Can Collagen Make Me Beautiful-er?

Can Collagen Make Me Beautiful-er?

Can Collagen Make Me Beautiful-er?

Amidst all the work-from-home-and-never-look-in-the-mirror (and possibly, refuse-to-wear-pants) state of sloppiness that many of us have become accustomed to, it's easy to forget that looking good is still kind of a big deal. 

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It turns out that when people do leave their home/bedroom-office-cave, they're not okay rocking up at the grocery store with bed hair and dry skin. Everyone wants to look their best, and that is reflected in a global beauty industry that is worth a staggering $511 Billion.

It's no real surprise. In truth, we're all trying to be a little more camera-ready and will aggressively throw money at makeup, creams, treatments, and hairdos to get there.

Though cosmetics are unparalleled in achieving instant beauty, they certainly aren't the be-all and end-all. What about the stuff you put in your body, opposed to just on it? (Get your mind out of the gutter, I'm talking about food). It's well known that proper nutrition is essential for good health, but its importance in how you look is understated.

A balance of nutrients is necessary for the most natural glow-up possible. Still, there is one particular protein that is a non-negotiable if you want to look your prettiest:

Collagen.

If you've had a chance to look around, you might have seen that we've formulated two fantastic collagen supplements: Keystone Collagen Superprotein and Keystone Plus Collagen Lemonade Mix. To find out why these are so beneficial, keep on reading!

231 total reviews

The Keystone Collagen Superprotein

Regular price $39.99
Sale price $39.99 Regular price $39.99
The Keystone Collagen Superprotein

Really, Collagen?

Collagen is a fibrous protein that exists throughout the human body. There are ample amounts, with it making up a third of all protein. And for a good reason - it serves as the glue that keeps you together and upright. It gives integrity to all the "structural" stuff - bones, skin, muscles, tendons, ligaments - but can also be found in blood vessels and the intestines.

There are actually 28 different types of collagen that have been discovered in the human body, although the first four types (named type 1, type 2, type 3 and type 4 - how original) make up the majority.

Needless to say, collagen is extremely important. Without it, you'd be spending your days splattered across the floor. Which incidentally happens to be my #1 beauty tip: don't be splattered across the floor. It's never a good look.

75 total reviews

Keystone Plus Collagen Lemonade Mix

Regular price $44.99
Sale price $44.99 Regular price $44.99
Keystone Plus Collagen Lemonade Mix

Collagen For Beauty

Given its function as a structural super protein, collagen is widely used as a beauty enhancer. 

The aesthetic benefits it offers are fairly global, but it's particularly effective for:

  1. Glowing Skin

woman glowing skinThe world of skin health is primarily concerned with the benefits of collagen - this protein is recognized to play a vital role in skin hydration. Several studies have suggested that regular intake of collagen supplements can deliver noticeable improvements on the skin, resulting in a radiant, youthful glow.

  1. Anti-Aging

Skin produces less collagen with age, leading to dry skin and *gasp* wrinkles. Supplementation of this protein has been shown to help slow aging by improving skin elasticity, thereby reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

  1. Great Physique

great body gifLike skin, the musculoskeletal system - muscles, bones, connective tissues - also depends on collagen to be strong and healthy. More than 90% of a bone's architecture is collagen, so it stands to reason that more of the stuff is beneficial for your body. Muscle also contains a good amount of this protein, and in combination with resistance training, collagen supplementation has been linked to increased muscle mass. In other words, you will achieve that sexy, Hollywood physique faster when you supplement with collagen.

  1. Fuller Hair and Beautiful Nails
Evidence suggests that collagen can reduce hair loss (and make it thicker) and improve nail growth. Though there aren't significant amounts in hair, collagen contains keratin, which is very prominent in the hair building process. On the other hand, nails do contain plenty of type 1 collagen, and will only get stronger (and longer) when there’s a lot of collagen being produced.

 

  1. Luscious Lips

woman pouting collagenCollagen is what gives lips their "plumpness". Cosmetic surgeons actually inject collagen directly into the lips, but you don't need to go to those lengths. Supplementing collagen will help your lips stay plump and soft, and stave off the lip thinning that accompanies aging.

  1. Healthier Gut

healthy gut gif"Uhh..what has this got to do with beauty?" Glad you asked. An unhealthy gut is linked to a whole host of health conditions, including skin problems like eczema and acne. Researchers have also found that glutamine, an amino acid found in collagen, may prevent gut wall inflammation and heal leaky gut syndrome. So by supplementing with that extra collagen, you're actually helping your gut and sorting your skin out!

49 total reviews

Keystone Plus Chocolate Collagen

Regular price $44.99
Sale price $44.99 Regular price $44.99
Keystone Plus Chocolate Collagen


Alright, Gimme That Collagen

How do you "get" collagen, exactly? The precursor to collagen, known as procollagen, is synthesized inside the body using two other amino acids: glycine and proline.

These are obtained via dietary means, usually by consuming protein-based foods (especially gelatin, pork, and chicken skin) in the case of glycine, with egg whites, dairy products, cabbage, and mushrooms being good sources of proline.

And just to be awkward, the body also needs sufficient Vitamin C to turn procollagen into collagen. But that one isn't too difficult: fruit and veggies are fantastic sources of Vitamin C. If you paid attention in 5th grade, you’d already know that.

Supplement It

For several reasons (cost, dietary restrictions, the fact that gelatin and chicken skin are kinda gross), optimizing collagen production through diet alone isn't always realistic.

A less annoying, more convenient method is to skip the procollagen-synthesizing hullabaloo and supplement with collagen directly.

Collagen peptides are a common go-to amongst those looking to supplement, and there are many options available on the market. The problem with diving headfirst into the supplements market and picking a product at random approach though, is you don't know what you're getting in terms of quality.

The Keystone Collagen Superprotein and Keystone Plus Collagen Lemonade Mix, on the other hand, is guaran-damn-teed to give you the highest quality collagen supplementation. Two scoops taken twice daily - in coffee, a post-workout shake, or really any beverage of your choice - is enough to reap all of the health and beauty benefits that we just won't shut up about.

If you don't believe in boundaries and are slightly crazy, then by all means, throw it in a sandwich. 

(Actually, don't do that - it does need to be dissolved in liquid before consumption.) 

71 total reviews

Morning Charge Supernutrient Creamer with Lion’s Mane

Regular price $29.99
Sale price $29.99 Regular price $29.99
Morning Charge Supernutrient Creamer with Lion’s Mane

Final Thoughts

Yes, collagen will make you beautiful-er. The protein is widely known for its array of health properties and there is evidence emerging that shows it can also have a powerful impact on how you look. Many essential beauty features such as youthful skin, plump lips, thick and full hair, to name a few, require ample amounts of collagen.  

If your goal is to be mesmerized by the person looking back at you in the mirror, then collagen is what you need. And you know, you also gotta brush your hair and put some pants on, but that should go without saying.

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