The Power of Collagen
From skin to joints: Understanding the benefits and identifying the best supplement to elevate your health
What is Collagen and why do we need it?
Collagen is a crucial protein that is essential for a healthy body. It is the main component of connective tissues, providing structural support and elasticity throughout the body, including skin, bones, tendons and ligaments.
There are several types of collagen. The most common are Type I, II, and III. Type I collagen is found in skin, tendons, and bones. Type II collagen is primarily found in cartilage and helps support joint health, while Type III collagen is present in skin, blood vessels, and internal organs, contributing to tissue elasticity and structure. Other types, like Type IV and V, play roles in forming membranes and supporting cellular structures.
Why would we consider a supplement?
Our collagen levels start declining in our 20s, resulting in changes to the skin (such as wrinkles, fine lines, loss of elasticity and firmness), thinning hair and nails, weaker joints and cartilage. The body’s cells become dysfunctional, inflamed and slow to heal.
The loss of collagen accelerates with age, as well as lifestyle factors including environmental damage and smoking.
Do collagen supplements work?
As I have reached an age where the ageing process has become accelerated, noticing the changes throughout my body due to the loss of collagen, and having an increasing amount of my patients ask me if collagen supplements work and would I recommend any, I decided to delve into the available research regarding; what evidence there is for their efficacy, what the supplements need to contain in order to be effective and what the potential benefits are, if they do work.
Having spent a huge amount of time invested in this, I want to share my findings and personal experience with you.
Where did I start?
Studies suggest that collagen’s benefits depend on factors like dosage, the type of collagen used, and the inclusion of complementary nutrients, which play a crucial role in collagen synthesis.
There are 2 types of collagen supplements, marine and bovine. How do we choose which one?
Marine collagen is derived from fish. It primarily contains type I collagen but does also have some type II.
Bovine collagen is derived from cows and contains types I, II and III
Whilst Marine collagen has a smaller peptide (particle) size which makes it more absorbable (known as bioavailability), Bovine has a higher concentration of type I and III but also contains type II.
Even though Bovine contains more collagen and has all 3 of the main types, it needs to be easily absorbed by the body. No-one wants to take a supplement that just gives us expensive wee! Hydrolysed bovine collagen is now available, which means it is broken down into smaller peptide particles, making it easier for the body to absorb.
Why did I choose Bovine?
To obtain all the health benefits, including in our joints, it would make sense to choose a supplement that contains type II collagen as well as type I and III. As I have been experiencing some joint pain, as well as the external changes associated with collagen loss, this is important to me. Also, studies have shown that combining collagen types I, II and III together offer a more comprehensive approach.
There are essential nutrients that we need for collagen synthesis (the process of producing collagen), which include vitamin C, amino acids, zinc and copper. Therefore, as well as the collagen being in a high dose, with a high level of bioavailability, we also need to ensure we have the essential nutrients for collagen synthesis.
Hyaluronic acid not only plays a crucial role in maintaining skin hydration, it is also essential for collagen synthesis. Just like collagen, our levels of hyaluronic acid deplete with age. It is not a nutrient that can be obtained through food so collagen supplements which do not contain Hyaluronic Acid are missing out on achieving the optimal health benefits.
Armed with all this key information, I investigated numerous options. I managed to find a clinically proven, high-quality, hydrolyzed collagen supplement, with the additional essential nutrients and hyaluronic acid to maximize absorption and effectiveness…..Yay!
THE WINNER IS
Totally Derma® Collagen Boosting Nutraceutical Drink
Totally Derma® has been specially formulated to reduce inflammation in the body to improve skin, hair, nail, joint, gut, bone, and menopausal health.
Here are some of the essential details:
It is a high strength, powdered Nutraceutical drink supplement containing patented hydrolyzed collagen, amino acid peptides (that are tiny in molecular size for 95% absorption into the bloodstream), therapeutic dose of patented Hyaluronic Acid, high levels of key antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and minerals for collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production and repair, to improve both the skin and the body’s internal health.
It works from the inside, optimising not only the skin, but the entire body and its systems at the cellular level.
It contains 10,000mg of bovine collagen, 210mg hyaluronic acid, 5 antioxidants and minerals including L-ascorbic Vitamin C, zinc, green tea extract, grapeseed extract, alpha lipoic acid, copper and manganese.
