Collagen Amino Acids and Hyaluronic Acid for Skin and Joint Health
Skin health has always been a priority for me, and not one that came easily. As a child, and adult, I’ve experienced the pain and inflammation associated with chronic eczema.
Many of you know my story, and that my eczema has actually been my greatest gift. It has led me on a journey of discovery about nutrition and health, to become a wellness explorer, bringing the best of science and the sources of the purest ingredients and the healthiest cultures in the world straight to you.
Our skin is how we show ourselves to the world and can be a powerful mirror of our internal health. That’s why, when our skin doesn’t look and feel its best, it can impact so many areas of life. Over the years, I’ve learned to calm my inflammation with diet, fasting and including skin-supporting supplements in my daily routine.
In addition to skin health, joint health is another important topic, and one that I’ve become more aware of over the years. While raising four kids and moving towards the fifth decade of my life, I experience more aches and pains than I did when I was younger. Joint health is also a topic that many of you in my community write to me about and share your stories of how a High Fiber Keto lifestyle has improved your joint health, helping you to feel younger, more active and agile.
Although the topics of skin and joints might seem very separate, biologically both skin and joints have some impressive similarities. Both areas of the body need to be able to stretch and adjust to your movement, stay moisturized and literally help to keep the other parts of your body in place. Both skin and joints rely on the important molecules of collagen and hyaluronic acid to function their best.
You might already be familiar with collagen, an important protein for both skin and joint health. It’s naturally found in your body, made by your body, and builds the structure of body tissues. You can think of it as the “glue” that holds everything in place. In fact, it is the most abundant protein in the body.
Hyaluronic acid may be less familiar, but it is as important as collagen when it comes to both skin and joints. Hyaluronic acid is also a compound made by your body. Its job is to hold on to water, keeping your skin and joints (and eyes!) well lubricated. It is important for skin repair, rejuvenation and is anti-inflammatory.
Both collagen and hyaluronic acid decrease with age, contributing to the signs and symptoms of aging. Further, both are depleted over time because of exposures to toxins, UV radiation and other factors. The bottom line is that most of us could use a little support in this department. Keep reading to learn more about supplementing with these important nutrients.
The Benefits of Collagen Powder with Hyaluronic Acid
Collagen powder and hyaluronic acid can both be taken as supplements to supply more of these powerful molecules to the places in the body that need them the most, including the skin and joints. For many women, as we get older the body cannot keep up with the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid and so supplements can help to fill in the gap.
If you notice more fine lines, wrinkles and skin dryness, you might benefit from some more collagen in your life. You naturally find collagen in bone broth and meat with the skin and bone intact. Even if these foods are staples in your diet, a collagen supplement can be the icing on the (keto) cake. Research shows that collagen supplementation has the potential to improve both the appearance and structure of skin (1).
Let’s talk collagen for joints. Collagen is essential for the skeletal system; it helps tendons and ligaments withstand the stretching and pressure that they undergo. Collagen can be part of an effective treatment plan for osteoarthritis (2).
Hyaluronic acid supplements can also be beneficial for both skin and joints. Studies show that supplemental hyaluronic acid helps to improve skin tightness, skin elasticity, reduces scars and improves skin aesthetics (3). Hyaluronic acid benefits extend to treatment for skin and joint diseases, including arthritis (4).
You might be wondering - hyaluronic acid vs collagen, which one should I take? Because both collagen and hyaluronic acid supplements can both help with the same complaints of aging skin and achy joints, I’ve developed two formulas that combine both of these powerhouse molecules.
Collagen Peptide Powder Collagen powder with hyaluronic acid contains 2500mg of collagen (the amount shown scientifically to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles), along with 20mg of hyaluronic acid and vitamin C (an essential vitamin required for collagen formation.) This protein powder can be used by those with skin concerns, joint concerns, or both.
OMI Rebuild: Skin, Hair and Nail Support: This formula combines collagen, keratin, elastin, hyaluronic acid and the B vitamin biotin, to provide overall support to skin, hair and nails.
Interestingly, both collagen and hyaluronic acid provide benefits to the skin when applied topically and are often found in cosmetics and skin care products. For more information and to get started with some personalized guidance, OMI Skin Nutrition is truly dedicated to using the best topical ingredients so you can experience a physical transformation from the inside and outside.
Sources and References
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/27747904
2 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11071580
3 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30287361
4 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29772338
5 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17091377
6 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23226979