Collagen is the buzzword of the day when it comes to strong hair and radiant skin. Vegetarians and vegans have traditionally shunned collagen since it is frequently associated with animal products. In recent years, vegan collagen powder has become popular as a plant-based substitute for conventional collagen supplements made from animals. This cutting-edge product provides a host of advantages for skin health without sacrificing morality or the environment. What role does vegan collagen play in this equation for beauty? Is it feasible to obtain collagen’s health benefits without consuming animal products? Let’s explore the advantages of incorporating vegan collagen into your skincare routine.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, acting as the structural glue that holds us together. Found in skin, bones, muscles, and connective tissue, collagen provides elasticity to your skin, strength to your hair, and resilience to your joints. There are more than 28 types of collagen out of which type 1 Collagen is the most abundant of all and accounts for 90% of the collagen within the human body. (1) Collagen primarily consists of amino acids like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline which bind together to form a triple helix structure and give it rigidity, strength, and elasticity. (2)

Collagen is naturally produced by our body through connective tissue cells called fibroblasts, which use amino acids, vitamin C, zinc, and copper. However, as fibroblasts become less active, synthesis starts to decrease in early adulthood. Aging symptoms like wrinkles and sagging skin are caused by this decrease in collagen production. (2)

Benefits of Collagen

• Skin Health

Collagen is a key component of your skin. The extracellular matrix (ECM), the structure that sits beneath the surface of your skin and gives it a taut, firm appearance, is largely composed of collagen. Our ECM naturally starts degrading as we age, resulting in wrinkles and fine lines on the skin’s surface. However, studies reveal that taking collagen supplements might improve the integrity of your extracellular matrix (ECM) and result in skin that looks younger. Additionally, collagen contributes to the hydration, suppleness, and strengthening of the skin. It also contributes to the healing of wounds, according to several studies. (3,4)

• Joint Health

Collagen supplements have the potential to improve joint health by promoting cartilage synthesis. A study suggests that taking collagen supplements may help people with osteoarthritis feel less pain in their joints. The preservation and repair of joint tissue may be facilitated by collagen peptides. (5)

• Digestive Health

Collagen may help maintain the integrity of the intestinal lining. According to some research, collagen peptides may help with conditions like leaky gut syndrome by preserving the gastrointestinal tract’s mucosal lining. (6)

• Bone Health 

Through an increase in bone mineral density, collagen supplements may help maintain healthy bones. Research suggests that collagen supplements may improve bone health, especially in postmenopausal women. (7)

• Gum Health

Collagen is one of the main structural components in our periodontal ligaments and gums. It is responsible for the dental structure. Research shows that collagen peptides enhance gum integrity resulting in stronger and thicker gums around the teeth. (8)

Vegan Collagen VS Animal/Marine Collagen

Animal or Marine collagen is derived from animal sources like bovine (cow) or marine (fish) collagen. Vegan collagen, however, is made through innovative processes like fermentation technology from plant-based raw materials. It is “programmed” to produce the same amino acid chains found in animal collagen, making vegan collagen just as effective as traditional collagen without involving animals. (9)