As we all inevitably age, our collagen production naturally declines and is more loosely distributed.
Sure, we can probably get collagen from the food we eat, but the downside is that there are limitations, and we probably won’t get the most out of it since collagen is a huge molecule that can’t be absorbed through the stomach.
Alas, one of the greatest inventions in the beauty world is none other than collagen supplements to help us combat the signs of ageing and better attain plumper skin with improved health, quality, and appearance.
From soups and capsules to powders and drinks, there are so many ways you can take and enjoy collagen! And most of these mighty supplements are incredibly nutritional and also have several other health benefits for your nails, hair, and more.
@dr.mamina Collagen production in your skin is best achieved with topical products that promote collagen growth, such as retinoids, vitamin C and antioxidants, peptides, and growth factors. Topical collagen is great at hydrating, but doesn’t really contribute to collagen production. Oral collagen supplements need more research to determine their effectiveness, but I think there is definitely some promise. The two products I mentioned that support collagen production are by @SeroVital and @Biosil #collagen #collagenproduction #collagensupplement #skintok #retinoid #vitaminc #antiaging #skincare #skintips #smoothskin #glowingskin #derm #drmamina
If you’re just as in love with collagen as we are, read on to understand the types of collagen, its benefits, and the best collagen supplements money can buy!
What Does Collagen Do for You and Your Skin?
@doctoryoun Reply to @zeta_angel Does collagen work? What does the science say? #collagen #collagenpowder
The most abundant and integral protein in our bodies, collagen provides structure, strength, and support.
It’s the primary building block of our skin, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues, and can also be found in your organs, blood vessels, and intestinal lining.
Benefits of collagen:
- Repairs tissues and replaces dead skin cells
- Improves skin structure and elasticity
- Hydrates the skin
- Smooths wrinkles and fine lines
- Provides protective covering for organs
- Promotes heart health
- Improves joint health and possibly reduces symptoms of arthritis
- Aids digestion and reduces GI inflammation
- Strengthens bones
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The natural production rate of collagen in our skin and bodies start to dwindle in our mid-20s and early 30s, making 1% less collagen each year after that.
And by 40, our collagen would have dipped drastically to reveal signs of ageing like wrinkles, dry skin, dullness, and sagging skin.
Here’s where the incredible invention of collagen supplements is celebrated, as it’s a sure way to boost and maintain our collagen production levels.
Simply put, collagen supplements are the beauty tools we use to prevent rapid ageing, maintain skin and body health, and ensure that we’ll age gracefully.
Related read: 13 best collagen drinks that will give you radiant, youthful-looking skin with every sip
Types of Collagen Supplements
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For the uninitiated, there are various collagen types found in our bodies that have slightly different structures and functions.
The most common types of collagen are types I, II, and III, making up about 80 to 90% of the collagen found in our bodies. And you’ll usually find types I and III in most collagen supplements, which are categorised into bovine, marine, or vegan.
Bovine collagen mainly comes from cow bones and other byproducts that are boiled down. Then, the collagen is extracted, dried, and powdered to form the supplement. Proven to be the most useful for skin health, bovine collagen can promote elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and increase skin moisture.
Next, there’s marine collagen which comes from fish skin and probably has a higher absorption rate than bovine collagen. Studies have shown that marine collagen can reduce wrinkles while improving cartilage, skin health, bone regeneration, and wound healing functions.
Made for plant-based eaters, vegan collagen doesn’t come from a natural source since collagen comes from animals. Instead, it’s made with a blend of vegan ingredients that can help boost your natural collagen production, such as copper, minerals, vitamin C, and amino acids.
Related read: I swapped out my brightening serum for a collagen supplement for 2 weeks and the results surprised me
How to Take Collagen Supplements
Yes, you guessed it right, there is a right way to consume your collagen supplements.
What to Look for in a Collagen Supplement?
@dszng love your skin 😘 #CollagenSupplement #fyspotted #philippinestiktok #Youtheory #youtheorycollagen #fyp #foryou #foryoupage #USbrand
First, and the most important one of all, it’s crucial to check the labels of your collagen supplements.
Unbeknownst to many, certain products that claim to improve your skin with collagen actually don’t contain any collagen at all! Before purchasing, make sure they’re high-quality products, check the reviews, and the supplier is a certified seller.
The simplest way is to look for hydrolysed collagen, which is collagen that’s broken down into smaller molecules for easy absorption.
While you’re checking the ingredients list, it’s best if nutrients like biotin aren’t included as these can interfere with laboratory tests for heart and thyroid function. And other vitamins or minerals can lead to health issues if taken in high doses for a long period of time.
Stay away from collagen supplements that have unnecessary filler ingredients, sweeteners, or artificial flavours. In fact, many great collagen powders are flavourless, making them easy to mix into anything you wish.
