Beauty Battle: Collagen Supplements vs Collagen Drinks - Which Is Better?

Beauty is for everybody — and in the world we live in today, there are many ways to attain beauty. There are a myriad of collagen-based products, promising to restore beauty by enhancing our skin's health, vitality, and glow. 

Among these offerings, two contenders are caught in a close battle: collagen supplements vs. collagen drinks. But which one truly reigns supreme in the battle for radiant skin?

What is Collagen?

What is collagen?

Why is collagen so hyped up?

And, how can collagen give you radiant skin?

Sound familiar? Before we delve into the intricacies of collagen supplements and collagen drinks, let's first understand the pivotal role collagen plays in our skin's health. 

Collagen is a structural protein found abundantly in our bodies, providing both strength and support to our skin, bones, and connective tissues. It acts as a natural scaffolding, keeping our skin firm, supple, and youthful-looking.

Just like the enviable looks of a fresh and young, 20-year-old model on Instagram.

But unfortunately, as we age, our bodies' collagen production decreases, leading to visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles, sagging skin, and a loss of elasticity. This is where collagen supplements and collagen drinks come into play, offering a potential solution to replenish and enhance our collagen levels, and restoring the beauty of youth.

Collagen Supplements: Benefits for Improving Skin Health

Since they were introduced, collagen supplements have been a popular choice for beauty-aficionados and regular John’s and Jane’s seeking to improve their skin's health and appearance. 

Packing all the benefits of collagen, these supplements typically come in the form of capsules, tablets, powders — and more recently, convenient collagen jelly supplements — containing hydrolyzed collagen derived from various sources, such as cows, fish, or plants.

Although small, collagen supplements are able to provide our bodies with the essential building blocks for collagen production. We can potentially increase our collagen levels by consistently consuming collagen supplements, which can lead to:

• Reduced appearance of fine lines and wrinkles: Collagen supplements improve the skin’s elasticity and hydration, leading to a smoother, more youthful appearance.
• Improved skin elasticity: By replenishing collagen levels, these supplements help maintain the skin's firmness and elasticity, reducing the risk of sagging and promoting a more toned complexion.
• Enhanced skin hydration: Collagen plays a role in maintaining the skin's moisture levels, and supplementation may help improve skin hydration and significantly reduce dryness.
• Potential anti-aging effects: Some studies suggest that collagen supplements may have anti-aging properties, helping to combat the visible signs of aging.
• Faster wound healing: Recently, collagen has been shown to have promise in accelerating wound healing, first by forming a temporary scaffold and then by stimulating clot formation.

Collagen Drinks: Benefits for Improving Skin Health

Unlike traditional collagen supplements, collagen drinks are bottled beverages containing hydrolyzed collagen peptides dissolved in water, juice, or other flavored liquids. 

Additionally, some collagen drinks are fortified with other beneficial ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, potentially amplifying their skin-enhancing effects.

Collagen drinks are easier to consume than a powder or tablet, making them an easy-to-consume option for those on-the-go. Proponents of collagen drinks also claim that the liquid form enhances absorption and bioavailability, allowing the collagen to be more readily utilized by the body. 

Collagen drinks, often known as collagen waters, have understandably gained popularity in recent years as they are a convenient alternative to traditional collagen supplements.

Which Is Better: Collagen Supplements vs. Collagen Drinks?

Now that we understand a bit more about collagen supplements and collagen drinks, it's time to delve into the key factors that may sway the decision in favor of one or the other, for radiant, everlasting beauty.

Absorption

A primary consideration when choosing between collagen supplements and collagen drinks is their absorption and bioavailability, i.e., how well and fast collagen molecules are absorbed by the body.

While both forms aim to deliver collagen to the body, some studies suggest that hydrolyzed collagen peptides found in collagen drinks may be more easily absorbed and utilized by the body compared to the larger collagen molecules found in supplements.

Fortunately, there are newly-introduced collagen supplements with smaller, readily absorbed collagen peptides — it makes their absorption and bioavailability that much better.

Convenience

Convenience is a factor that often influences our beauty choices. 

Collagen supplements, such as capsules or tablets, can be easily incorporated into your daily routine and consumed with meals or water. These supplements may require more effort in terms of remembering to take them consistently.

Collagen drinks, on the other hand, offer a more convenient and refreshing option for those who prefer a liquid format or want to consume collagen on-the-go.

Cost

As with any over-the-counter product, prices vary widely depending on the brand and quality of collagen supplements and collagen drinks. However, collagen supplements tend to be more cost-effective in the long run, as they typically provide a higher concentration of collagen per serving compared to collagen drinks.

Taste

The final factor that determines if a beauty buy makes it into the bag: Taste and palatability. While collagen supplements are flavorless, collagen drinks come in various flavors, which can be a deciding factor for those who prefer a more enjoyable taste experience for daily consumption.

Besides these four factors listed above, there are several other considerations you should make when selecting collagen products for your consumption needs.

• Source: Collagen can be derived from various sources, including bovine (cow), marine (fish), or plant-based. Consider your dietary preferences and any potential allergies or sensitivities when choosing the source.
• Quality: Collagen products that are high-quality are typically manufactured by reputable brands that use clean and sustainable sourcing practices, and choose collagen products that are third-party tested and free from harmful additives or fillers.
• Dosage: Pay attention to the recommended dosage and ensure that the product provides an adequate amount of collagen to be effective. The optimal dosage can vary depending on your age, health condition, and desired results.
• Additional ingredients: Some collagen products may contain additional ingredients, such as vitamins, minerals, or antioxidants, which can enhance their overall effectiveness.

If you have religiously taken a collagen supplement or a collagen drink for the past few weeks, but don’t see your desired results, remember this piece of advice from board-certified dermatologists, "Both collagen supplements and collagen drinks can be effective in improving skin health and appearance. However, it's important to note that individual results may vary depending on factors such as age, lifestyle, and overall health.”

Beauty Battle: Making An Informed Decision for A Radiant Winner

As we've explored the benefits, considerations, and real-life experiences surrounding collagen supplements and collagen drinks, it's clear that both options can be effective in supporting radiant, youthful-looking skin. The choice ultimately comes down to individual preferences, lifestyle factors, and personal goals. 

If convenience and a refreshing liquid format appeal to you, collagen drinks may be the way to go. However, if you prefer the traditional supplement format or are looking for a more cost-effective option, collagen supplements could be the better choice in the long run.

Regardless of your decision, it's essential to choose high-quality products from reputable brands, follow recommended dosages, and most importantly, be patient as you allow the collagen to work its magic. 

In the end, the true winner in the beauty battle is the choice that aligns with your needs, preferences, and lifestyle.

Getting beautiful, radiant skin is a long journey, and the consistent use of collagen supplements or drinks, combined with a healthy lifestyle and proper skincare routine, can help you achieve your desired results.