Collagen is a protein that is an important part of our physical make up. Its job is to provide connective tissue for our joints, tendons, muscles and our skin and bones. Basically, collagen is what holds us together. It is what gives younger skin and nails their smooth appearance.

Unfortunately, as with other ‘body parts’, as we grow older our natural collagen production declines. This is one of the main reasons our skin as well as our muscles begin to sag. The loss of collagen can also affect the strength of our joints, hair, nails, and teeth.

Collagen came into the mainstream of anti-aging with seemingly abundant discussion and use of collagen injections. Aging thin lips could be plumped, wrinkles would disappear, and the look of yesterday’s youth could be returned with a simple needle prick. As the use of collagen injections began to rise, so did the talk about their downside.

Not only are collagen injections expensive, they must be maintained. The collagen injected via needle eventually gets absorbed into the body, leaving the signs of aging abundantly apparent once again. That means another trip to the doctor for more injections and another time to open up the wallet. Also, the act of injecting collagen leaves the site red and often swollen. Considering the site is most often on your face; that can wipe out a good portion of your day. Collagen injections were now not only expensive, but time consuming. Another word of caution: ‘You’d better have someone who knows what they are doing, doing it!’. If not, you may end up looking like some sort of distorted alien.

Thank goodness an alternative hit the market: collagen supplements. Perhaps a better way to return a lot of that youthful elasticity and tightness to all the aspects of our physical make up. Much less expensive, less painful, and less time consuming than the injectable form. After all, it only takes a few seconds to swallow pill and then you can get immediately back to doing whatever you like.

The idea is; instead of just injecting pockets of collagen, give the whole body some. Compare to a wilting plant: Don’t just sprinkle water on a few leaves, water the whole thing.

Collagen supplements are said not only to help the elasticity of skin, the strength of hair and nails, they are also said to help restore limberness to joints and muscles. It may just be one of the most beneficial supplements to help us fight back against the ravages of aging.