Knowing when to take collagen is tough. Its popularity nowadays seems like if you don’t start taking it when you’re young, then it’s too late. You’re past your prime and might as well move into a secluded house with twenty cats. We’re here to tell you that doesn’t have to be the case.
The truth is, there’s no best age to take collagen. But how do you know when to start taking collagen supplements? This article tells you when collagen begins decreasing and signs that it’s time for the age-boosting supplement.
What Age Does Collagen Start to Decline?
Around 25, collagen levels begin to drop by about 1% each year. The rate increases at age 40 and then shoots up to 30% in the initial five years of menopause. The loss of collagen can affect all areas of your life, which is why there are many benefits to start taking collagen.
5 Signs You Need to Start Taking a Collagen Supplement
There’s no ‘one-size fits all’ when it comes to knowing when to start taking collagen supplements. However, there are some key things you can look out for to see if it's time.
1. You’re Noticing Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Everyone knows that wrinkles and fine lines are one of the first signs of ageing, and it's due to the decrease in collagen. But why?
Collagen is like scaffolding for your skin. It keeps your fat cells plump and your derma barrier watertight to retain hydration. This lifts your skin, smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles. But, without the support of collagen, your skin starts to sag, and it’s a hint that taking a collagen supplement will benefit you.
Arella Beauty’s Liquid Collagen Supplement contains amnio-acids which are the building blocks for collagen. It contains a wealth of incredible ingredients for your skin. Just one of those is hyaluronic acid, a humectant that draws water molecules from the air. The action hydrates your skin and keeps your moisture barrier tight, reducing any dryness that causes sagging and fine lines.
Read more: 5 Powerful Ways Liquid Collagen Revitalises Your Skin.
2. You’ve Got Achey Bones and Joints
Knowing when to start taking collagen could also depend on how your muscles and joints feel. When collagen starts decreasing, your fibres become loose and struggle to ‘snap back’ to their original shape. This can cause a reduction in mobility and strength. Your tissue also becomes thin, which creates friction, resulting in aches and pains.
Read more: This Is The Way To Treat Joint Pain Quickly.
If you struggle with sore bones and joints, then try adding a collagen supplement containing vitamin C. This helps your body produce muscle and supports your tendons so you can move with ease.
Read more: The Truth About Vitamin C: Do You Really Need It?
3. Your Hair is Becoming Brittle, Thin, and Dry
Your hair strands are made up of a layer of cuticles that overlap each other, a bit like roof tiles. If you don’t have enough collagen, the cuticles become fragile and thin. This means water and conditioner get through your strands easily, but your locks can’t seal in the moisture. As a result, hydration evaporates quickly, making your hair dry and lacklustre.
But all is not lost. If your hair is brittle and thinning, then taking a collagen supplement will help. Ours contains biotin, which strengthens the cellular structure of your hair to seal in moisture, promote thickness and increase shine.
Read more: 7 Reasons Collagen Is The Secret To Hair Growth.
4. You Have Gut Issues
Many things cause gut problems, such as food intolerances or an unhealthy diet. But sometimes, finding the cause is near impossible. Stomach issues may appear as:
- Cramps
- Bloating
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Excessive gas
Everyone experiences these things once in a while, but getting them constantly causes discomfort and can impact self-esteem. That’s why we’ve formulated our collagen supplement with ginseng.
The benefits of ginseng for gut health:
Ginseng is an incredible ingredient, and one of its many benefits is its anti-inflammatory properties. It soothes the gut lining from irritation, helping it absorb nutrients and minerals for a healthy, functioning tummy.
Read more: The Truth About Ginseng For Your Skin.
5. You’re Always Tired
Collagen regulates the sleep hormone melatonin. Melatonin signals to your body, ‘Hey, I’m tired now. Let’s wind down and get a great night’s sleep.’ But many people have difficulty sleeping because their overactive nervous system is disrupting melatonin release.
We’ve included niacin in our collagen supplement to balance your nervous system and sleep hormone so you can rest easy. Niacin also helps the body break down your food for maximum absorption and energy release.
Try combining collagen with a sleep supplement in the evening and an energy-boosting supplement during the day. You’ll feel super-human in no time!
FAQs About Collagen Supplements
If you know when it’s time to start taking collagen, but you’re still hesitant, then we’re here to help. Check out these commonly asked questions about collagen supplements below.
Am I Too Old to Start Taking Collagen?
It is never too late to start taking collagen. We mean it! Taking collagen in your 30s works just as well as taking it in your 50s. Will the results be exactly the same? No, ageing is an inevitable and natural process. But a collagen supplement increases your quality of life, so it will help no matter what age.
Can Collagen Reverse Age?
Yes, to an extent, collagen can reverse the signs of ageing. Although it won’t wind back the clock to your 18-year-old self, it will help with supple skin, joints and a healthy heart.
Will Collagen Get Rid Of My Wrinkles?
A 2022 study indicates that a collagen supplement could reduce wrinkles by conditioning your skin, supporting hydration and increasing elasticity. That’s great news if you’re struggling with sagging skin and need extra collagen support.
Start Taking Collagen With Arella Beauty
Knowing when to start taking collagen varies for everyone. But if you notice any of these signs, you may want to support your body with a high-quality collagen supplement. Just remember, it’s never too late to nurture your body, mind and soul.
Read next:
- 7 Incredible Benefits of Collagen Supplements
- The Beautiful Benefits of Vegan Collagen for Gut Health
- 10 Evening Routine Tips for Better Sleep
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Written by Emma Carey for Arella Beauty.
Emma is a holistic beauty and wellness writer. She has three years of experience in the well-being industry and a Master’s degree in Creative Writing and Wellness. Check out her portfolio and follow her on Instagram.