To understand what collagen does, you must first know what collagen is. About 30% of the body’s protein content is collagen. Since all protein is made from amino acids, the same is true for collagen. The primary amino acids used for collagen production are hydroxyproline, glycine, and proline. Along with these amino acids, the body also needs zinc, copper, manganese, and vitamin C to create collagen. It is the building block of skin, muscles, tendons, connective tissue, and ligaments. It also features in blood vessels, organs, and the digestive tract wall.
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The structure of these proteins is such that it provides structure and support in the body. However, unlike bones that serve a similar function, collagen provides a degree of flexibility and elasticity. This flexibility results from the molecular structure of collagen fibrils which is in a triple helix structure. Biology has identified 28 types of collagens in the human body and the variation in types depends on the molecular structure. There are 5 main types of collagen.
- Type I collagen is the most abundant and provides structure to bones, ligaments, and skin,
- Type II collagen is the kind that you find in joints and allows movement to a certain degree.
- Type III collagen usually features in organs, muscles, and blood vessels
- While Type IV is almost exclusively found in skin tissue.
- And, Type V is the least copious and is present in the eyes, hair, and placenta.
Collagen performs several key roles in the human body namely replacing dead cells, providing a protective layer to the organs, helping blood to clot, and maintaining skin health with regard to elasticity, structure, and strength.
However, as you age, collagen synthesis begins to slow down and existing collagen breaks down sooner. Also, the quality of this abundant protein that your body produces declines with age, stress, and lifestyle. For women, there would be significantly less collagen post-menopause. When natural collagen production drops, there are certain telltale signs:
- Wrinkly and saggy skin
- Muscle loss and muscle aches
- Declining joint health with restricted movements
- Joint pains because of loss of collagen protein in the connective tissue
- Digestive issues because of thinning of the intestinal wall
- Issues with blood flow.
There are natural ways to boost collagen production; mostly it involves changes made to the diet. There are several collagen sources like bone broth made from animal bones that melt into dissolved gelatin. Bovine and marine collagen – from fatty fish, are the best sources yet for fibrous proteins. If you follow a plant-based diet, you would have to make more of an effort to fulfill collagen demands. Consuming collagen-rich foods doesn’t really help much as the body would break it down into essential amino acids. The same amino acids are used in a variety of processes in the body. To boost collagen production in the body, you could consume foods where the required amino acids are found like foods rich in glycine, proline, copper, zinc, and vitamin C.
However, collagen supplementation is on the rise and many swear by them. Collagen supplements offer an easy, convenient, and, often, affordable way to meet the demand of the body and they are available in various forms – pills, collagen powder, topical creams, and are sometimes added to other dietary supplements.
There are two types of collagen supplements – dietary supplements that provide the raw materials so that the body can produce collagen on its own and there are products that provide your body with the collagen it needs on a daily basis. What you choose depends on a number of factors like age, desired results, and medical health. Regardless of which product you go for, there are benefits to be had from both types of collagen supplements, so you would not be at a loss choosing either.
You are here because you must have heard of several collagen brands and products that throw big words like ‘enzymatic hydrolysis’, ‘collagen hydrolysate’, and ‘bioactive peptides’. These terms can be confusing, especially if you are a newcomer to taking collagen supplements. Let us explain, in simple terms, what collagen supplementation is, the forms of collagen supplements, and maybe even suggest what might be best for you.
Collagen Supplements: Hydrolyzed Collagen Supplementation vs Collagen Peptide Supplementation
Bovine collagen from cow hides and marine collagen from fish scales are the most common sources of fibrous proteins and most collagen supplements use them. Nowadays, most brands provide vegan alternatives and vegan collagen products are available which use genetically modified bacteria and yeast. The bacteria P. pastoris is particularly favored for genetically modified collagen production. Experts argue that there is no such thing as vegan collagen powder as collagen can be produced only from animal or marine sources. However, you would find vegan collagen products that emulate collagen derived from animal sources. The source of collagen supplements is now clear.
