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Collagen may be a beauty buzzword, but it absolutely lives up to the hype.
The most abundant protein in the body, collagen acts as the main structure for our connective tissues. Studies show that taking collagen supplements can do everything from strengthen hair, skin and nails, to improve digestive health and lead to healthier joints. But our collagen stores deplete as we age, due to environmental factors like sun exposure and pollution-so enter the importance of a collagen supplement or beverage. “Most women will begin losing collagen way earlier than they would assume,” registered dietician Trista Best tells us. “This loss begins in a woman’s twenties, while some begin as early as 18 years old.”
In that case, sign us up for collagen, stat! There’s no shortage of options available to you, but we consulted with the experts to determine one of the best high-collagen drinks out there.
Vital Proteins Collagen Waters
"High-collagen beverages are an excellent way to take in collagen for smoother skin," Trista tells us, and there's one brand that's renowned for putting collagen supplements on the map in the first place: Vital Proteins. Repped by Jennifer Aniston, it's an A-lister approved line that offers collagen in various formats, flavors and more.
"Vital Proteins Collagen Waters are the best high-collagen beverage option on the market today," says Trista. "This company not only provides a high quality, highly bioavailable collagen source, but it does so through sustainable methods and using zero chemicals. Vital Proteins line of collagen waters provides 6 delicious flavor varieties that hydrate you and boost your collagen at the same time."
According to Vital Proteins' website, their assortment of collagen waters offer 10g of collagen per serving. And with no artificial flavors, sweeteners or additives-and less then 3g of sugar-they work to hydrate your skin from within. (Say hello to your smoothest complexion yet!)
Choose from yummy flavors like peach white tree, blackberry hibiscus, lemon ginger, blueberry mint, strawberry lemon and lemon slice, all of which are ready-to-drink, so you can get a boost of collagen even while on-the-go. These collagen infused waters will help you rock a healthy glow year round!
But if collagen water isn't your thing, collagen powder is an equally worthy choice. Registered dermatologist Dr. Dendy Engelman swears by the Reserveage Collagen Powder, which you can easily mix into your preferred beverage. Packed with BioCell Collagen to promote good tissue, Reserveage also includes a specific blend of fruit and vegetable extracts (like cherry and pomegranate) which have been shown to improve and retain skin elasticity.
Rest assured that no matter what collagen supplement you choose, there are plenty of options that are great for your body and your skin. Happy experimenting!