In the world of skincare and wellness, marine collagen has gained a reputation among those in-the-know as a powerful ingestible beauty supplement. With benefits for hair, skin and nails, it’s not hard to see why the marine-based collagen source has become so popular.
So what is marine collagen, what are its benefits, and how does it differ from bovine collagen? Let's dive into the origins of marine collagen, its advantages over other collagen sources, and the incredible benefits of this unique formulation.
Introduction to Collagen
Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in the body, found in the framework of your cells and tissues. It’s in fact the main component of the body’s connective tissue, helping to make up your skin, hair, nails, joints, bones, cartilage, tendons and ligaments. Collagen is one of the major players when it comes to our skin health: not only does it provide the support matrix that underpins healthy skin, but our collagen levels are a key determinant to the preservation of skin firmness and elasticity as we age. Along with being made naturally in the body it can be derived from animal sources (bovine and/or marine), and consumed in the form of ingestible powders and tablets, such as Dose & Co’s.
Origins of Marine Collagen Powder
Marine collagen, as the name suggests, is derived from marine sources like fish scales and skin. At Dose & Co, we take this a step further by only using sustainably sourced marine collagen, ensuring that both your wellness and the marine ecosystem remains unharmed. We use a clinically studied form of marine collagen peptides known as Naticol®, which are of natural origin and have scientifically proven benefits for the body.
Benefits for Hair, Skin, and Nails
One of the primary reasons marine collagen powder has garnered such attention is its ability to enhance the appearance and health of hair, skin, and nails. As we age, the natural production of collagen in our bodies diminishes, leading to visible signs of aging such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and brittle nails. Incorporating a collagen powder into your routine can help combat these effects by replenishing the body's collagen levels.
The marine collagen found in Dose & Co has been clinically shown to help:
- improve skin hydration, texture and elasticity
- improve hair thickness
- improve nail growth and strength, and
- reduce fine lines, in as little as four weeks
In addition, with consistent use it has been shown to improve skin’s firmness and glow, improve skin tone and texture, increase skin’s moisture, improve hair thickness and volume, the overall health of hair, and improve nail strength and quality.
Marine Collagen vs. Bovine Collagen
While marine collagen is derived from fish sources, bovine collagen comes from sustainably sourced, grass-fed and pasture-raised bovine. While there are some slight differences to the structure of marine and bovine collagen peptides—and hence some slight differences to how they’re absorbed by and function in the body—both are proven to deliver results for hair, skin and nails. As such, the choice between bovine and marine collagen is mostly a personal one.
While there are no true vegan sources of collagen, marine collagen is suitable for pescatarians and individuals who are looking for collagen derived from non-meat sources. At Dose & Co, our marine blend is a favorite as it also contains 200mg of Vitamin C per serving, in addition to 12 grams of marine collagen peptides.
The Power of Added Vitamin C
The addition of Vitamin C to our beloved Marine Collagen powder is not just a coincidence. Vitamin C plays an integral role in collagen synthesis, aiding the body in producing and maintaining its collagen levels. As an antioxidant, it’s also shown to support the body’s free radical response against environmental damage (think: the sun, smoke and pollution), support iron formation, along with the health of teeth, bones and tissue. By combining marine collagen with Vitamin C, the result is a synergistic blend that optimizes the benefits for your skin, hair, and nails.
From promoting vibrant skin to boosting hair and nail health, marine collagen's benefits are undeniable. So whether its bouncier skin, fuller hair or stronger nails you’re after, marine collagen could be the blend for you.