In theory, there is no difference between collagen peptides and hydrolyzed collagen. If you look up the terms, you would often find ‘hydrolyzed collagen peptides’ in articles which is not a false phrase. The reason for the confusion between the two is because of the use of the terms. Collagen peptides are a result of the hydrolysis of the collagen protein from bovine collagen or marine collagen.
Collagen peptides consist of short-chain amino acids that are extracted from full-length collagen – a process called hydrolysis or enzymatic hydrolyzation. Once the collagen source like cowhide is softened the collagen peptides are carefully extracted with the help of an enzyme and is done in a controlled environment to ensure similar results with each extraction. When partially hydrolyzed, collagen becomes gelatin. Used as a thickener or to create a gummy consistency, gelatin powder contains longer peptides which make it difficult to dissolve. Partial hydrolysis is no accident as gelatin can be used in several products and is beneficial for gut health. Gelatin and collagen peptides are not the same as the average molecular weight of the two vary and they also fulfill different functions.
The reason collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen is so popular is that they are bioactive; once in the bloodstream, they can affect the way the cells of the body function. Hyaluronic acid is crucial for keeping the skin moisturized and supple. Collagen can induce the fibroblasts in the skin to produce more of the acid. The same is true for various tissue systems – it can improve hair quality, increase bone density, and aid gut function, which would influence the immune system. Because collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, the influence of a collagen supplement goes a long way. They are used for a multiplicity of reasons.
- Preserve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and maintain healthy skin.
- Since collagen keeps the joints in proper working condition, collagen peptides can reduce the risk of developing joint pains, protect the ligaments and tendons, and curb arthritic pains.
- Improve bone health and keep the muscles of the body healthy
- Hydrolyzed collagen supplements have also been found useful for wound treatments and burns. It can also improve pre-albumin circulation which would decrease the time wounds take to heal.
- Ongoing clinical research is studying the effect of collagen on body weight management.
Collagen supplements are mostly ingested. Collagen brands feature pills and powders and it is safe to take anywhere from 2.5 gm to 15 gm of collagen every day. When we say safe, we use the term loosely as there are no known side effects of collagen use. They can be easily incorporated into your everyday diet – they can be added to drinks or sprinkled onto food or desserts. The only factor you must keep an eye out for is the ingredients and especially the hydrolyzed collagen sources. The best supplements mention that the collagen source is from grass-fed pasture-raised cows and marine collagen from sustainably sourced fish, It would be best to choose supplements like these as there is some degree of quality assurance.
There is yet another form of collagen – collagen creams that are used almost exclusively for skin health. If you are looking at collagen supplements for cosmetic reasons, you may not have to consume collagen at all. Collagen creams do not use collagen at all but instead, increase the production and quality of collagen in the body. This way, you would not have to worry about vegan collagen supplements or whether the collagen source was responsible or otherwise. You have to learn about XYZ Smart Collagen.
What is XYZ Smart Collagen?
XYZ Smart Collagen is a natural topical cream that uses ingredients sourced from nature to delay the aging of the skin and restore the skin’s youthful look and feel. Featured in several beauty publications, XYZ Smart Collagen can lift and smoothen the skin reducing wrinkles and lines in the process. The cream is vegan-friendly as it does not use external collagen protein. Instead, it uses natural components that induce the body to produce collagen. This collagen would then be put to use by the body to improve skin quality.
When the product was tested on real women, there was an overwhelmingly positive response – a 132% reduction in wrinkles, a 202% decrease in stretch mark visibility, a 131% enhancement of skin texture, and an 80% boost in skin firmness. This test was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study involving 21 women over the age of 45. XYZ Smart Collagen is dermatologist-approved and results can be seen in as little as 12 weeks. This collagen supplement promises to have you looking 7.5 years younger in 84 days without invasive surgery. That is a promise not many hydrolyzed collagen supplements can make.
How to use XYZ Smart Collagen?
Apply to a freshly washed face and neck in the morning and night, using upwards strokes till the cream completely absorbs. In the morning, follow the use of XYZ Smart Collagen with effective sun protection.
To read more about XYZ Smart Collagen, the Ultimate Skin Collagen Supplement visit this link!
What Can You Expect from XYZ Smart Collagen?