Other than that, collagen supplements are safe to consume and typically don’t have adverse side effects. However, if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding or taking other medications, it’s important to speak with your doctor or a healthcare professional prior to taking any type of supplements.
Related read: 5 surprising foods that inspire a Korean celebrity glow – The Glory’s Song Hye-kyo eats pumpkin soup
Consume Whenever and However
Credit: Depositphotos
There are many claims that say it’s best to take collagen at night before sleeping to sync up with our REM cycles when our hormones peak, which initiates cell and tissue repair. However, there is little research on this theory.
Experts have recently shared that it takes three to five hours for collagen supplements to get fully absorbed into the body, which makes it difficult to time.
According to Candy Chan, Product Development & Communications Director of FANCL, the “magic hours” where the production of collagen is accelerated is between 11 pm to 3 am, and only work when you’re already in deep sleep (yet another appealing reason to hit the haystack early).
There are also those who prefer taking it in the mornings after waking up or mixing it in with their midday drinks. The bottom line is, there’s no difference in the results regardless of when and how you take your collagen supplements.
You should do it whenever is best for you — find a method or time of day that fuses this step seamlessly into your daily routine. Alternatively, take note of the instructions provided by the brand or supplier you bought your collagen supplements from.
Best Collagen Supplements Under S$50
Straits Wholefoods Premium Sakura Collagen Booster (Plant-based)
Formulated with a powerful blend of premium plant-based ingredients, this collagen supplement boasts a lovely berry taste, thanks to the infusion of superberries such as raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and elderberries. Apart from its delightful flavour, these superberries are also rich in phytonutrients, natural compounds found in plants that offer various health benefits.
The supplement also harnesses the ancient beauty secret of Sakura extract, one of Japan’s best-kept beauty secrets since ancient times, which has been scientifically proven to promote collagen production. Plus, it is meticulously formulated to revitalise your skin.
Infused with other skin-loving ingredients like Ceramides, Vitamin C, and Fulvic minerals, Straits Wholefoods Premium Sakura Collagen Booster promotes youthful skin while also supporting digestive health with its added Prebiotics.
The ingredients in this collagen booster work together to provide your skin with ample hydration, promote collagen production, rejuvenate, and brighten your skin for a radiant glow.
Naturally sweetened with Monk Fruit (Luo Han Guo) and free from added sugar, it offers a guilt-free indulgence for your beauty and wellness routine. Rich in antioxidants and free from preservatives, additives, or artificial flavours, it nourishes your skin from within, combating skin concerns like wrinkles, elasticity, as well as pigmentation.
Simply mix one sachet of this supplement with 250 ml of water daily for youthful, radiant skin.
One particular customer shared her review and thoughts after taking only three boxes of the collagen booster. “I notice my skin has fewer fine lines, eye bags are less visible than before, and my complexion appears brighter and clearer, resulting in a radiant, glowing skin.”
Straits Wholefoods Premium Sakura Collagen Booster (Plant-based) is currently on sale and retails for S$49 (UP: S$70) at Straits Wholefoods and Shopee Mall.
Youtheory Collagen with Vitamin C
Offering 6,000 mg of easily digested and highly absorbent collagen peptides per serving, this collagen supplement can help support healthy ageing and give you a more youthful appearance.
It also contains vitamin C to aid in collagen production while boosting antioxidant protection. The only drawback is that you’ll have to consume six tablets a day, which can be horrifying for those who dislike swallowing large pills.
Youtheory Collagen with Vitamin C retails for S$26 (120 tablets), S$33.75 (160 tablets), and S$42.50 (290 tablets) at Shopee. Discounts are offered at the time of writing.
ITOH HANAKO Sapphire White Whitening Collagen Drink
ITOH HANAKO’s collagen supplement works to lighten your skin complexion while protecting against free radical damage by UV rays or blue light.
It features 5,300mg of fish collagen to fight natural collagen degradation and keep your skin supple and strong. There are also white tomatoes in the formula, which helps to brighten the skin and inhibit the synthesis of constitutive melanin.
Plus, customers have commented how it’s one of the tastier collagen drinks out there.
ITOH HANAKO Sapphire White Whitening Collagen Drink (10 x 50ml) retails for S$46.25 instead of S$60.45 at Shopee, at the time of writing.
KIKI Health Collagen Bovine Peptides 150 Vegicaps
These collagen capsules contain 100% collagen peptide powder with type I and III collagen and without any fillers, sweeteners, or artificial ingredients.
It’s also unflavored, paleo and keto-friendly, naturally high in protein, and free from hormones, antibiotics, or pesticides.
KIKI Health Collagen Bovine Peptides 150 Vegicaps (150 capsules) retails for S$41.50 at Lookfantastic.
