All is not lost, however: Research has consistently shown in peer-reviewed studies that taking collagen supplements can promote skin elasticity, hydration1, and support your overall collagen levels2.* Studies have also found that taking oral collagen supplements can promote wound healing3.* All of these benefits translate into healthier, more supple, and youthful-appearing skin.* Now, to get more technical, there are specific types of collagen: The two most important for skin health are type I & III5, as those are the the two types that make up most of the dermal layers (up to 90% of it5, in fact).* Bovine collagen (preferably from grass-fed cows) is the only collagen on the market in which you can get those two types of collagen, as marine collagen only has type I & II and plant-derived collagens are only amino acids. If you consume animal products, bovine collagen has more of what you need. The benefits of topical vitamin C in relation to collagen are also well established; studies have shown that applying vitamin C topically can directly increase collagen production7 in the skin. It also works on all skin types to fight off free radical damage8 from the environmental stressors we face on a daily basis, like UV exposure and air pollution.