XYZ Smart Collagen follows industry standards and is made using sustainably grown raw materials. It contains no artificial ingredients and no mineral, palm, or palm kernel oils. These features deem the supplement a guilt-free experience and would appeal to the most environment-conscious of customers. The cream claims to do more than have you appear younger. It also claims to:
- Visibly reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles around the face and eyes.
- Define facial contours by lifting sagging skin.
- Tighten the skin and improves elasticity, density, and skin tone.
- Enhance skin texture for a smoother, healthier, and younger appearance.
- Reduce the size and depth of stretch marks which improves the appearance of the skin.
These claims are similar to those made by cosmetic surgeons. How can a topical cream do this? We shall take a closer look at that now.
How Does XYZ Smart Collagen Work?
Time for a little anatomy lesson. The internal layer of the skin, known as the dermis, is made up of collagen protein to provide firmness and elastin to provide elasticity. In every body, there is collagen that is produced and collagen is also broken down into chains of amino acids. During youth, collagen production and breakdown are balanced and as we age, this balance is disturbed. Collagen breaks down faster than it is produced. Also, the quality of collagen produced declines.
XYZ Smart Collagen restores the balance of production and breakdown and improves the quality of the collagen produced. It can do so with the help of natural ingredients. Unlike other collagen boosters, XYZ Smart Collagen does not use TGF-β or its artificial alternatives. TGF-β induces the fibroblasts in the skin to produce collagen haphazardly and also activates an immune response releasing leukotrienes which yet again increases collagen production. The collagen produced is of low quality and there is not enough elastin to firm the skin. This is where many similar products fail.
With XYZ Smart Collagen, the natural ingredients induce the fibroblasts to slowly begin collagen production but turn off the leukotriene’s response. This improves collagen and skin quality and also provides the skin with lasting results and a better appearance. The components that do this are:
Acetylated Polymannose (APM)
- The major bioactive polysaccharide of Aloe vera, APM, or Acemannan has various medical properties like reducing inflammation, accelerating the rate of healing of wounds, and is antibacterial in nature.
- It is known to stimulate the growth of fibroblasts in the skin which rejuvenates the tissue and promotes health and youthful appearance.
Bulbine Frutescens
A flowering herb native to South Africa, its leaves produce a gel-like juice similar to aloe vera.
- It can accelerate wound healing, and soothe rashes, insect bites, mouth ulcers, and cold sores.
- It can also balance collagen production and breakdown leading to youthful skin.
- It detects the need for collagen production and controls the rate at which the protein is produced.
Knipholone
- Found in the roots of Kniphofia foliosa of the family Asphodelaceae, this herb is a selective inhibitor of leukotriene metabolism.
- Restricting unreasonable collagen production and curbing the immune response, can improve collagen quality.
- It also has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
These ingredients are natural and there have been no reports of side effects. However, just to be on the safe side, do consult your doctor before you begin use of this product. This is pertinent if you suffer from a pre-existing medical condition or if you have severe allergic responses.
Where to Buy XYZ Smart Collagen and Get the Best Deals?
Click here to go to the Official XYZ Collagen Website and you would be able to read all about XYZ Smart Collagen and also buy the cream there.
- One pack of XYZ Smart Collagen would cost $49.99. You save more when you buy more and you also get free merchandise.
- For $99.98, you could get 2 packs of the collagen cream and also get a third one for free,
- Or for $149.97, you could buy 3 packs and get 2 packs for free.
Free shipping is available on all purchases. There is no standard refund policy so if you have any issues, you should contact customer service.
Which is Better – Collagen Peptides or XYZ Smart Collagen?
There is no clear answer to this question as the purpose of both supplements is very different.
Taking collagen peptides or supplements that incorporate them would provide you with a multiplicity of health benefits that come from the use of a collagen supplement like improving connective tissue health, reducing joint pains, and enhancing muscle and bone quality. This is a major plus as you would not only be addressing skin quality issues but also other problems that stem from low collagen content. However, that being said, it is difficult to find quality collagen powders and there are also very restrictive vegan options – expensive too. Bovine collagen is the best source but there are a lot of cruelty and quality issues that cannot be dealt with when using collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen supplements.
