Everyone is talking about collagen powder. It is touted to smooth out your wrinkles and keep your skin hydrated. If you have ever cooked or baked with unflavoured gelatin, it's kind of like that but a finer powder, and it doesn't solidify the way gelatin does. Yes, collagen is crucial to supple skin, but can retaining a youthful skin be as easy as mixing a powder in your morning smoothie? Here's the truth behind this powder supplement .

Why Do You Need Collagen for Skin?

Collagen is the wrinkle-preventing protein that naturally occurs in our bodies and keeps the skin plump and youthful. Responsible for smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, it's the skin's structural net, which makes it resilient, strong and elastic. However, it is important to note that collagen is not a complete protein and it is made up of only three amino acids, not nine. But did you know that you produce one percent less collagen each year? As a result, the skin becomes thinner and more fragile. It is, therefore, important to boost your collagen.  Sagging Skin? Right Sunscreen (SPF) to Facial Exercises, Smart Ways to Tighten Skin on Your Face

Do Collagen Powders Really Have Skin Benefits?

Your friends must have told you that a spoonful of collagen powder in their coffee is their secret to youthful skin. But this is far from the truth. Oral collagen is not rigorous enough to have visible effects on your skin. Collagen, when taken orally, is broken down into what is essential protein, and then absorbed by the body. When your body digests collagen, it gets broken down and doesn't reach the skin as actual collagen. However, a contrasting study published in the Open Nutraceuticals Journal found that ingestible collagen helped skin hydration and beat dry skin.

Are Collagen Powders Safe?

Remember that the FDA does not monitor collagen powders for safety or efficacy unless a manufacturer claims its supplement can cure disease. So it is important that you do your research before stalking up. Try These Simple Exercises to Wipe Out Wrinkles and Fine Lines.

How to Choose the Right Collagen Powder?

While buying collagen protein powder, pick the one with fewer ingredients. Collagen protein powder should just be collagen protein isolate, a.k.a. collagen hydrolysate, hydrolyzed collagen, or collagen peptides. Also, skip the flavoured varieties as they contain added sugars and add to your daily intake of calories. Given the lack of FDA regulation, it makes sense to look for a third-party regulation.

As long as you are eating regular meals and snacks made from a combination of different types of protein from plants, seafood, or animals, you are good to go. Also, look for products with retinol and vitamin C to boost your collagen production.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 28, 2019 01:25 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).