Here is the ideal time to take cosmetic collagen supplements

SadaNews - Taking collagen as a dietary supplement for skin care is one of the established steps in the Korean beauty routine. Its popularity has increased globally, driven by the desire to achieve the glass skin that Korean women enjoy.

So, what is the ideal time to take this dietary supplement?

Taking collagen as a dietary supplement helps protect the skin, as well as improve its texture, firmness, and moisture levels.

It is advisable to start taking this type of supplement from the age of 25 to maintain the health of the skin, hair, and nails.

As for the ideal timing for its consumption, it appears that consistency is more important than the specific hour of taking it, especially when combined with a balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle.

The impact of collagen supplements

Numerous studies addressing collagen supplements have shown a noticeable improvement in skin health overall in less than eight weeks after starting their use.

Although collagen molecules do not directly transfer to the skin but are broken down during digestion into amino acids that form the essential component of protein.

These amino acids are absorbed into the bloodstream and can help stimulate new collagen in the body. However, the tangible improvement in this area does not appear until after two or three months; yet, immediate effects like enhancing skin fullness and radiance may show up in just two weeks.

- The best time to take it:

There is no specific schedule for taking collagen supplements, but taking them regularly is essential; consistency is key to effectiveness in this area because the body needs a steady supply to benefit from these supplements in the long term. The best suggestions for incorporating them into the daily routine are:

• On an empty stomach: Collagen is absorbed better in an acidic environment, so it is recommended to take it on an empty stomach in the morning. If you are following an intermittent fasting regimen, it is advised to take it right after your fasting period ends and wait some time before having a meal.

• Before sleep: Taking collagen before sleep is beneficial for the body as it repairs and renews its cells during sleep, enhancing the effects of collagen.

• After exercise: Collagen’s ability to aid muscle recovery and maintain joint health has become quite popular, and taking it after exercise reduces muscle soreness by improving blood flow and delivering nutrients.

• With meals: Experts in this field recommend that those with sensitive stomachs take collagen with meals. It’s worth mentioning that this does not diminish its benefits; on the contrary, the activity of enzymes in the body peaks during digestion, aiding in collagen absorption. Taking collagen with vitamin C plays a role in increasing its efficacy, as this nutrient is essential for collagen production. Citrus fruits and vitamin C supplements are good options in this case. It is also advised to leave a time gap between taking collagen and iron supplements to avoid one affecting the absorption of the other.

- How to choose the right type:

Always ensure that the collagen you are using is of the peptide type, which the body easily absorbs and can be added to hot or cold drinks if in liquid form. Experts in this field indicate that marine collagen is the preferred option over all types because its composition resembles human collagen. It is suitable for combination, dry, and sensitive skin. As for its unpleasant odor, this can be masked by adding flavors like lemon or berry to improve its taste. Regarding plant-based collagen, research supporting its effectiveness is still very limited; thus, its use remains limited in dietary supplements.