Collagen FAQs

 

What is collagen?
Collagen is a hard, fibrous protein, the most abundant in the body. It is found in skin, muscles, bones and tendons, and comprises about 30% of our body weight.

What is the role of collagen in our bodies?
Collagen is the major structural component of skin, comprising approximately 80% of its (dry) weight. It plays a pivotal role in maintaining smooth skin, glossy hair and healthy nails.

It is crucial for joint mobility, the stability of bones, muscle health and for the reliable performance of ligaments and tendons. As a primary component of connective tissue, it is abundant in blood vessels and intervertebral discs, also in the cornea, dentin (in teeth), and in the blood-brain barrier and intestinal wall.

Does collagen production decline as we age?
Yes, collagen production declines with age. Ageing skin is a result of a decrease of collagen in the dermis, which is the inner layer of the two main layers of the skin. Loss of collagen can amount to 2% per year, increasing after menopause.

What factors affect skin quality?
Skin quality is determined by the dermal layer structure under the impact of environmental factors. As the body ages, collagen production decreases, directly impacting the quality and appearance of the skin.

Environmental factors which may affect collagen production over time include:

  • Exposure to UV radiation from the sun
  • Poor nutrition
  • Smoking

These combined with the normal ageing process will cause thinning of the dermis. As the connective tissue loses its firmness and elasticity, wrinkles and sagging will become more apparent. During the ageing process, the skin can also suffer a loss of moisture and become increasingly dry.

What are collagen peptides?
Collagen Peptides are pre-digested proteins obtained by simple enzymatic hydrolysis, a process similar to human digestion. They are considered to be natural food ingredients. Rapidly digested, they are highly bio-available, and may be fully utilised by the body.

Our collagen peptides are of exceptional purity compared to other protein sources, being remarkably low in ashes, fat and carbohydrates.

How do collagen peptides work?
According to scientific studies, an oral daily intake of 2.5g (1-2 teaspoons) of collagen peptides over a 4-8 week period is likely to stimulate the skin to produce more collagen. Collagen peptides boost the supply of amino acids that are essential building blocks of skin, hair and nail structure.

What can collagen peptides do for me?
Our collagen peptides are optimised to support beauty from within. They are scientifically proven to stimulate skin metabolism and to counteract the loss of collagenous extracellular matrix.1,2,3

Put simply, skin becomes noticeably firmer and smoother. Results typically show after 4 weeks of daily consumption.

Studies have demonstrated that consumption of collagen peptides has resulted in:

  • Increased skin elasticity
  • Reduced wrinkles and fine lines
  • Improved skin surface and cellulite
  • Improved growth and health of hair and nails
  • Reduced periorbital (around the eye) wrinkles
  • Increased skin moisture content

What are the benefits of consuming collagen vs using topical creams?
Collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed through the skin.

Accordingly, cosmetic lotions that claim to increase collagen levels are unlikely to do so. Few cosmetic products exhibit effective action on the dermis.

Orally consumed, however, collagen peptides improve collagen metabolism in the dermis. The result is a considerably higher production of dermal collagen and overall extracellular matrix. This acts to replace some of what has been lost through natural ageing and environmental factors.

How do I use Collagen Companion collagen peptide powder?
The beauty (pun intended!) of our natural Collagen Companion peptide powder is in its versatility. It is an ideal food and beverage companion. Not only can you add a therapeutic dose of collagen in just one heaped teaspoon (2.5g) to your favourite Taylor Made tea, it will also complement:

  • Hot drinks including teas and coffee
  • Cold drinks including water, smoothies, iced teas
  • Soups
  • Grains and cereals
  • Baked goods
  • Home made snacks including protein balls
  • Frozen delights
  • Post-workout drinks

The opportunities are endless

Do collagen peptides mix well with beverages?
Yes, our hydrolysed collagen peptides mix extremely well with beverages.

Here’s why:

  • They are heat stable, so you can safely add them to hot or cold drinks
  • They have excellent solubility and will dissolve with brilliant clarity into any beverage
  • They have low viscosity so will not change the consistency
  • They are neutral in taste and odour, so will not affect the flavour or taste
  • They are easily digestible and have a high degree of bio-availability

Why should I use Taylor Made Tea Co.’s Collagen Companion collagen peptides?
We have undertaken extensive research in sourcing the finest quality hydrolysed bovine collagen peptides. You can trust that the products we endorse are of the highest quality and efficacy, and are backed by science.

We have also gone to great lengths to ensure our Collagen Companion provides optimal value for money.

How long do I have to use Collagen Companion until I notice a difference in my skin?
Studies have demonstrated that a consistent intake of 2.5g per day (1-2 teaspoons) over a 4 week period has resulted in visibly improved skin, reduced cellulite, and stronger hair and nails. Further improvement is noted after 8 weeks of use.

Does Collagen Companion contain any nasties?
No. Collagen Companion is free from fat, sugar, carbohydrates, gluten, cholesterol, purines and additives. It is non-GMO and non-allergenic.

Is there a maximum dose per day?
We do not recommend doses of our collagen peptides above 20g per day or exceeding 20% of the total daily protein intake.

References

  1. Proksch E, Segger D, Degwert J, Schunck M, Zague V, Oesser S (2014) Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacol Physiol 27:47–55
  2. Proksch E, Schunck M, Zague V, Segger D, Degwert J, Oesser S (2014) Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. Skin Pharmacol Physiol 27:113–119
  3. Hexsel D, Zague V, Schunck M, Siega C, Camozzato FO, Oesser S (2017) Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. J Cosmet Dermatol16:520–526