Garden of Life Grass Fed Collagen Creamer
For coffee drinkers, here’s a fuss-free way to include collagen doses in your daily lives! This collagen creamer has 10g of collagen per scoop and adds a touch of sweetness and cream to your coffee.
Available in both vanilla and chocolate favours, it also has added fibre and probiotics, which aren’t found in most collagen powders.
Garden of Life Grass Fed Collagen Creamer (330g) retails for S$47.07 at Amazon.
TruNature Healthy Skin Verisol Collagen
TruNature’s collagen capsules feature a specific type of collagen (verisol) that’s proven to reduce eye wrinkles.
It can also give healthy, radiant skin while maintaining its elasticity by helping to regenerate the skin’s dermal structure.
Tests done by the brand have also shown that the effects on elasticity are long-lasting and that verisol collagen can also improve dermal density in the skin with moderate cellulite.
TruNature Healthy Skin Verisol Collagen (240 capsules) retails for S$42.64 at Amazon.
AVALON Stem Cell Beauty Drink
Made right here in Singapore, this collagen drink tackles six skin concerns and promises results within seven days. You can expect rejuvenated skin cells, fewer wrinkles and fine lines, better skin firmness and elasticity, a brighter skin tone, and hydrated skin.
Touted as the first beauty drink in Singapore that features young orchid stem cells, AVALON’s collagen supplement is enhanced with litchi seed extract, premium French marine collagen, and a mixture of fruit extracts.
Interestingly, it’s also made with sparking water, which makes for a refreshing drink, helps to boost nutrient absorption, and promotes skin metabolism.
AVALON Stem Cell Beauty Drink (10 x 50ml) retails for S$46.28 instead of S$71.20 at Watsons, at the time of writing.
Now Multi Collagen Protein Types I, II, and III
This collagen powder has all three types of collagen at a very affordable price point, making it a quality collagen supplement. However, it’s lower in protein than other powders on the market and isn’t safe for those with fish allergies.
With a mixture of collagen from cow, chicken, and fish, it helps to improve your skin, nails, bones, and joints. It also has vitamin C to help support collagen production.
Just one serving (2.5 tablespoons) can give you 11g of collagen and over 100% of your daily vitamin C requirements. As great as this product is, customers have mentioned how it gives a fishy aftertaste, so be sure to mix this in with stronger flavoured drinks!
Now Multi Collagen Protein Types I, II, and III (454g) retails for S$43.08 at Amazon and for S$48.81 at iHerb.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder in Lemon
Vital Proteins is famously known for its collagen powders, and amidst its range is a delicious lemon-flavoured collagen supplement that’s derived from grass-fed cows.
It contains original collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C to improve your skin, nails, hair, joints, bones, tendons, and ligaments.
There are also no added sugars or sweeteners, and a perfect health addition for citrus lovers!
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides Powder in Lemon (313g) retails for S$45.86 at iHerb.
Best Collagen Supplements Under S$70
The Purest Co Collagen Glow Berries
You might have seen this collagen supplement appear on your social media pages with testers raving about it — rightfully so, as it’s also the top dermatologist-recommended collagen drink!
Clinically proven to firm, lift, and moisturise skin, Collagen Glow Berries contains 5500mg of type 1 hydrolysed nitta-wellnex marine collagen, vitamin C, and bilberry extract.
And for faster, more effective absorption of collagen into the body, the brand uses an exclusive patented technology with enzymatic hydrolysation to ensure only the purest and highest grade of nano collagen peptide is extracted.
The Purest Co Collagen Glow Berries (30g per sachet) retails for S$59.95 (15 sachets) at Shopee, at the time of writing. Options for 30 and 60 sachets are also available.
Vida Glow Original Natural Marine Collagen
Founded by esteemed businesswoman Anna Lahey in 2014, Vida Glow’s collagen supplement is made to support active lifestyles with easy-to-adopt ingestible beauty.
Made from sustainably sourced, hydrolysed marine collagen, this peptide powder supports the natural ageing process and stimulates collagen production. It’s also proven to smooth fine lines and increase skin firmness and elasticity too.
Vida Glow Original Natural Marine Collagen (30 x 3g) retails for S$54 at Shopee.
Imedeen Derma One (25+)
Specially formulated for 25-year-olds and above, these collagen capsules are enriched with zinc and vitamin C to help you maintain a radiant complexion and fight the first signs of ageing.
It features the exclusive Imedeen Marine Complex that’s rich in proteins and polysaccharides similar to those found in the skin’s supportive structure. This collagen supplement is also scientifically tested to improve the skin’s quality and moisture balance while lending you softer, more supple skin.
However, do note that it’s not suitable for those with seafood allergies.
