Health Benefits Of Collagen After 50

All women learn to expect certain things as we age and enter menopause...

From mood swings and hot flashes to weight gain and wrinkles, there are certain milestones we expect as we transition from our child-bearing years into the post-menopausal stage of our lives.

But what if there were ways to reduce some of the side effects of the menopause and aging?

Thanks to the internet and social media in particular we now know that there are simple way we can keep our skin healthy as age and quite frankly whilst I subscribe to what my mum used to call "growing old gracefully" I, like many of you reading this, want to look and feel good as well as maintain optimum health after 50.

Let's begin by looking at what's happening to our bodies and then how we can help mother nature

So you're probably aware that collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It's found in the fibrous connective tissues that hold the body together (skin, tendons, ligaments and even bone). The body naturally produces collagen but this process greatly declines as we age and typically slows down even more during and after menopause and is the reason our skin begins to wrinkle and sag as we age.

This is because your body’s estrogen levels and skin’s ability to produce collagen are directly linked!

Collagen as you now know if you didn't before has the function of keeping your body's tissues (including our skin) firm and healthy

Estrogen is an important hormone in the reproductive systems of male and female bodies but for this article we'll focus on estrogen in the female body.

Here Is What Most Women Experience As A Result of A Reduction In Production of Collagen

Decreased Skin Elasticity

A woman’s skin becomes less elastic as her body produces less collagen and elastin fibers. The collagen produced after menopause is thinner and weaker than collagen made during youth. Both intrinsic and extrinsic aging contributes to decreased skin elasticity.

Thinner Skin

Not only does the skin become less elastic, but the thickness of skin decreases with age. Older skin has less collagen, and that collagen is weaker—therefore, your skin’s ability to remain full and thick is reduced.

Drier Skin

Estrogen plays a role in your skin’s ability to retain moisture, too. Estrogen increases acid mucopolysaccharides and hyaluronic acid in your skin, while also improving the vascularity of the skin, which helps prevent it from drying out. It may also play a role in helping your skin maintain the outermost layer of skin.

Wrinkles

Your skin is more prone to wrinkles for the same reason your skin becomes thinner and less elastic after menopause—stunted collagen production. It cannot bounce back as effectively because the existing collagen is more delicate and thinner.

What Can You Do To Reduce Skin Damage?

Always Wear Sunscreen

By now, this is a no-brainer. You should always use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 as part of your daily skin care routine.

Stay Moisturized

Using moisturizers helps your skin retain moisture and prevents dryness and damage from harsh soaps. Consider using a mild cleanser instead of strong soap to prevent skin damage (somethng my grandma always did and so do I).

Consider Your Diet

Diets low in vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin D, vitamin E, zinc, and selenium can result in a variety of health problems, including dry skin. Diets rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fruits, and vegetables are dense with micronutrients that can help prevent your skin from becoming too dry. Your nutrition (what you eat) is very important!

Watch What You Put On Your Skin

Skin-care products loaded with fragrances and alcohol can sap moisture from your skin, resulting in unnecessary damage. So, be sure to always check the ingredients list on the back of the packaging!

Choosing A Collagen Supplement

Supplementing collagen sounds like a simple solution, but it can get tricky. Our bodies need collagen broken down into collagen peptides to reap the benefits. You will find that most collagen supplements are hydrolyzed, meaning they are broken down into peptides, or small chains of amino acids. The collagen peptides are used as building blocks to make our own collagen and protect the collagen that is already there and naturally occurring.

Because our natural collagen production declines as we age, many women in their 40’s, 50’s and beyond may benefit from using a collagen supplement in addition to eating a protein-rich whole foods-based diet partnered with strength training (something I've begun doing).

If you choose to supplement with collagen as I do, the best products to seek out will contain hydrolyzed collagen (and most will) and consist of only natural, non-synthetic ingredients.

There are 3 types of collagen found in supplements that you will want to look for:

Type I: Accounts for 90% of your body’s collagen and is associated with skin (elasticity), bones, tendons and ligaments.
Type II: Is the main component of cartilage and supports healthy joints
Type III: Works together with Type I collagen and is found in high concentrations in your skin, ligaments, blood vessels other tissues

There is still limited research on the exact type and optimum amount of hydrolyzed collagen to take, but finding a supplement with multiple collagen types is thought to be most beneficial. You will want to steer clear of collagen protein powders with other additives such as artificial sweeteners, colors or flavors

What's In Collagen Supplements

Here's the bit that many vegans don't like but it is what it is

They either contain marine (from fish & shellfish) extracts or bovine (from cattle) extracts

The main difference between these two sources is the density of protein contained in your supplement choice. Typically, the marine collagen will be lower as compared to bovine. However, both are absorbed the same and offer the same potential benefits. For those women who avoid eating beef, marine collagen may be a good option.

Plant Based Collagen Supplements

There is no such thing as true vegan collagen but rather collagen “builders” from plant sources. The best option for a vegan wanting a collagen supplement is Derma Biotics a clean, plant-based, all-natural oral spray helps boost collagen production, improve skin moisture, and support skin elasticity

Why You'll Love It

Activates the natural production of collagen
Improves skin moisture, elasticity, and density
Promotes the appearance of healthy, plump, glowy skin
Clean, plant-based, all-natural, delicious
Cruelty-Free. No slaughterhouse involved

How It Works

Postbiotics: Formulated with heat-treated probiotic that supports the gut-skin axis and promotes radiant, firm skin.
Phytobiotics: Stimulate and improve the body’s natural production of collagen.
Synergistically works with the Plant-Based Regenerating Serum to improve skin moisture, elasticity, and density.

At the current time this is only available in the USA although it can be imported from a registered Amare Global Business Partner from their website.

Animal (Marine Or Bovine) Based Collagen Supplements

It is what it is so if you want to take a collagen supplement then you have to accept the fact. Choose carefully as I've said above as many I've seen in research for this article contain things you really don't want to be taking such as artificial flavors, colors and sweetners

This is why my natural choice is HL5 a clean-sourced, hydrolyzed collagen protein and other premium ingredients to support collagen resiliency to help us to look younger, feel younger, and move younger in a convenient on-the-go pouch (I live in Spain for much of the time and keep mine in the fridge - it's delicious cold)

Why You'll Love It

Supports healthy joints, skin, and hair.
Supports healthy immune function, gut health, and provides long-lasting energy.
Boosts energy and alertness.
Builds lean muscle, supports strength and flexibility.
Optimizes fat meta

What It Is

Scientifically formulated to support healthy joints, skin, and hair, build lean muscle, optimize fat metabolism, and provide long-lasting energy on-the-go.
Contains two types of hydrolyzed collagen: Collagen Type 1 helps maintain healthy skin, hair, joints, and bones, Collagen Type 3 provides structure and strength to the body's connective tissue.
Bioavailable liquid hydrolized collagen that is broken down on a cellular level so the body can put it to use right away.

How It Works

Chicory Root Extract - acts as a prebiotic for improved absorption.
Fern Extract - aids in digestion and absorption, healthy inflammatory response, powerful antioxidant.
Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides - helps maintain healthy skin, hair, joints, and bones.
CoQ10 - generates cell energy and helps protect cells from oxidative damage.

I believe that giving you full and factual information is best so check out the details here

Navigating your nutrition and supplement needs in menopause can be overwhelming but I can say that I've never been happier, healthier or in control of my life than I am now and look forward to what the next ten or more years brings with advances in science and supplements to help us live better longer 😀

Thanks for reading and if you have any questions I'm happy to help

You can contact me here