Collagen, the beauty hype of the moment
Ten questions and answers about this wonder product
1. What is collagen?
Collagen is a protein that occurs naturally in our bodies. It keeps our bones, muscles, tendons and skin strong and healthy. When you are young, your body produces enough collagen to keep your skin tight and elastic. But as you age, that production of collagen decreases and you start to see more signs of ageing. There are also external factors such as UV radiation or smoking, which cause the collagen in your body to break down even faster. Your skin becomes thinner, saggier and you get more wrinkles and fine lines.
2. What collagen supplements exist and what should I take?
Collageen kan je innemen in de vorm van een capsule, gummy, poeder of drankje. Een poeder of drankje is de beste keuze, vooral omdat het makkelijk in te nemen is. De supplementen zijn gemaakt van rundscollageen of viscollageen. Belangrijk is dat je kiest voor gehydroliseerd collageen of collageenpeptiden, die zijn verknipt in kleinere stukjes waardoor ze beter zouden worden opgenomen door het lichaam.
3. How and when should I take collagen?
You can take the Collagen Anti-Age Beauty Drink whenever, without having to add anything. A powder, such as the Collagen Anti-Age Beauty Powder, can be mixed in water or in other cold or hot drinks.
4. What effect will a collagen supplement have on my skin?
Some things you may notice after taking the supplement for at least four weeks:
- Better hydrated skin and healthy glow
- Fewer visible lines or wrinkles
- Fuller and more elastic skin
- Smoother and softer skin
5. Will it also make my hair and nails stronger?
Many people who take a collagen supplement find that their hair and nails get stronger. Some also find that it makes their eyelashes longer and fuller.
6. Are collagen supplements healthy?
Collagen is a substance that occurs naturally in our bodies. The collagen peptides used for supplements come from the skin and bones of fish and beef. Soups and broths are also often made from these, so they are ingredients that occur in our diet anyway. Belène supplements also contain no sugars or synthetic colourings.
7. Are there any vegan collagen supplements?
So-called vegan or plant-based collagen supplements are also available. Those supplements do not contain actual collagen, as collagen can only be obtained from animal sources. They do contain collagen boosters, for example amino acids and antioxidants like vitamin c, which can stimulate the production of collagen in our body.
The Silicon Anti-Age Beauty Pill and Hyaluronic Acid Hydrating Beauty Pill are suitable for vegans, though, and also contribute to long-term hydrated, healthier and firmer skin. They also contain ingredients like silicon and vitamin C. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation in the body and the maintenance of youthful skin.
8. How long should I take it?
You need to take a collagen supplement for at least a month before you can judge the results. Belène recommends taking the Collagen Anti-Age Beauty Drink and the Collagen Anti-Age Beauty Powder for at least 30 days and preferably 90 days for optimal results. You can take it as a course of treatment to give your skin a boost, but if you want long-term results, it's better to take several courses per year.
9. Can I take a collagen supplement if I am pregnant or breastfeeding?
In general, it is safe to take a collagen supplement during pregnancy or when breastfeeding. Nevertheless, it is recommended to discuss this with your doctor before starting.
10. Can you also apply collagen?
There are also skin care products containing collagen, including serums and creams. However, according to many skin experts, collagen molecules are too large to penetrate skin. There are, however, other ingredients in skincare that can stimulate collagen production, such as vitamin c, vitamin a and peptides.