From our neighbours, family members and friends to celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Khloé Kardashian, everyone seems to be in on the collagen supplement craze. While collagen, one of the main building blocks of bones, skin, muscles, tendons and ligaments, has been pumped into skin via injectable facial fillers to help prevent and eliminate wrinkles and other signs of ageing for a long time, it is now readily available in pills, powder or liquid form. As production of collagen, a fibrous, supportive protein that helps skin cells stick to one another and gives skin strength and elasticity decreases with age, it isn’t a wonder many are turning to the easy-to-take option. What’s more, the supplements purported to keep skin looking youthful and radiant by helping it maintain its elasticity are also believed to have health benefits like strengthening bones, promoting hair growth and improving joint health.
Sabina Bozic, a brand ambassador of Gaia Naturelle, European-based producers of liquid dietary supplements and natural skin care cosmetics, has debunked five myths around collagen supplements. Here’s what to know about what everyone is hoping to be a real “fountain of youth.”