose, starch, corn or yeast, and is also free from GMOs and artificial flavors,” says Hayag. “It also contains types I and III hydrolyzed collagen, which is great for hair, skin, nail, and bone health and is bioavailable and easily absorbed by the body.”
Pierre likes this collagen powder, which has gone through rigorous third-party testing to ensure safety and efficacy. The collagen peptides in the powder come from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows and are free of hormones and GMOs. One pouch offers 41 servings.
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Say hello to glowing skin, stronger hair and nails, and better digestion with this splurge-worthy collagen powder. In addition to marine collagen, this supplement contains organic lucuma, a superfruit with a naturally nutty, caramel taste. Packaged in packets, this is a good on-the-go option.
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Key Ingredients
Vitamin C is an essential nutrient required for the growth and repair of tissues in all parts of the body, including the skin, but we cannot produce it on our own. For the skin, it helps to boost collagen, lighten discoloration, and fight free radicals.
Xue loves these fizzy, dissolvable collagen tablets—and for good reason. The combo of marine collagen peptides and vitamin C work together to help keep skin hydrated, firm and protected. Bonus: These collagen supplements have a yummy strawberry-lemon flavor.
This collagen powder gets high marks for its beauty and health benefits. Not only does it promote glowing skin and stronger hair and nails, but it also supports your joints and can be beneficial to take post-workout. The collagen in this supplement comes from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows and is keto-friendly, paleo-friendly, and gluten-free.
Interested in marine collagen? Turn your attention to this option, which features collagen derived from wild-caught, non-GMO white fish. As a plus, it's Whole30- and paleo-friendly, and free of gluten, dairy, and added sugars. Simply add a scoop to hot or cold drinks like your morning cup of joe or even a smoothie.
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You can still get in on the collagen fun even if you don’t eat products derived from meat. This collagen powder alternative has plenty of similar skin benefits. The plant-based collagen blend is made up of superfoods including camu camu, Schisandra berry, and sea buckthorn. These ingredients are high in vitamin C, omega 7, and adaptogens to promote a glowing complexion.
Recommended by Pierre, this one is made with bovine collagen that comes from grass-fed, pasture-raised sources and is keto- and paleo-friendly. It even has third-party testing validation. Users note their skin looks clearer and tighter after adding this collagen powder to their routines and that the powder easily dissolves into drinks and has a very mild taste.
Key Ingredients
Amino acids are the building blocks that make up proteins and have a role in virtually all the biological processes that occur in our bodies, including the reparation of skin.
In addition to boosting your glow, collagen powder also helps support healthy hair growth. This is a good option for hair, as it’s loaded with type I and III collagen and essential amino acids that are crucial for maintaining hair health. There’s no sugar, soy, or gluten in the supplement, which is virtually tasteless and can be mixed into any food and drink.
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Want a side of energy with your firmer, smoother skin? Look to this collagen powder. In addition to skin-friendly collagen sourced from grass-fed bovine, it’s also formulated with blue spirulina, mucuna pruriens (also known as dopamine beans), vanilla bean, and monk fruit sweetener. Mix it with your milk of choice or into a smoothie for the best results.
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You don’t have to shell out lots of money to try a collagen powder for yourself. This drugstore pick is an affordable yet effective version containing type I and III collagen. It’s unflavored and easily stirs into liquids, so you can add it to your smoothie, water, or juice. Bonus: It’s also paleo- and keto-friendly, making it a great option if you follow one of these eating plans.
What to Consider
- Read the label: When it comes to choosing a collagen powder, “be very careful with the manufacturer,” says dermatologist Dr. Kemunto Mokaya. “Remember—the FDA does not closely regulate the supplement industry.” Quality collagen powders will have a third-party label, like NSF or USP. “Third-party groups test supplements to ensure they contain what’s on the label and aren’t contaminated with harmful substances like heavy metals,” explains Mokaya.
- Consider collagen types: “Look for a hydrolyzed bovine collagen supplement with a diverse amino acid profile that contains collagen types I and III,” says Pierre. These are the most potent forms of collagen for your skin, he says. Types I and III of collagen are the most abundant and can be sourced from bovine, or cow bones, says Hayag. She adds that type I collagen can also come from fish (you’ll see this described as “marine collagen”). Type II collagen, meanwhile, is found in cartilage and is important for joint health. For collagen powders made from animal sources, “look for companies that get their bones and tissues from antibiotic-free, cage-free, and free-range sources,” says Mokaya.
- Beware of filler ingredients: Finally, “be sure to avoid artificial colors, flavors, and sweeteners,” says Pierre. “You want a high-quality product with at least 90% protein.” Pierre advises taking your collagen powder once or twice daily for at least three months for the best results. Collagen powder typically dissolves in liquid and food, so you can add it to whatever you’re drinking or eating. (Always ask your doctor before adding a new supplement to your routine.)
Final Note
There is some research pointing to the potential benefits of supplementing with collagen powder—however, more research definitely needs to be done to prove the benefits and determine what forms of collagen and dosages are ideal, as well as how often they should be used, notes Mokaya. However, the health risks are minimal, says Hayag, so there aren’t really any downsides to trying a collagen powder.
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