This weekend I’m midway through a 3 month marine collagen trial with Known Nutrition. I received a complimentary 3-month supply of their Advanced Collagen Supplement, however I have been taking a daily marine collagen supplement for a total of 8 weeks now, having switched brands – and I am noticing some benefits!
Collagen is a protein in the body which acts like a support structure for the skin, bones and joints. It maintains the skin’s elasticity and youthfulness, but our collagen production declines with age. This is why I was keen to try a collagen supplement to see if it could boost my skin, hair and nails, but also protect my joints and maybe lessen the aches and stiffness I’ve been experiencing lately.
In a handy sachet, the liquid collagen is a tasty summer fruits flavour. You can suck it straight from the packet or drizzle it onto your breakfast. I have heard that some collagen supplements don’t taste great, but this is really quite palatable and pleasant. It’s not fishy! I actually prefer to mix my daily dose in a little water and drink it – I find it’s just the quickest and simplest way for me. I have also been taking a daily biotin tablet (B7) which is good for hair and cognitive function.
Face Scan At KP Aesthetics
Just before the 3 month trial with Known Nutrition began I was invited along to a local clinic, KP Aesthetics in Hale, for a close up look at my complexion. The idea is to do a scan at the start and end of the trial to see if there’s any marked improvement. The scan was interesting and a little bit startling, although I was not totally surprised at the sun damage on my face. Although not a sun-worshipper (I live in north west England after all!) obviously sun exposure is inevitable over the years.
The first photo below is my completely bare face – no make up was allowed, not even moisturiser(!) in the state-of-the-art OBSERV 520 skin scanner, which gives a clear insight into skin health.
The second photo reveals the sun damage under the surface. This pigmentation will get worse over time without using sun protection every day as part of my skincare routine.
Did you know we are exposed to UV even from our devices and it reaches us through windows, too? So even in the winter, we ought to apply SPF every day.
In case you were wondering, to include SPF in your morning routine, the correct steps are cleanse and moisturise first, THEN apply your sun screen, beneath makeup
The scanner took pictures of my skin texture and also uncovered some underlying redness or rosacea, so that’s another reason to look after my skin better.
Initial results from taking marine collagen
My fluctuating hormones have affected my skin (and hair) for a while now. My complexion was looking lack-lustre, but now seems brighter and my cheeks a bit plumped up, with more of a glow. I also feel like the marionette lines at the sides of my mouth look slightly softer.
It is often reported that the first thing people notice when they take collagen is more hydrated skin and that was definitely my experience. Marine collagen, derived from fish skin, is a type 1 collagen similar to human collagen, so it does appear that topping up with a supplement can improve elasticity and skin quality.
Halfway through the trial
Now that I am at the mid point of this trial, I know I’m not imagining that my skin is more supple and has radiance, compared to before I started taking any collagen: 
If you look at the above before and after you can see my skin looks less dull and flat on the right, than the image on the left. The collagen supplement is like skincare from the inside out. I haven’t been wearing foundation as I don’t want to cover up the glow! I just use moisturiser, a couple of drops of facial oil and SPF.
My nail strength has improved too at this stage, because I recently had a gel manicure removed and normally my nails would be quite soft and prone to splitting and flaking afterwards, but they have stayed strong and are longer than I would normally keep them.
The next 6 weeks
In December I will go back to KP Aesthetics for the follow up face scan to see how it compares. But I already know that I want to continue taking collagen beyond the trial – I am pleased enough with the results I’ve had so far.
By the end of the trial I would love to notice my hair getting thicker and less joint aches/general stiffness would be a huge bonus. It is said that increased benefits can kick in around the 3 month mark, so fingers crossed and I will keep you updated!
Let me know if you take collagen or are interested to try? If you do, what benefits have you found?
© Copyright 2022 Antonia, All rights Reserved. Written For: Tidylife
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