How much do you know about collagen? Let's dive in.
Collagen is one of the body’s essential—and most powerful—proteins. Widely known as a “primary building block”, collagen can be found anywhere in the body from your skin to your tendons to the lining of your organs.1 Altogether, collagen accounts for a third of your body’s protein. She’s the definition of a jack of all trades: she does it all, and she does it well.
Of course, we’ve got the full scoop on how collagen supports your health—and how to boost levels as you age. Let’s dive in.
Collagen and its benefits
We’ll sing it from the rooftops: collagen puts the work in. If your body were a Jenga tower, collagen is one of the foundational bottom pieces. The human body produces this protein through a multi-step process that blends amino acids, sourced from your nutritional intake.2 There are about 28 (!) types of collagen, all with their own functions toward keeping your body moving.1
For your hair
You may already know that human hair is primarily made of keratin, a protein that also forms nails, skin, and hooves (you didn’t read that wrong — keratin is found in animals, too.) But guess who keratin’s overachieving coworker is? Collagen.
Collagen bolsters the tissue around hair follicles, ensuring every strand has the support it needs to grow.3 Collagen peptides, or smaller, broken-down chains of collagen, have also been found to strengthen the elasticity of hair, preventing breakage and boosting shine.1,4 Recently, another study found that those peptides can be useful in preventing and combatting hair loss.4
For your skin
What protein works wonders on human skin, providing its essential structure, elasticity, and hydration? Say it with us: collagen. According to researchers, collagen is “vital to sustaining healthy skin”, forming connective tissue and preserving “pliability.”5 Ever wonder why your skin can stretch and remain bouncy? Coll-a-gen. A 2022 study published in the National Library of Medicine also found that collagen, delivered through oral and topical supplements, reduces wrinkling and skin roughness.6
For your nails
In addition to supporting moisture and blocking brittleness in your hair and skin, collagen works to block nail brittleness. In fact, a recent study demonstrated that supplementing collagen orally led to increased nail growth and less broken nails.7 Sign us up.
For your entire body.
Your bones, tendons, and ligaments all rely on collagen. The protein offers joint support by strengthening collagen, helps wounds heal by “attracting new skin cells,” and scaffolds muscles and arteries.1 And we’re not even naming everything!
Collagen production breaks down as you age
Up until the age of 25, the collagen factory in every human body chugs happily along. But after that age, collagen production decreases by about 1% per year—until menopause, when production drops off more steeply.8 Decreased collagen can lead to duller skin, brittle nails, hair breakage, joint pain, and overall loss of mobility.1
Let’s pause here to highlight: menopause is not a bad thing. And neither is aging. This is just a part of your journey where your body needs more support to produce that essential building block—and luckily, we’ve got some tips.
How to boost collagen production
With nutrition.
Remember, the body produces collagen through the amino acids that you consume. To boost production, you’ll want to consume foods rich in collagen itself, protein, or amino acids: bone broth, chicken, fish, egg whites, citrus, and garlic are good places to start. You might be tired of the advice, but as usual, drink plenty of water.
With healthy choices.
It’s time to take inventory of habits that might not be the best for collagen production, not to mention your long-term health. Studies have demonstrated that smoking cigarettes decreases collagen production and disrupts cellular turnover.8 Additionally, prolonged exposure to UV light (without protection) isn’t great for the collagen factory.9 If you want to boost collagen production, consider grabbing that sunscreen—and seeking support to quit smoking.
As always, check in with your doctor for next steps when it comes to making lifestyle changes.
With supplements.
Looking for a faster solution? Besides collagen supplements and peptides being proven to increase production and boost hair, skin, and nails, they’re also pretty easy to incorporate into your routine. And if you’re looking for a one-two punch, a collagen peptides and probiotic combo can support your gut lining and support a healthy microbiome.*
Probiotics & Collagen
Women spoke, and we listened. Say hello to URO Probiotic + Collagen: one daily scoop that supports vaginal, skin, and gut health—plus hair, nails, and joints. Simply add 1 scoop to your liquid of choice (like orange juice, iced coffee, or smoothie) and mix well.
Consistency is key—Take daily for 3 months to feel full results.*
