Hailed the holy grail for glow, edible collagen is clinically proven to firm, smooth, hydrate and plump the skin. This superpowered supplement’s abilities don’t stop there; it turns out edible collagen can also be an effective tool to deal with acne. They say that the skin holds a mirror up to what’s going on inside us, so adding edible collagen into your beauty routine can be a fantastic way to address the root cause of acne at a cellular level. With more and more customers sharing with us how By Beth has helped to visibly reduce both acne and acne scarring, we decided to look into the science behind how collagen can heal acne from within.
What causes acne?
Often characterised by breakouts, pimples, congestion, whiteheads, blackheads, cysts and redness, acne might be most typically associated with teenagers but also frequently occurs in adults. Acne can be caused by various factors including clogged pores (when dead skin cells, oil and bacteria accumulate in hair follicles), hormonal changes (such as increases in cortisol, which stimulates excess oil production) and lifestyle factors including diet or exposure to pollution.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, giving the skin strength, structure and elasticity. Making up about 80% of the skin, it’s no surprise that collagen plays a vital role in the health and appearance of the skin. As we age, we rapidly lose our natural supply of it. From our 20s onwards, collagen levels drop by about 1% a year. This results in signs of ageing such as wrinkles, fine lines, laxity, dehydration and dullness. Edible collagen both boosts this supply and encourages the body to produce more collagen on its own. 
How does edible collagen help with acne?
Along with its anti-ageing benefits, edible collagen has many impressive abilities when it comes to acne including:
Reduces redness, swelling and soreness - edible collagen is made up of amino acids including lysine and glycine, both potent anti-inflammatories that can soothe and calm angry breakouts.
Balances excess oil production - when we strip the skin of its natural oils and moisture through using harsh and drying topical products, our sebaceous glands go into overdrive and produce excess oil to overcompensate. Edible collagen is proven to hydrate the skin from within. Keeping the skin moisturised and the barrier function intact can help to even out excess oil production.
Smooths uneven texture - acne can leave hyperpigmentation and rough/dry patches. Edible collagen smooths out the skin, resulting in a soft, supple complexion.
Assists with wound healing - collagen forms an integral part of the body’s natural wound-healing process. Edible collagen can help to speed up tissue repair by kicking collagen synthesis into overdrive.
Improves gut health - gut inflammation can manifest in acne. Edible collagen is proven to maintain optimal gut health, so can help alleviate acne caused by an impaired intestinal lining.
What should I look for when choosing a collagen supplement for acne?
Always seek out a collagen supplement that has been formulated with clinically proven and high quality ingredients. At By Beth, we use 100% Australian grass-fed and pasture-raised bovine collagen, as we believe this is the best available and feel comfortable knowing we have complete visibility over our supply chain. To further boost the beautifying properties of bovine collagen, By Beth formulations also harness native botanicals so provide an added antioxidant boost in fighting flare-ups.