XYZ Smart Collagen is a vegan-friendly, cruelty-free, and environmentally conscious product. It has no collagen content but uses natural components to reinstate your skin’s natural collagen production. But there lies the stitch – it can only increase collagen in the skin and nowhere else. The connective tissues, muscles, bones, and joints would be in the same state of health they always were in. There would be no improvement. XYZ Smart Collagen is cosmetic and not medical.
To give you a better idea of the difference between collagen peptides and XYZ Smart Collagen, here is a recap of all the information we have so far.
Hydrolyzed Collagen or Collagen Peptides | XYZ Smart Collagen Luxe Cream | |
Purpose | Extracted to increase collagen content in the body for medical and cosmetic purposes | Designed to naturally increase collagen production in the skin to improve skin health and quality |
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Cons |
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Source | Animal or marine source | Plant-based ingredients |
How to use | 2.5 gm to 15 gm a day | Apply twice a day to freshly washed neck and face |
Price | Depends on the brand and merchant | $49.99 per pack |
Where to Buy? | Amazon, Walmart, GNC or other Health Stores. | Buy XYZ Smart Collagen only from the Official Website, click here! |
Customer Reviews
Della F. from Woodlands, Singapore.
“I have been using XYZ Smart Collagen for a while now and I must say that I am impressed with its results. My face looks much smoother and the wrinkles have reduced significantly. I have tried many other anti-aging products before, but none of them have given me such remarkable results as this one. It is easy to apply and has a pleasant scent. Also, I love that it is made from natural ingredients and does not contain any harmful chemicals.”
Johanna B. from Toronto, Canada.
“I was really struggling with the sagging skin on my face. It made me look older than I felt, and it was really affecting my confidence. That’s when I decided to try XYZ Smart Collagen. I’m so glad I did because it really solved the issue for me. My skin feels firmer and more youthful, and I’m no longer self-conscious about my appearance. Overall, I’d definitely recommend giving this product a try if you’re dealing with similar issues.”
Selene L. from Dublin, Ireland.
“Since I’ve been using XYZ Smart Collagen for a few weeks, my skin’s elasticity, firmness, and density have significantly improved. Because of this, the sagging skin issue I was experiencing has been resolved, and my skin feels much more toned and lifted. The cream itself is thin and immediately absorbed into my skin, leaving no oily residue. In simple words, I love this topical collagen booster.”
Estrella A. from Brisbane, Australia.
“I have been using XYZ Smart Collagen for a few weeks now, and I am thrilled with the results! Not only has it improved the overall appearance of my skin, but it has also helped reduce the appearance of my stretch marks. This anti-aging collagen cream is the best in my opinion which makes my skin feel smooth and hydrated. A must try I would say.”
Azariah S. from Abu Dhabi, UAE.
“I used to consider getting a facelift, but this cream has made that unnecessary. It is by far the best collagen cream I have ever used. The texture is lightweight and absorbs quickly, leaving my skin feeling soft and hydrated.”
Marina R. from California, USA.
“As someone who’s always struggled with achieving a glass-skin look, I have to say that XYZ Smart Collagen has been a complete game changer for me. I’ve tried so many different products over the years, but nothing has ever worked quite as well as this one. My skin looks smoother, more radiant, and just generally healthier than it ever has before. And the best part? It’s all thanks to a completely natural formula that doesn’t irritate my sensitive skin at all.”
Summary & Verdict
Age, stress, sun exposure, and health can all affect collagen quality, levels, and production in the body. Collagen supplements like hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides can help set this balance right. With issues of quality and non-vegan sourcing of collagen supplements, there is the issue of it not being available to all customer demographics. The vegan alternatives are expensive and are still in the research phase. However, weighing the pros against the cons, a collagen supplement has no side effects so it is worth giving them a shot.
However, if you are just looking exclusively for a skin rejuvenation system, XYZ Smart Collagen is the way to go. It uses natural ingredients to induce collagen production in the skin which improves the health, quality, and appearance of the skin. As a collagen-producing topical cream, XYZ Smart Collagen is what we recommend.