The Power of Plant-Based Collagen Boosters: A Healthier Alternative

In the always-increasing obsession with ageing well- skin, hair, and nails, collagen supplements have become increasingly popular. Traditionally, these supplements are derived from animal sources, such as marine (fish scales) or bovine (cow skin) collagen. However, plant-based collagen boosters are gaining attention for their ethical, environmental, and health benefits. In this blog, we will explore the advantages of using a plant-based collagen booster over traditional animal-derived collagen, and provide practical tips on choosing and using these supplements.

What is Collagen and Why Do We Need It?

Collagen is a protein that makes up about 30% of the body’s protein content. It provides structure and strength to our skin, hair, nails, bones, and connective tissues. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen, leading to wrinkles, sagging skin, and weaker hair and nails. Supplementing with collagen can help mitigate these effects, promoting a youthful appearance and overall health.

Collagen production decreases by approximately 1% per year starting in the mid-20s. By the age of 40, the body’s ability to produce collagen decreases significantly, leading to visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles and sagging skin. In my opinion, we are lucky for every day we get to live a little longer but I want to focus on ageing well over focusing on ‘anti-ageing’ the fact is we’re all ageing and we can’t go backwards, or can we?

Benefits of Plant-Based Collagen Boosters

1. Ethical and Sustainable

Ethical Considerations: Plant-based collagen boosters are vegan and cruelty-free, avoiding the ethical concerns associated with animal-derived products. The treatment of animals in the production of marine and bovine collagen raises significant ethical questions.
Sustainability: Plant-based collagen production is generally more sustainable. It requires fewer resources, such as land, water, and feed, compared to animal farming. This lower environmental impact makes plant-based collagen an eco-friendly choice.

2. Healthier Ingredients

Nutrient-Rich: Plant-based collagen boosters such as the one I use and share ‘Skin Elixir’ often contain a blend of beneficial ingredients such as Vitamin C, Hyaluronic Acid, and Biotin. These components support collagen production, skin hydration, and the health of hair and nails.
Free from Harmful Additives: Unlike some animal-based supplements, plant-based collagen boosters are typically free from artificial colours, flavours, sweeteners, high fructose corn syrup, dairy, soy, and gluten. This makes them suitable for people with dietary restrictions or allergies.

3. Enhanced Bioavailability

Better Absorption: Some studies suggest that plant-based collagen boosters, with their combination of vitamins and minerals, may be more easily absorbed by the body, providing more effective results.
Environmental Impact
Reduced Carbon Footprint: The production of plant-based collagen has a lower carbon footprint than animal-derived collagen. This is due to the lower resource requirements and reduced greenhouse gas emissions associated with plant farming versus animal farming.
Sustainable Practices: Many plant-based collagen products are produced using sustainable agricultural practices, further reducing their environmental impact. Look for certifications such as organic, non-GMO, and fair trade to ensure you are choosing eco-friendly options.

Practical Tips for Choosing and Using Plant-Based Collagen Boosters

Check the Ingredient List: Look for products with a comprehensive blend of vitamins, minerals, and natural extracts. Avoid those with artificial additives.
Look for Certifications: Choose products that are certified organic, non-GMO, and free from common allergens to ensure you are getting the highest quality supplement.
Follow the Dosage Instructions: Stick to the recommended daily intake to avoid any potential side effects and to ensure optimal results.
Combine with a Healthy Lifestyle: For the best results, combine your collagen supplement with a balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate hydration.

My Personal Recommendation: Arbonne’s SkinElixir Collagen Builder

This has been my go-to for the last 5 years for my skin and body since I moved away from animal-based collagen. This plant-based collagen booster is Arbonne’s SkinElixir Collagen Builder. This açaí-flavoured supplement combines several key ingredients:

Vitamin C: Essential for collagen synthesis, Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant, protecting the skin from damage and promoting healing.
Hyaluronic Acid: Helps the skin retain moisture, improving hydration and texture.
Biotin: Supports the health of hair, skin, and nails, promoting strength and growth.
Sea Buckthorn and Pine Bark Extracts: Rich in antioxidants, these ingredients help protect the skin from environmental damage and support overall skin health.

Clinical Benefits: Arbonne’s SkinElixir has shown impressive results in clinical studies.

After one week, 80% of participants showed significant improvement in skin firmness. After four weeks, a majority showed improvements in skin radiance (69.2%) and texture/smoothness (59%).

Environmental Considerations: Arbonne is committed to sustainability, with recyclable packaging and a focus on eco-friendly production methods.

Conclusion

Choosing a plant-based collagen booster offers numerous benefits over traditional marine or bovine collagen. It's an ethical, sustainable, and health-conscious choice that supports not only your beauty goals but also your overall well-being and the environment. By integrating plant-based collagen boosters into your routine, you can enjoy healthier, more radiant skin, hair, and nails while making a positive impact on the planet. Consider making the switch to plant-based collagen today and experience the difference for yourself.

If you’d like to try the Skin Elixir with 90-day money-back guarantee just click here and drop me a message letting me know you read this blog and I will share a discount code with you as a thank-you for reading!

Aisling

References
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. (2012). "The Impact of Diet on Skin Aging." [Link]
Environmental Working Group. (2020). "Sustainability and Environmental Impact of Animal Farming." [Link]
Mayo Clinic. (2018). "Collagen Supplements: Benefits and Safety."
“Skin aging and dry skin,” Dermato-Endocrinology, 2012.