Hyaluronic acid can be seen gracing the jars lining skincare aisles, and is frequently cited as one of the key ingredients in external remedies designed to support healthy, youthful skin. Collagen, too, has been enjoying a surge in popularity, as it provides significant improvements to skin and joint health. Both have been suggested by mainstream and alternative healthcare providers to improve several different deficiencies in the body. Collagen hyaluronic acid fuses the benefits of both of these compounds to reap the beneficial effects from hyaluronic acid while enjoying the benefits of collagen.
To fully understand how a combined supplement might improve skin collagen content and increase the youthful appearance of skin, it is important to first understand what a combined collagen-hyaluronic acid supplement is.
What is collagen hyaluronic acid?
Collagen and hyaluronic acid are two different organic compounds naturally found in the body. When they are used together, they are more effective at improving skin health, immune health, and even joint health. Combining hyaluronic acid with collagen is effective because:
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Collagen is a protein already found and synthesized in the body. It is most abundant in the connective and fibrous tissues of both people and animals. As a result of aging, illness, stress, and other external and internal factors, collagen production begins to slow and a breakdown in healthy cells can result in the skin, joints, and even the gastrointestinal system.
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Hyaluronic acid (HA) is another natural compound found in the body. Like collagen, HA is found in connective tissue and epithelial cells, and can even be found in neural tissue. HA is useful for many different reasons, but is frequently found pairing with collagen in the body to bind collagen and elastin--a compound that allows tissues in the body to stretch and bend without tearing.
If there are low levels of HA in the body, joint and skin elasticity suffers. A study in the International Journal of Dermatology found that low levels of HA can also lead to advanced skin aging and the development of wrinkles. As we age, HA production begins to slow, leading to the need for external supplementation.
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Collagen hyaluronic acid is a combination supplement that can be used to support healthy skin and combat the effects of dry skin or dehydrated skin, to improve both the appearance and texture of skin. When taken internally, rather than transdermally, collagen hyaluronic acid supports cells from the inside out and cannot be washed away or react negatively with skincare products, makeup, or other external beauty or anti-aging aids.
- Collagen hyaluronic acid comes in powder form. Combining hyaluronic acid with collagen peptides powder allows people to address several different aspects of skin aging and skincare, to firm, plump, and improve skin's texture and appearance.
What are the benefits of taking collagen with hyaluronic acid?
On its own, collagen provides powerful benefits to the skin and joints, the most substantial benefit being the addition of elasticity and growth. Hyaluronic acid acts as a complementary intervention that helps the body effectively absorb and subsequently synthesize collagen. By including both in the same supplement, users can see a marked improvement in the health of skin, hair, and nails.
As we briefly discussed above, HA can act as a binding agent between elastin and collagen. By taking these two compounds in a single supplement, you can more effectively improve skin collagen content by improving elastin levels in the body and improve epithelial cells' ability to stretch, move, and accommodate changes without tearing or breaking down.
Taking HA with collagen, such as marine collagen peptides, can also be helpful because it functions as a multi collagen supplement. In using both, you are supporting the health and appearance of skin through different channels. Think of it this way: a single painter alone will not be able to as quickly and effectively cover the entirety of a house. With two painters working on opposite sides and coming together in the middle, the job will get done far more efficiently. Combining HA and collagen in a multi collagen powder covers different bases for aging skin to more thoroughly support anti-aging and skin-protecting efforts.
Collagen and hyaluronic acid are also an excellent combination in a single product because collagen has been shown to actually stimulate and boost HA production in the body. When the HA is present in the collagen being administered, the body does not need to produce its own HA, but can utilize the compound delivered by the supplement, leading to the renewal of skin cells and ultimately cell survival.
Revitalizes aging skin
Collagen and hyaluronic acid are both known for their revitalizing properties. One study identified type 1 collagen loss as one of the most significant reasons for wrinkle development as people age. Fortunately, the combination of hyaluronic acid and collagen can help offset the effects of aging to restore a healthy, full, and radiant appearance of skin. Hyaluronic fillers can be used to essentially "fill in" the fine lines and wrinkles, while collagen works to restore elasticity and cellular junctions.
