How to choose the right collagen supplement is one of the most important questions to ask before buying collagen. Even when choosing the best collagen supplement, you may not get the desired benefits due to several reasons and factors.
What Are the Types of Collagen?
Experts indicate that there are 28 different types of collagen in the body. However, the most important types are usually grouped into three main types, each differing in structure and location in the body:
Type I Collagen
Type I collagen makes up almost 90% of the body’s collagen. It is one of the main types responsible for the skin, skin elasticity and strength, tendons, bones, and other connective tissues.
Type II Collagen
Type II collagen is found in cartilage and provides flexibility and support for the joints.
Type III Collagen
Type III collagen is similar to Type I in that it is found in the skin, but it is also present in muscles, blood vessels, and internal organs.
Understanding these types makes it easier to buy the right collagen supplement for your specific concern and to support collagen production in the body.
How to Choose the Right Collagen According to Your Goal
Choosing the right collagen depends on selecting the specific type of collagen that targets the problem you want to address. According to doctors, the best types of collagen and their properties include the following:
Best Collagen for Hair
Using a combination of Type I collagen, usually from bovine sources, with Type III collagen, often in the form of collagen peptides, may be one of the best collagen options for hair care.
Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are preferred because they are broken down into smaller particles, which may help improve absorption.
Best Collagen for Skin
1. Bovine Collagen
Bovine collagen is produced from cows and is rich in both Type I and Type III collagen. For this reason, it is commonly recommended to support the skin, joints, and bones.
2. Marine Collagen
Marine collagen is extracted from fish and is considered one of the richest sources of Type I collagen. It is also known for being easy to absorb, which makes it commonly used to support skin health and elasticity.
For people looking for collagen for skin, marine collagen is often one of the most preferred options.
Best Collagen for Joints and Bones
Chicken Collagen
Chicken collagen is extracted from chicken cartilage and bones. It is rich in Type II collagen, which is why it is usually recommended for joint and cartilage care.
This makes it a suitable option for people searching for collagen for joints and bone support.
Best Collagen for Women
Women may need a variety of collagen types depending on their health and beauty goals.
Type I and Type III collagen, usually from bovine or marine sources, may support the skin, hair, nails, and general health.
Type II collagen, usually from chicken or marine sources, may support joints and cartilage.
Hydrolyzed collagen peptides, from any source, may offer better absorption and target several areas, such as the skin, joints, and digestive health.
In many cases, marine collagen is recommended because of its high absorption in the body.
Best Collagen for Vegans
Vegan Collagen Boosters
Vegan collagen boosters are considered the best alternative for vegetarians and vegans because all real collagen sources are animal-based.
These plant-based formulas usually contain ingredients that help support the body’s natural collagen production, such as:
- Vitamin C
- Silica
- Amino acids extracted from algae, fruits, vegetables, and seeds
What Is the Best Collagen After the Age of 30?
After the age of 30, Type I marine collagen is often recommended to support the skin and help reduce the visible signs of aging, especially because of its high absorption.
A multi-collagen supplement may also be recommended. This type may include several collagen types, such as Type I, Type II, Type III, Type V, and Type X, offering broader support for the skin, bones, and joints.
Hydrolyzed collagen, also known as collagen peptides, is usually preferred because it is easier for the body to absorb.
What Are the Forms of Collagen and Which Is Best for Absorption?
Collagen comes in different forms, and each form has different characteristics. The most common forms include:
- Collagen powder
- Liquid collagen
- Collagen tablets
- Collagen gummies
Liquid collagen is considered one of the best forms for absorption because hydrolyzed peptides are already dissolved in liquid, which may allow faster absorption. It is also convenient and ready to drink.
How Do I Know If Collagen Is Original and High Quality?
When buying the right collagen supplement, trust mainly depends on the manufacturer and its credibility. This can usually be checked through proper research about the brand.
There are also important factors to consider when choosing high-quality collagen. The most important is the presence of terms such as hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides. These terms mean that large collagen proteins have been broken down into smaller particles, which may make them easier to absorb and more effective in the body.
It is also recommended to choose collagen supported with vitamin C, as vitamin C helps support natural collagen production in the body.
Dermazone Collagen Picks
Marine Collagen Plus is one of the best types of collagen with effective results reported by users. It contains 95% pure marine collagen supported with vitamin C to help achieve better absorption and support collagen production in the body.
Conclusion
Identifying your main concern helps you choose the right type of collagen for your needs. You can choose between marine collagen, bovine collagen, chicken collagen, or combine different types to get the desired benefits.