4 Skincare Benefits of Marine Collagen

By now, you have probably seen hydrolyzed collagen supplements on the market. If you haven’t, expect to see them a lot more! Collagen is one of the most popular nutrients for supporting beauty from the inside out, and you might be surprised to learn how important it is for your skin! 

The word “collagen” comes from the Greek word “kolla,” which translates to “glue.” Considering glue’s job is to hold everything together, that might give you a clue about the role of collagen in the body. The largest external organ on your body is skin, and collagen is the protein that keeps your skin strong and radiant so it can do its job. Here’s a closer look at what collagen does and how collagen supplements may help maintain your skin’s natural healthy glow. 

Collagen and Aging

Collagen gives your skin structure and elasticity. Unfortunately, collagen production declines at an early age and continues to rapidly decline with every new decade. On top of that, other factors impact the structure of your skin and collagen production. Unhealthy habits and the environment accelerates skin damage and the appearance of aging skin. This includes habits such as smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, stress, and lack of sleep. In addition, environmental pollution, medication, and UV rays can have a detrimental impact on your skin. Combined with the natural decrease of collagen production, these factors lead to many skin challenges, including fine lines, premature wrinkles, dull skin, and sagging skin. 

Five Types of Collagen

Although there are more than 16 types of collagen, around 80-90% of the collagen in your body comes from types I, II, and III. Here’s a breakdown of some types of collagen that are present in your body: 

• Type I: present in skin, bones, tendons, blood vessel walls and connective tissues
• Type II: present in intervertebral discs and in parts of the eye; also known for cushioning joints
• Type III: present in skin, the lungs, liver, intestines, and vascular system
• Type IV: present in membranes that form barriers in blood vessels and organs
• Type V: present in the placenta, lungs, and muscles 

Type I collagen is the most abundant collagen in your body. Made of densely packed fibers, it makes up 90% of the collagen in the body. In your skin, these fibers provide structural support for the surface layer of your skin. By combining with hyaluronic acid (a humectant that attracts moisture) and elastin (a flexible protein), Type I collagen gives your skin structure and serves as an essential building block. 

Collagen is produced in the body, but this process declines with age. We also consume animal collagen in foods such as gelatin. Most of the collagen we eat or consume through supplements is derived from land mammals. Unfortunately, many collagen products are made from by-products that don’t always provide the same benefits as pure collagen powder made with marine animal sources. 

Marine collagen is easier to digest and more bioavailable than bovine sources. In addition, it contains high amounts of amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. Amino acids are considered the “building blocks of protein” and work together to produce essential proteins, including collagen. 

4 Skin Benefits of Collagen

Now that you know marine collagen absorbs better than other types, it’s time to explore what this incredible nutrient can do for your skin! 

1. Collagen may reduce skin dryness and boost moisture levels. 

Although there are several studies on collagen and wrinkles, one study of women ages 35-55 found that the women supplementing with collagen experienced increased skin elasticity and improved moisture levels. Moisture levels in skin improve appearance by helping you achieve a plumper, more radiant complexion. 

2. Collagen may improve skin elasticity.

A 2019 collagen study was conducted on a randomized group of women over age 35. Results found that by supplementing with collagen, skin elasticity, hydration, and texture improved. It was also noted that these benefits reached deeper layers of the skin throughout the study. 

3. Collagen supplements may help produce other skin-supportive proteins. 

One study on skin aging revealed that collagen supplements may help the body produce other proteins, including elastin fibers, that your skin needs to maintain the structure. The same study acknowledges that other studies support nutritional supplements for skin health, but that skin health starts with the diet. 

4. Collagen supplements may minimize the appearance of wrinkles. 

In 2015, the Journal of Medical Nutrition and Nutraceuticals published a study that reported results showing that supplementing with collagen significantly reduced wrinkle depth in participants. Furthermore, a 2020 publication in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology acknowledged the growing body of support behind nutritional collagen supplements. This publication recommended supplements be combined with topical skin treatments to achieve the best results. 

Don’t miss Teami’s NEW collagen supplement

Behind-the-scenes at Teami, we have been working hard to bring you an optimal collagen supplement. Our new Beauty Butterfly Collagen powder combines the purity of natural codfish collagen and blends it with the antioxidant power of acai and the polyphenols from butterfly pea flower. 

This premium-select grade collagen is sourced exclusively from the scales of sustainable, non-GMO, wild-caught codfish and designed to be incorporated into your favorite smoothie recipes for an incredible beauty boost every day! That means fewer impurities and no artificial ingredients.

If you open your tub of Teami Beauty Butterfly Collagen and notice a fish-like scent, don’t worry: it’s normal. To ensure the purity and integrity of our collagen powder, we are offering this up in its most pure form for your wellness! 

We can’t wait for you to try our collagen supplement and want to hear all about it! Pop one scoop into your smoothie (which delivers 10 grams of collagen) and blend it with our MIXit portable blender. You can use the Beauty Butterfly Collagen powder in any of the recipes in the FREE Collagen e-book. Cheers to your healthy skin!