Aging skin can also come about as a result of moisture loss deep within the skin. Cell survival depends on many things, adequate moisture content among them. The administration of collagen leads to more effective HA production and sustenance, which in turn leads to improvements in the ability of the skin to hold onto moisture--all without chugging liters of water and hoping that helps the renewal of skin cells. Topically administered HA can only penetrate into the top few layers of skin, while orally administered HA can support moisturization from within.
Healthier joints
Collagen is known for its positive impact on joints. Studies have demonstrated a significant improvement in joint function and bone support when collagen is supplemented in the diet. Hyaluronic acid can also aid in improving joint function by maintaining the cushioning found in joints and the lubrication that allows them to move freely. Ongoing collagen and HA consumption may aid with joint pain, inflammation, and stiffness.
Boosts Immunity
Hyaluronic acid may also boost immunity. Because hyaluronic acid is rich in antioxidants, it has ties to improvements in immunity. Hyaluronic acid is a compound found naturally in the body, but that compound can be negatively impacted by aging, illness, and numerous other interferences. By supplementing with HA, you can provide additional support to your immune system and ward off the onset of illness--or diminish the response to illness when it occurs.
Collagen, too, can be used to improve immune responses. From limiting the amount of inflammation found in joints and skin tissue, to limiting allergy responses and reducing inflammation in the body overall, collagen peptides are not only respectable protein sources, but also useful supports for the body's immune system.
Is it safe to take collagen and hyaluronic acid at the same time?
Yes. Because hyaluronic acid and collagen target the same areas and provide similar improvements to the body, it is not only safe to take the two supplements together--it is advantageous. By taking both dietary supplements together, you are offering support to joint health and skin from two different angles.
Hyaluronic acid and collagen have both long been trusted sources of improved skin health. Because both can be taken without the intervention of a healthcare professional, they have been frequently used by people eager to support their health holistically. Fortunately, neither hyaluronic acid nor collagen have been linked to significant adverse effects, and both can be taken without interactions to medications and minimal side effects.
Which is better for your face: hyaluronic acid or collagen?
Both hyaluronic acid and collagen are great for skin, though the mechanisms behind their epidermal benefits differ. Collagen supports skin by increasing the elasticity and structural integrity of epidermal cells and provides anti-aging benefits. Hyaluronic acid helps treat acne and a dull appearance of skin, and has also been used to fill fine lines and wrinkles. Because both are useful to improve the appearance and health of skin, combining the two supplements can improve skin health from multiple angles.
As is the case with many different supplements designed to provide healthy skin, a multi-pronged approach is best to make sure that your skin health increases. Rather than choosing between one or the other, take advantage of products that offer the benefits of hyaluronic acid and collagen in a single supplement.
Conclusion
Collagen has been used increasingly often to improve the health and appearance of hair, skin, nails, and joints. Hyaluronic acid has been used for decades to improve the texture and appearance of skin and to treat maladies of the skin, including acne and fine lines and wrinkles. By combining these two supplements together, you can target medical conditions that negatively impact the skin and joints in several different ways, and enjoy the benefits of collagen and hyaluronic acid without the adverse effects that often accompany more invasive or intense treatments to improve skin health.
While a healthcare provider can offer many different approaches to skincare and skin health to combat common conditions, supporting the health of your skin from within is often one of the best long-term approaches to improving skin appearance and texture. The mechanical properties of both hyaluronic acid and collagen contribute to improved skin health by making sure that epithelial cells adequately maintain moisture, generate elastin, and continually regenerate cells.
By taking a combined collagen and hyaluronic acid supplement, you can improve skin collagen content, increase HA production, and enjoy more youthful-looking skin with increased collagen regeneration effects, moisture content, and decreased fine lines and wrinkles, all while improving joint health and immune health.
