​If you read our previous collagen blog, you’ll know that around 10% of people in the UK have taken collagen in some form over the past year. But did you know that the most popular way to top up is collagen protein and peptide powders? Many consumers choose powders because they’re versatile – easy to mix into drinks or food – and typically provide a higher dose per serving. But does popularity equal effectiveness? When it comes whether powders are the most effective collagen benefits supplement, the jury is still out.
Why? Well, when you consume collagen, either as part of your diet, or as an oral supplement, the collagen often gets broken down by the gut.
In addition, your body doesn't always absorb the collagen you've been so diligently topping up for your skin or joints. Instead, your digestive system treats it like any other protein food, and stomach acid and enzymes break it down into much smaller pieces, first into peptides and then into individual amino acids. These amino acids are absorbed into the bloodstream and added to the body’s general supply, where they can be used for many different jobs. Depending on what your body needs most at the time, they might be used to make muscle, enzymes, hormones, or energy – not necessarily new collagen to plump up your skin or make your joints less creaky. Which is why you might want to look at an alternative collagen benefits supplement…
​Why are vitamin patches a great alternative to a traditional collagen benefits supplement?
To have an impact, the collagen needs to reach your skin rather than slipping off to support other organs in the body. There isn't any hard and fast evidence on this, but there is a theory that because our skin is the organ with the 'fastest turnover' of cells, it might be more likely to use these collagen peptides above other organs.
Patches offer slow release, transdermal delivery of the collagen, straight into the bloodstream. This means the active ingredients avoid the stomach and liver, and much more of the collagen will make it into the body. Then it can be absorbed in areas that need repair the most – hopefully your skin!
In addition, a traditional collagen benefits supplement often comes as a powder or capsule, which don’t suit everyone. Many have a strong 'fishy' or synthetic taste which can be hard to stomach, and gels and large pills are a hard no for anyone with sensitivities to texture too. Patches offer a slow-release alternative without the taste, texture or digestive discomfort some people experience with powders. Even better, we've got two excellent formulations to choose from; the PatchMD Collagen Plus Patch, or the PatchAid Advanced Collagen Plus Patch, both designed for easy daily use with no yucky after taste – yay!
​Which patch is right for you?
Each PatchWorks collagen benefits supplement is designed to support skin, joints and overall wellbeing, but their ingredients are slightly different, making each patch better suited to different needs.
The Collagen Plus Patch is a brilliant all-round option if your main concern is boosting the health of your skin, hair, nails and everyday wellbeing, with joint support as an added bonus. It contains Collagen Type II, which plays a role in supporting cartilage and joint health, alongside a wide range of vitamins and minerals chosen to complement how collagen works.
These include Vitamin A (from beta carotene) which is great for skin renewal, B vitamins to support energy metabolism and pep up your body and brain, Vitamin C a must for normal collagen formation, and Vitamin D3 for immune and bone health. You'll also find zinc, to support skin and nail health, along with hyaluronic acid, bioflavonoids and aloe vera, all well known for supporting skin hydration. Hylauronic acid is particularly important because, like collagen, your natural levels decline from your 20s. You need it alongside collagen because Hyaluronic acid sits in the spaces between collagen fibres in the skin and keeps the surrounding area plump and hydrated, which helps collagen fibres stay properly spaced and flexible. The result? Your skin looks fab!
Looking for a collagen benefits supplement that supports your joints too?
The PatchAid Advanced Collagen Plus Patch might be the one for you. This option combines Collagen Types I, II and III, with a higher dose of Collagen Type II (100mg), the type most closely linked to joint cartilage and connective tissue. It also contains more type I collagen, the most common of the five types that gives structure to your skin cells, as well as playing a crucial role in the health of your bones, tendons and connective tissues.
Alongside collagen, this patch also includes:
- Glucosamine and chondroitin – both tried and tested ingredients commonly used to support joint comfort and mobility.
- Hyaluronic acid – essential for glowing skin AND to add lubrication support for joints.
- Vitamin C – a must for collagen synthesis, because it helps your body convert amino acids into new, stable collagen fibres more effectively.
- Vitamin D3 – to support bones and muscles
- Black pepper extract – to enhance the absorption of all these goodies
- Aloe vera – ideal for settling your skin and lowering inflammation
Making this patch ideal if you want your skin to look it's best, but also want to target age-related joint stiffness, or speed up your recovery after exercising.
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