Imedeen Derma One (25+) (60 tablets) retails for S$68.50 at Lookfantastic. There’s also a 6-month bundle for S$263.
Kinohimitsu Collagen Diamond
Known as one of this homegrown brand’s bestsellers, the Collagen Diamond has a whopping 5,300mg of collagen peptide and is specifically designed to restore youthfulness, resilience, and radiance to mature skin.
This delicious collagen supplement can firm up the skin for a lifted look, brighten the skin tone, tighten the pores for smoother skin, make your makeup stay on longer, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and seal in moisture for hydrated skin.
It can even heal scars, strengthen your hair and nails, and lift the bust and buttocks too.
Kinohimitsu Collagen Diamond (16 x 50ml) retails for S$54 instead of S$74.90 at Shopee, at the time of writing.
8Greens Skin Supplement with Marine Collagen
This effervescent collagen supplement serves as a quick and mess-free way to get your greens and nutrients in.
As dubbed in its name and with only 10 calories, it contains eight real greens straight from the farm: aloe, kale, broccoli, spinach, alfalfa, green tea, peppermint, and collard greens.
Also called “a facial in a glass”, this skin supplement has collagen peptides made from the skin of wild-caught, deep-sea cod to replenish up to 70% of the type I collagen our skin is made up of.
You’ll be able to see a better complexion, improved skin elasticity, and less acne. As a bonus, it tastes like apples which is superb for those who can’t stand vegetables!
8Greens Skin Supplement with Marine Collagen (1 x 10 tablets) retails for S$52.92 at Amazon. There’s also an option for 6 x 10 tablets.
Best Collagen Supplements Under S$100
BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides
Sourced from pasture-raised and grass-fed bovine, this collagen powder is unflavored and easy to add to cold or hot beverages.
It contains types I and III collagen to support skin, hair, and nail health, but not type II which means this may not be the best option for those looking for joint support. This collagen supplement also has seven essential amino acids which are all used for repairing, building, and maintaining lean muscle tissue.
Plus, it’s NSF Certified for Sport, a rigorous third-party organisation that tests for harmful contaminants as well as banned substances by sport.
BUBS Naturals Collagen Peptides (283g) retails for S$70.83 at Amazon.
Revive Collagen Enhanced Plus Premium Liquid Marine Collagen Drink
Revive Collagen’s unique formula is developed alongside some of the top UK laboratories and provides a dietary source of type I collagen and hyaluronic acid.
Testers have shared how their dull, tired-looking, or textured skin felt softer and looked better after taking this collagen supplement. Most also said it helped smooth fine lines in just four weeks and reduced wrinkles after three months.
According to panellists, it’s also great for achieving stronger and healthier hair and nails. Plus, it has a fruity taste that dissolves quickly and is incredibly convenient to bring anywhere you go.
Revive Collagen Enhanced Plus Premium Liquid Marine Collagen Drink (14 sachets) retails for S$79 instead of S$84 at fruugo.sg, at the time of writing.
Imedeen Time Perfection (Age 40+)
Imedeen also offers collagen supplements that are made for those aged 40 and above, with the same Marine Complex, fish proteins, and polysaccharides.
With just two tablets a day, you’ll notice better and more hydrated skin with a reduced appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Here’s what a long-term user, Zizie, had to say about the product:
“I have been using Imedeen since I was in my late 20s. I took it to counter my breakouts. I’m in my mid-40s now. I always get compliments on how young I look and people look at me with disbelief when I tell them I have two teenage daughters. They would assume that I’m a young mother with a toddler or perhaps a child still in primary school. I will continue using Imedeen as long as I can afford it.”
Imedeen Time Perfection (Age 40+) (60 Tablets) retails for S$81 at Lookfantastic. A 2-month bundle (120 tablets) retails for S$151, a 3-month bundle retails for S$187, and a 6-month bundle for S$324.
Best Collagen Supplements Above S$100
HOLISTIC WAY Premium Gold Diamond White Collagen Capsule
Suitable for both men and women, this collagen supplement is an all-in-one formula that brightens the skin, protects it from sun exposure, and improves skin complexion.
It uses hydrolysed marine collagen and L-glutathione for hydrated and healthier skin. Meanwhile, there’s also nicotinamide mononucleotide (NMN), a cellular energy precursor, and many antioxidants present to aid in energy metabolism and overall skin health.
Here’s what a satisfied customer had to say about the product:
“After a week of using this product, my skin is much clearer and more supple…my friends said I look so much younger! Thanks, diamond white collagen supplements!”
HOLISTIC WAY Premium Gold Diamond White Collagen Capsule (30 capsules) retails for S$150.80 at Watsons, at the time of writing.
Feature image credit: @dr.mamina/TikTok, @katrinaermino/TikTok, @fiulee_e/TikTok
