COLLAGEN is more than just a beauty product – it also keeps our bones, skin and gut healthy.
But as we age it gets harder for the body to produce.
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I tried different ways to incorporate collagen into my daily routine and our Beauty Editor put antioxidant- rich, anti-ageing vitamin C formulas to the test.
HEALTH: with Jane Atkinson
Snack: Foodin Collagen Protein Bars are a 206kcal snack that are a great alternative if you can’t get the hang of supplements.
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Because they contain hydrolysed bovine collagen, from cows, I was worried they would taste peculiar, but they were delicious – mostly nuts and a thin layer of chocolate.
Plus, since they cost roughly five times the price of a normal choc bar, you’re far less likely to binge on them.
They come in almond sea salt, cinnamon caramel and ginger and lime flavours and contain 12g of protein, 6.5g of which is collagen. (£2.99 per bar, planetorganic.com)
DRINK: Revive Collagen Premium Liquid Marine Collagen Drink is derived from ethically farmed fish skin with added hyaluronic acid and aloe vera juice.
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I was pleasantly surprised by the citrus taste and added a sachet to a pint of water in the mornings.
After a fortnight I noticed clearer skin and shinier hair.
Each 22g sachet contains 8.5g of hydrolysed collagen. (£33.99 for 14 sachets, hollandandbarrett.com)
DISSOLVE: A vegan-friendly collagen option is MyVitamins Beauty Plant Collagen powder.
It easily dissolves in water or shakes, and I got into the habit of adding it to my juicer.
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It comes in lemon and lime flavour or orange, pineapple and grapefruit.
They tasted natural and I found this one the easiest to stomach and liked the fact it had added vitamin C, zinc and copper. 10g of collagen per serving. (£27.99 for a 255g tub, myvitamins.com)
BEAUTY: with Tara Ledden
BUDGET – The Ordinary Vitamin C Suspension 23% + HA Spheres 2% (£6 for 30ml, boots.com):
The Ordinary has several Vitamin C products.
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This one is a suspension of very fine L-ascorbic acid powder to provide the most direct exposure of high concentrations of Vitamin C topically.
I found this very strong so I mixed it with a moisturiser to dilute it.
It did help with pigmentation and sun damage on my face and my skin certainly looked clearer.
But it left a yellow residue on my hands.
MID CeraVe Vitamin C Serum with Hyaluronic Acid (£24.99 for 30ml, amazon.co.uk):
Described as a gentle yet effective lightweight vitamin C serum with three essential ceramides, moisturising hyaluronic acid, soothing vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid) and technology to release moisturising ingredients for all-day hydration.
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This felt smooth on my skin and seemed to give me a healthier-looking, glowing complexion.
It made my cheeks tingle a bit, probably because it’s ten per cent pure vitamin C, so I used it sparingly and mixed it with a moisturiser to calm any stinging.
LUXURY – SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic 30 ml Active Antioxidant Serum (£114.99 for 30ml, down from £145, facethefuture.co.uk):
Features a super antioxidant combination of 15 per cent pure vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid), 1 per cent vitamin E (alpha tocopherol), and 0.5 per cent ferulic acid.
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I could only use a very small amount at first as it stung and made my skin peel.
But it really worked at diminishing age spots, blemishes and sun damage.
After a few weeks I got compliments on my skin.
Pricey, but it made a real difference. My favourite.