Does Collagen Help Acne?
Today, there are a variety of skincare systems offering a treatment or cure to acne through the use of cleansers, toners, exfoliators, and creams. As everyone’s skin is different, people find varying solutions to treat their acne.
One thing to consider for the treatment of acne is our diet. The foods we eat play a large role in the health and condition of our skin. Among the nutrients that can affect the state of our skin is collagen, a vital protein throughout the body. Easily add collagen to your diet through supplements.
What Causes Acne?
Before diving into whether collagen helps acne, here are some of the causes:
Changes in Hormone Levels
We all experience shifts in hormone levels as we age. For example, women approaching the end of their menstrual cycle or going through menopause see these kinds of changes. When this happens, the sebaceous glands in our skin can change as well, leading to acne.
Diet
A balanced diet plays a role in our health and wellness- including that of our skin. We all heard that eating greasy or oily foods will lead to oily skin and the development of acne. Generally, this is not the case. Instead, it seems that carbs, not fats, can worsen acne and cause breakouts.
Clogged Pores
Blocked hair follicles cause acne. It may be because oil, dead skin cells, inflammation, or even bacteria can contribute. For many with acne, clearing these obstructions can help prevent or reduce the severity of the condition, but treating acne is not always as simple as that.
Can Collagen Help with Acne?
Collagen is a type of protein that gives the skin its resilience, among many other functions. Because it is so important to skin health and quality, collagen is in many creams and ointments, but research has shown that collagen is most effective through supplements.
Generally speaking, the purpose of collagen in the skin is to provide structure and elasticity. However, there is research to suggest that collagen may also help with inflammation in the body, which is one of the causes of acne. Collagen is also associated with the healing process, so it may help acne go away quickly. Collagen can also help your skin retain its moisture content. Many people who use collagen supplements say that it helps with acne and other conditions.
How Collagen Supplements Helps Acne
Instead of using whole collagen, which tends to be digested and absorbed less efficiently, products use a mix of collagen peptides – the building blocks of collagen. In doing so, they can provide your body with the materials it needs to make its collagen while stimulating its production in the body to combat conditions like acne.
A collagen peptide-based product takes effect more quickly, and the peptides that are absorbed can remain in the skin for up to two weeks after consumption.