As our skin ages, it starts to lose its natural elasticity and firmness, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin. While aging is a natural process, there are a few things we can do to slow down the skin aging process and keep our skin looking young and radiant. Two popular skin care supplements that claim to help preserve the skin's youthfulness and enhance its overall appearance are collagen and glutathione. In this blog, we'll look at the differences between these two supplements, their benefits for the skin, and which one might be the better choice for your skin care regime.
Causes of Collagen Deficiency
As we age, collagen production in the body reduces. Furthermore, the existing collagen begins to break down at a faster rate. In addition to ageing, lifestyle habits also affect collagen levels. These include:
Smoking
Excessive intake of sugar and refined carbohydrates
Exposure to ultraviolet rays
Signs of Collagen Deficiency
The signs of collagen deficiency are visible to the naked eye. These include:
- Wrinkled skin
- Sagging skin
- Hallowing in and around the eyes
- Shrinking and weakening of muscles
- Muscle aches due to stiffer, less flexible tendons and ligaments
- Osteoarthritis due to wearing of cartilages
- Reduced mobility due to joint stiffness
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a protein that makes up around 30% of the body's total protein content. It plays a vital role in keeping our skin strong, supple, and firm. Collagen production naturally declines as we age, but it can also be affected by factors such as UV exposure, pollution, poor diet, and smoking. Collagen supplements claim to help replenish the skin's collagen levels, leading to improved skin elasticity, reduction in fine lines, and a more youthful appearance. Studies have shown that consuming collagen supplements can help boost collagen production and improve skin hydration and elasticity.
Causes of Glutathione Deficiency
The main reasons that lead to a drop in glutathione levels are:
- Ageing
- Poor diet
- Lack of exercise
- Chronic diseases
- Compromised immune system
- Infections
- Stress
Signs of Glutathione Deficiency
The most common signs of glutathione deficiency include:
- Persistent fatigue
- Lack of energy
- Muscle aches and joint pain
- Brain fogging
- Low Immunity
- Poor sleep quality
what is Glutathione - is it different from NMN and Nad+?
Glutathione is an antioxidant produced naturally by the liver. It plays a crucial role in protecting the body's cells from oxidative damage caused by free radicals. Glutathione supplements also claim to help lighten and brighten the skin, leading to a more even skin tone and reduced hyperpigmentation. Glutathione has been found to reduce the production of melanin, the pigment that gives our skin its color, leading to brighter, more vibrant skin. In addition to its skin benefits, glutathione is also known for supporting the body's immune system and detoxification processes.
So, which supplement is better for your skin? It really depends on your skin concerns and goals. If you're looking to improve skin elasticity, reduce fine lines, and promote youthful-looking skin, collagen supplements or Nicotinamide Mononucleotide supplements might be a better choice for you. On the other hand, if you're struggling with stubborn hyperpigmentation or uneven skin tone, glutathione supplements could be the way to go. However, it's important to note that neither supplement is a quick fix - results may take several weeks or even months to become noticeable.
It's worth noting that both collagen and glutathione supplements are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This means that the quality and effectiveness of these supplements may vary widely depending on the brand and formulation. Before starting any new supplement, it's always a good idea to talk to your healthcare provider or a skincare professional to ensure that it's safe and appropriate for you.
Take Away
In conclusion, collagen and glutathione are both popular skincare supplements with different skin benefits. Collagen is known for enhancing skin elasticity and reducing fine lines, while glutathione can help brighten the skin and even out skin tone. Ultimately, both supplements can be beneficial for improving the appearance of the skin, but it's important to choose the supplement that aligns with your skin goals and seek professional advice before starting any new supplement regime.
FAQs
1. Which is better for skin collagen or glutathione?
Collagen types 1 & 3 help increase elasticity by stimulating collagen production in the skin. Glutathione helps with skin glow & reduces pigmentation by regulating melanin production. Hyaluronic Acid helps improve skin hydration & makes it soft and supple while biotin helps improve overall skin health.
2. Do collagen supplements make skin look better
Those who used collagen supplements saw an improvement in the firmness, suppleness, and moisture content of the skin, with wrinkles appearing less noticeable.
3. Is collagen in skincare effective?
While topically applied collagen will moisturize the skin, that's about the extent of what it can do. Applying collagen topically has never been shown to stimulate collagen synthesis or growth. This is because collagens have molecular weights making them too large to penetrate the top layer of skin.
