IN THIS ARTICLE
Collagen water is just as it sounds: water that contains a certain dosage of a protein called collagen. Collagen is naturally found in the body, but its supplemental form has risen in popularity as a beauty product over the past few years.
Collagen is most commonly sold in powder form, but it also comes in capsules that contain this same powder. However, many people are gravitating toward collagen water since this refreshing mixture can contain tasty additives such as fruit infusions or even coffee.
Before jumping into the fad, though, it’s helpful to know what you’re getting into. It’s an exciting possibility that collagen, the thing that keeps our skin elastic, can be taken as a supplement for more elastic skin. But it’s not that simple.
I’ll outline how collagen works and what to expect when sipping on the collagen water fad.
One of the Vital Proteins: What Collagen Water Does
Collagen water is water that contains a liquid form of collagen proteins. Collagen is one of the most vital substances we have, since it makes up one-third of all the proteins in the body. These proteins, also called amino acids, are responsible for building strong and healthy connective tissue. Collagen is most notably known for its ability to keep skin elastic, hydrated, and supple.
But collagen actually works in many other ways: it's found in high levels in the joints, hair, fingernails, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and organs. As you can see, collagen keeps many foundational body structures in working order.
Since collagen is a complex protein (it actually contains more than 18 types of amino acids!), collagen water must be broken down before it can be absorbed and used.
SHOP SOZY
The process begins in the mouth, as our salivary glands create juices that start digestion and begin breaking down some of the proteins. Once collagen water reaches the stomach, there are a wider range of enzymes that speed up the digestion process and break the water into much smaller parts.
The almost-fully digested collagen then heads to the small intestine, where the porous lining of this organ absorbs the smaller proteins and distributes them into the bloodstream. From here, they are sent to the "collagen hotspots" such as the joints, bones, muscles, and more.
If you are looking to increase absorption of supplemental collagen, you should opt for collagen water (or a collagen supplement) with hydrolyzed collagen peptides. This means the proteins have already been partially broken down, so it will be easier for your body to put them to good use. Research also shows that collagen is best paired with Vitamin C to assist in the digestion and absorption of this protein.
Is Drinking Collagen Water The Newest Hot Health Craze?
While collagen water does appear to be a fad in recent times, it can certainly be a great addition to anyone's health and wellness routine. As a drink, collagen water is easy to consume. It's also gluten free, dairy free, and its many forms taste great. Similar to most supplements, collagen water is not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any health concerns. But research has shown that collagen intake can have a range of health benefits if it's used in combination with other sound health practices.
Some drink brands of collagen waters are made with marine collagen (meaning they come from the ocean) while others are bovine (from grass fed beef). Marine collagen is considered the best option, since it absorbs more quickly -- 1.5 times faster than other collagen types. However, it's typically regarded as a better choice for the health of your hair and nails. Bovine collagen, on the other hand, is more ideal for people looking to strengthen their joints and muscles.
Known Collagen Water Benefits
Existing medical research has suggested some of the following benefits of collagen:
- Can prevent bone loss
- Assists in maintaining healthy skin
- May boost muscle mass and overall strength
- Fortifies the heart
- Reduces joint pain
- May give some added energy
- Has potential to assist in weight loss
- Strengthens hair and nails
While many benefits of collagen are supported by research (such as its impact on bone loss, heart health, and muscle mass), other benefits such as boosting metabolism are purely anecdotal. This means that they have not yet been verified by medical professionals, but people do report this benefit after taking the supplement for some time.
What Are The Negative Effects Of Taking Collagen Peptides?
As of now, it's considered safe to take collagen daily. There are no known side effects of taking collagen, either as liquid collagen (collagen water) or collagen powder. While the majority of people do not report any issues with taking collagen, some people (especially those who just started taking it) may experience some nausea or a slight stomach ache.
It's important to note that this is a common side effect of many supplements, since it takes some time for anyone to get used to any dietary additions. Some people also dislike the aftertaste that collagen may leave in your mouth, but this can easily be remedied by combining it with slices of fruit or other natural additives.
What Do Collagen Supplements Do To Your Face?
Regardless of someone's health status, collagen production slows after the age of 20. For this reason, most people can benefit from a daily dose of collagen water. Many people opt for this supplement because of its reported use as an anti-aging product, particularly in relation to the face. But you may wonder if there is any science behind collagen water for the purposes of improving your facial appearance:
Does collagen lighten skin?
While collagen does not directly serve as a lightener, people who use it may report feeling an increase in skin glow. It's thought that this is attributed to collagen's role in clearing up breakouts and other blemishes, evening tone, filling in wrinkles, and generally tightening the skin.
Can collagen make your skin thicker?
Collagen actually can do this, but this is not desirable. If you are producing an excess of collagen, it is likely due to a medical condition that causes the skin to harden in certain areas.
You may think this is bad from a cosmetic standpoint, but it can actually be harmful unlike areas like calluses. If the hardening occurs in the organs and joints, it can lead to issues like poor mobility, digestive difficulties, blockages, and more.
When should I apply collagen to my face?
If you opt for serums or lotions that contain collagen, you will likely want its effects to be seen on the face. So it helps to apply these products directly to the face while avoiding the eyes and mouth. You can use collagen serums up to two times per day so some people may want to opt for both a morning and a bedtime application. Based on what sleep does for you, collagen may be most effective when used at night, since cells regenerate, renew, and replenish overnight.
However, be sure to apply it around half an hour before bed so it doesn't come off on your pillow, as it will be much less effective if that happens. Collagen serums should be put on when your face is clean and slightly wet.
Can you rebuild collagen in your face?
If you have serious concerns about the appearance of your face, you should look into prescription-grade collagen serums from your dermatologist. They will do an evaluation to determine if this is the best option for you and can guide you in making the right decision.
How To Make Collagen Water
Since the standard collagen water flavor isn't often preferred, many come with artificial flavors, cane sugar, and other sweeteners that negate its benefits. While some people may want to opt out of these collagen water additives due to personal preference, it's a good idea for another reason. Science actually shows that sweeteners reverse the positive effects of collagen. Any kind of unnatural sugar binds to collagen fibers and weakens them by making them more tangled.
So if you're looking to make your own collagen water, there are plenty of ways you can make it tasty and healthy at the same time. The basic recipe for collagen water is simple:
- 10 grams of collagen powder (one scoop, according to most measuring cups)
- 16 ounces of room temperature water
You simply add the collagen to the water and stir until it's dissolved. Here is the fun part: you can add anything else you want based on your own preference. One of the most popular flavors is strawberry lemon collagen water, but some people opt for tropical versions and others may prefer other additions. Some people add strawberry, lemon, and other fruit juice, while others may even prefer to put whole slices of strawberry, lemon, cucumber, or other fresh fruit in the water. You can also add sprigs of spearmint or other herbs if you prefer a more refreshing and simple taste. You can also steep a tea bag in the collagen water mixture if you like more of a blend of flavors.
Some people may think it's a bit easier to buy a bottle of collagen water premade, but it's easy enough to make at home and add your own twist. If you are short on time, you can even make a few different types to create your own sort of variety pack for the week.
The bottom line is that collagen water is a great addition to anyone's day, as it has a range of proven benefits (and maybe even some others that have yet to be discovered). It's important to reiterate that collagen and other supplements are not intended to treat, cure, or prevent any health conditions. Some people may notice a difference in the way it makes them feel, while others may not. To get the best results, try drinking collagen water while also increasing your intake of food that is naturally rich in collagen. This includes food such as beans, eggs, dairy, chicken, beef, and fish.
TOP