The clinically proven benefits (as stated by Totally Derma)
Drinking Totally Derma® daily contributes to skin firmness, elasticity and hydration, longer, stronger hair and nails, more flexible joints, stronger bones, improved gut health and is a key supplement for peri and post-menopausal women.
Totally Derma® represents a new era in skincare, health and well-being, by tackling the root causes of ageing and delivers a holistic approach to age management.
Here is some information I have compiled for you, for ease of reading, regarding our health and how Totally Derma ® can help.
Gut Health
Did you know?
Collagen plays a huge role in supporting the digestive tract, stimulating gut health, both directly by providing the gut lining with the necessary amino acid peptides for repair, and indirectly by regulating the stress and sex hormones that affect gut functioning. The balance in the gut microbiome is essential for radiant, young, and blemish-free skin.
While certain gut bacteria encourage the anti-inflammatory response in the body, others facilitate inflammatory cell growth, which reflects onto the skin, causing acne and other skin conditions.
The gut microbiome can also be affected by emotional and nervous states. For example, feelings of worry, panic, stress, and anxiety are linked to adverse changes in the gut microflora that impact the skin negatively.
The gut plays a very significant role in the metabolism of hormones and hormones have proven to greatly impact the health of the skin. There is more and more research, indicating that oestrogen, the hormone that is said to be the key hormonal trigger when it comes to skin health may be affected by the gut microbiota.
How will Totally Derma® help you?
Totally Derma® Nutraceutical Collagen drink supplement contains bovine collagen in a hydrolysed form, which simply means the large protein molecules have already been broken down into their smaller peptide form for easier absorption in the gut.
It is packed with the types of amino acids that our GI tract uses to repair and heal itself. By mending the damaged cells which comprise the gut lining, these amino acids regulate the gut microbiome and its permeability, thereby treating and preventing leaky gut syndrome.
The super-nutrient amino acids in the collagen also help maintain balanced levels of hormones in the body, especially the stress hormone cortisol and the sex hormone oestrogen. Oestrogen has anti-inflammatory properties, so decreased oestrogen levels can lead to inflammation in the gut and skin issues, such as acne and rosacea. By regulating the oestrogen and cortisol levels, collagen helps maintain a healthy gut and clear, firmer-looking skin.
Joint function
Did You know?
Collagen is responsible for all flexibility and strength of your cartilage, which cushion joints, absorbing shock, preventing pain and allowing them to move smoothly, reducing friction between bones when moving.
It also plays a role in the repair and regenerating of joint tissue needed to recover from injury. It can also reduce inflammation in joints, promoting overall joint health and comfort.
Ligaments, tendons, bones, skeletal muscle, and the vasculature are all held together by collagen.
As we age, collagen production slows causing poor joint health and arthritis. Nutritional inadequacy, exposure to toxins and stresses of modern life also cause collagen to break down, resulting in skin wrinkles and sags, thinning of the hair, decreased joint flexibility and reduced vibrancy and strength of the skin and nails.
Athletes are more commonly at risk of knee and joint injuries due to the sustained impact and over-use of the joints from strenuous exercise. Cartilage should be stimulated to regenerate itself as much as possible.
Early protection of cartilage is important to ensure its health over time. Everyone is at risk of decreasing joint health because of the natural ageing process, environmental influence and congenital or inherited factors.
How will Totally Derma help you?
Inside the body, increased collagen and hyaluronic acid production means that stiff joints will become more flexible and comfortable, making this a great supplement for general health and fitness minded men and women. The collagen peptides are small in molecular size so are easily absorbed by the bloodstream, alongside patented Hyaluronic Acid, antioxidants and minerals, to improve both the body’s internal health and the skin.
It contains bovine sourced collagen to rebuild and strengthen cartilage and provide shock absorption. It also contains Hyaluronic Acid to ensure lubrication and elasticity in the joints.
Skin health
Did you know?
Loss of collagen and the ageing process accelerates with the depletion of oestrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause.
Collagen provides structure and elasticity, its decrease leads to the formation of wrinkles and fine lines, causes skin to lose firmness and support, resulting in sagging, especially around the cheeks and jawline.
Collagen helps retain moisture; its loss can lead to drier skin, making it appear dull and less vibrant.
As collagen decreases, skin may become thinner and more fragile, increasing the risk of damage and bruising.
Decreased collagen can affect the overall texture and smoothness of the skin, leading to rough patches, open pores or a lack of bounce.
