What is collagen?
In summary, collagen is the most abundant protein in our body. It’s a substance that is the building block for our hair, skin, and nails. Before you keep reading, if you’re not well-informed on what collagen is, why people take it and the benefits it can offer, check out our blog “do collagen supplements work?” here.
What is gelatin?
This is one we haven’t spoken about yet! Gelatin comes from collagen! It is a mixture of amino acid chains that forms when collagen is either heated or mixed with certain chemicals.
Gelatin is a thickening agent, collagen is extracted from it by boiling the skin, bones, and connective tissues of animals.
Key differences
The key differences between collagen and gelatin are their digestibility and their chemical structure. Collagen itself is harder to digest than gelatin, but the collagen you find in health and beauty supplements is hydrolysed collagen peptides, the peptides are easier to digest than gelatin. Gelatin can be used as a thickening agent in food whereas collagen cannot, and peptides can dissolve in both hot and cold water whereas gelatin can only be dissolved in hot water.
Gelatin is more suited for cooking in dishes like jelly, soup, and various desserts, but both are readily available in supplement form.
Vegan collagen
Collagen is derived from fish or cow, so it’s not suitable for everyone, but if you suffer from allergies or are vegan, there are foods you can eat to help support your body’s collagen formation! These kinds of foods are rich in vitamin C and/or hyaluronic acid.
Foods rich in vitamin C contain the essential vitamins and minerals that support collagen formation without having to consume the substance itself. Aside from vit C, Hyaluronic Acid, like collagen is a substance the body produces naturally, it supports moisture retention, and it’s found in a lot of foods. Check out our blog “7 foods high in Hyaluronic Acid” for more info here.
H2 How to boost collagen formation
Vitamin C supports your body’s natural hyaluronic acid levels, eating foods rich in vitamin C will encourage hydrated, glowing skin. To top up your hyaluronic acid levels even more (and in a tastier way) try our Hyaluronic Acid gummies! You can find them here.
Gelatin beauty hacks
Gelatin is readily available in powder form, so if you’re up for some DIY beauty hacks try the following:
Gelatin hair mask: prevent breakage
- 1 tbsp powdered gelatin
- 1/3 cup water
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon honey
Combine all ingredients in a pan, heat up the mixture to activate the gelatin and apply it to washed hair, let it sit for 20 minutes, rinse, and then condition. Make sure the mixture is warm and not hot!
Gelatin face mask: hydrate the skin
For this one you only need 2 ingredients:
- 1tbsp
- ¼ cup water
Heat up water on a saucepan and mix in a tablespoon of gelatin, mix thoroughly. Once the mixture is cool enough, spread it across your face evenly and leave it on until dry.
Collagen beauty hacks
Collagen is most effective when ingested. It is readily available in powder form in various flavours and unflavoured. Collagen is a great supplement because it can be mixed into food and drink. Get your dose of collagen with a meal or a cup of coffee!
Collagen latte
- 1-2 shots espresso
- 150mL milk of your choice
- 10g pure unflavoured marine collagen powder
Berry & collagen granola
- ¼ cup granola
- 1 cup milk of your choice
- 1 serving Life Botanics Unflavoured Pure Marine Collagen powder.
- ½ cup mixed berries
Haircarebear collagen gummies
The ingredient that makes the magic happen in our gummies is hydrolysed type 1 marine collagen. With 1000mcg collagen per serve to promote smooth, wrinkle-free skin. Check out our collagen gummies here.
Which is right for me?
The main benefits of collagen and gelatin are their amino acids, which they share the same profile. However, hydrolysed collagen is more easily absorbed by the body compared to gelatin, so it’s optimal for health and beauty supplements. Gelatin is the better substance for cooking or baking.
