Collagen 101: Where Do You Begin?

The word collagen has the beauty and health spheres in a frenzy.

Touted as a miracle ingredient, the ingestible and topical component has found itself in drinks, skincare and supplements with the promise of transforming skin back to its plump, radiant heyday.

But does the coveted ingredient live up to the hype?

Contrary to popular belief, collagen is less of an ‘ingredient’ per say, and actually a structural component of the skin that provides it with its elasticity and strength.

The most abundant protein found within the body, collagen is a support for the skin, making up about 30% of the body’s overall protein levels. By this science, it’s unsurprising that when our collagen levels are at their peak, so is our appearance.

Unfortunately, as we begin to age our levels begin to dip.

Specifically, this decline begins as early as our mid-20’s, and continues to drop by about a percent every year after that.

Accelerated by stressors such as high-sugar diets, UV radiation, pollutants and excess alcohol, it can seem that maintaining optimal collagen levels is a far-cry from reasonably possible.

Now, before you go about canceling your next night-out with friends or that end of week indulgence, this is where collagen supplements come into play.

Incorporating a collagen product into your diet is a great way to support your body's natural production. Specifically, if dietary protein intake is low, or if an added boost to collagen is required due to low protein and/or nutrient intake, then collagen is going to be your new best friend.

Taking a collagen supplement can be particularly handy to take when you travel, you're stressed, you have poor gut health, or when you're on a restrictive diet. Collagen supplements like the range by Par Olive are incredibly easy to incorporate into your routine, so much so that it almost seems criminal that everyone isn’t jumping on the train.

When you ingest a collagen supplement, it transports the nutrients all over your body, including your skin, hair and nails. By consuming a collagen supplement, you are complementing the number of specific amino acids your cells need to produce collagen. More collagen = plumper skin, radiant complexion and stronger hair and nails. 

Working with your body is key!

Now, as versatile as the benefits, collagen is also available as a skincare treatment. Pointedly, there are two types of collagen-aligned skincare products: formulas that contain collagen so that you can apply the goodness directly to your skin, and those that work to boost your skin's natural production of collagen. Imbibe Collagen Lips falls into the former. Pretty sweet, huh?

In the often elusive endeavour for glowing skin, the verdict is out on collagen, and we’re sold.