Collagen loss can contribute to a reduction in facial volume, giving a sunken appearance in areas like the cheeks.
External factors are the main cause of skin ageing. UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis, breaking down collagen and elastin. They are the same strength all year round.
Collagen and Hyaluronic acid (HA) work together to stimulate each other’s production through a positive feedback mechanism: the more collagen that is present, the more HA is produced.
How will Totally Derma® help you?
Totally Derma® boasts a potent combination of bio-absorbable Type I, Type II and Type III collagen, hyaluronic acid and other scientifically proven antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and minerals vital for collagen production and skin health. Contains up to 200% more collagen and at least 300% more hyaluronic acid than its respective competitors, making it the most potent nutraceutical skin supplement currently available.
The collagen, hyaluronic acid plus other synergistic co-factors including Vitamin C, Green Tea Extract, Grapeseed Extract, Alpha Lipoic Acid, Zinc, Copper and Manganese are distributed via the blood vessels into the deeper layer of the dermis, where they stimulate fibroblast cells to produce more collagen and hyaluronic acid in the dermis.
In a 12-week study measuring the absorption of the product into the blood, impressive results were seen and skin biopsies showed increases in elastin and skin hydration. Testers had a marked decrease in wrinkles around their eyes.
The clinical studies were thorough and showed clearly that the collagen is well absorbed into the blood and can stimulate the body’s own capacity to produce collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.
Additional benefits also include reduced inflammation and an increase in the body’s natural free radical defence mechanisms.
Menopause health
Did you know?
The rapid decline in collagen associated with menopause not only affects our skin, hair nails and joints, it also causes what’s known as Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause (GSM). It is a term used to describe the various menopausal symptoms that transpire due to physical changes in the vulva, vagina, and lower urinary tract. GSM includes genital symptoms, such as vaginal dryness, burning, and irritation; sexual symptoms, such as lack of lubrication, discomfort, or pain during or after sex; as well as urinary symptoms, including stress and urge incontinence, and recurrent urinary tract infections.
Vaginal symptoms such as dryness, irritation, and painful sex can affect relationships, with many women having to abstain from having sex or experiencing discomfort and pain during or after sex.
GSM is estimated to affect more than 70% of women worldwide, but it is rarely talked about.
About 50% of women experience some form of pelvic organ prolapse. The hormonal changes during (peri)menopause result in a loss of support and thinning of Vaginal tissue, increasing the risk of prolapse. This is due to the reduction in collagen that give structure to the connective tissue.
Studies also estimate around a third of women suffer from recurrent Urine Tract infections and incontinence related to the menopause.
How can Totally Derma® help you?
Clinical studies have proven effective, superior collagen absorption and improvements in skin quality, joint pain, thickness of hair and nails.
In another clinical study, measuring the improvement in GSM symptoms over a 12-week trial, improvements were seen in all symptoms, with some disappearing altogether.
Significant improvements in itching skin have also been reported.
How has Totally Derma® helped me?
Here are a few improvements I have noticed in the 3 months I have taken the supplement.
- My skin is glowing, and I am having compliments daily in the clinic
- Increased skin firmness
- General improvement in perimenopause symptoms including; hair loss, joint pain, heart burn, brain fog (I was surprised it has helped with brain fog as it is not marketed for this, but there are some studies that suggest collagen peptides can improve cognitive function and memory, but more research is needed, It also contains Manganese and Green Tea extract, both of which support brain function)
How has Totally Derma® helped my patients?
Patients have reported
- Notable improved thickness to hair
- Improvement of IBS symptoms
- Improvement of heartburn
- Recovering from exercise more quickly and a reduction in joint pain
- Feeling more flexible
- Improvements to skin texture and tone
How long should I take Totally Derma®?
To see the most significant results, Totally Derma® recommend taking the supplement for at least three months, but most users will see an improvement in the condition of their skin after just three weeks.
Results will continue to improve with longer term use.
Application:
Just mix one scoop (daily, preferably at night) with 250ml of water, juice, smoothie, or yoghurt to repair, rejuvenate and replenish the skin and body.
360g – 30 servings per tub.
It is free of the most common allergens, preservatives and artificial additives.
How much does it cost?
A tub containing one month’s supply retails at £105. As I am now a stockist of this product, I am offering it to my patients for just £85. When taken for 3 months, the stimulated collagen production can last up to a year.
It is available to purchase in clinic.