The idiom has it that ‘beauty is more than skin deep’ and, while a touching sentiment, there is science behind the saying. The majority of skincare products work on the outer layer of the skin, otherwise known as the epidermis. While serums, moisturisers and eye creams may leave us looking apparently plump, hydrated and fresh, these topical treatments do not target underlying issues or provide long-lasting solutions. The top layers of skin are there to protect us, acting as a barrier from the elements. Regardless of how many active ingredients a product might contain, it is near-impossible to infiltrate this protective shield, strengthened through thousands of years of human evolution, and reach deep down into the dermis where real change can occur. This is where edible collagen comes in.
What is collagen and why is it important for beauty?
The most abundant protein in the body, collagen gives the skin structure, strength and elasticity. Starting in our 20s, we rapidly begin to lose our natural supply of it each year, resulting in visible signs of ageing. According to this 2013 study, ageing is associated with a decrease in collagen turnover. As this 2014 study shows, in ageing skin collagen bundles become disorganised - thinner and more fragmented - causing visible signs of ageing on the skin’s surface. Environmental factors - pollution, smoking, alcohol consumption, poor nutrition and sun exposure - can accelerate this process even further. In order to achieve results (read: glowing, dewy, lit-from-within skin), we must go straight to the source and increase collagen production at a cellular level.
How does edible collagen work?
‘Native collagen’ is found in the bones, skin and connective tissue of animals (cattle, pigs and fish). As a protein and long-chain amino acid, native collagen is not easily digested by the human body; it must first be broken down into shorter chains through a process known as hydrolysis. These shorter chains are referred to as collagen peptides or hydrolysed collagen and, due to their low molecular weight, they are highly digestible, easily absorbed and distributed freely.
When you ingest hydrolysed collagen, its first destination is your small intestine where it is absorbed into your bloodstream in the form of small collagen peptides and free amino acids. Through your network of blood vessels, these collagen peptides and free amino acids are then distributed throughout your body, in particular to the dermis (the layer of skin that lies below the epidermis), where it has been proven they can remain up to 14 days. Hydrolysed collagen acts in two different ways in the dermis, it both provides the building blocks for the formation of collagen and it stimulates the production of new collagen.
What beauty results will I see from taking collagen?
There is a growing amount of scientific evidence which shows that incorporating edible collagen into your routine improves skin physiology and appearance after a matter of weeks by increasing hydration, elasticity and firmness while reducing wrinkles and rejuvenating the skin. Clinical studies prove that collagen significantly reduces the signs of ageing, improves skin roughness and density, reduces eye wrinkles by 20%, has positive effects on the skin architecture, improves skin elasticity, significantly increases skin hydration after just 8 weeks, and enhances moisture. Research also shows that edible collagen increases nail growth, improves brittle nails and prevents broken nails, simultaneously providing amino acids to promote hair growth and strength, increasing hair thickness and shine, and even reducing hair greying and thinning.
What kind of collagen does By Beth use and why is it so effective?
While the benefits of collagen are clear, not all kinds of collagen are created equal. You may have noticed that many brands on the market use marine collagen, but we made it our mission to use only the highest quality bovine collagen sourced from Australian pasture-raised and grass-fed cattle. Along with being more genetically compatible with the human body than marine collagen, bovine collagen contains both Type I and Type III collagen (whereas marine only contains Type I). Not to mention it is virtually tasteless! We feel comfortable knowing we have visibility over our supply chain and can vouch that our bovine collagen is managed in accordance with Australia’s strict farming controls resulting in premium and food-grade product that supports local farmers.
To further boost the beautifying properties of bovine collagen, By Beth formulations also harness native Australian botanicals. Superpowered plants characterised by their incredibly high antioxidant levels, native botanicals work in conjunction with bovine collagen to fight free radical damage and defend against oxidative stress - naturally and without the need for any additives or additional supplements. The result is a range that celebrates nature while being firmly grounded in science, carefully designed to deliver you the most beautiful results.
