The benefits of Kate Middleton’s go-to skincare ingredient
The beauty benefits of collagen have long been touted by the industry, and it turns out that the Princess of Wales is also a big fan of the ingredient.
Kate Middleton, whose glowing skin is often praised by fans, keeps her beauty routine under wraps but it has been reported that she eats a diet full of collagen-rich food and uses collagen-boosting products to maintain her youthful appearance.
The 41-year-old royal, who is also a mother of three, reportedly eats plenty of salmon, kale and lentils to boost her body’s production of collagen.
Attention around collagen has heightened in recent years as beauty fans look for ways to improve their skin. Aside from collagen-rich food and skincare products, the number of collagen supplements have also increased on the market - backed by celebrities like Jennifer Aniston.
But it appears that the younger generation is also becoming interested in the potential benefits of collagen. According to OK! Magazine, collagen has seen a recent surge in popularity on social media, becoming one of the most-searched for products on TikTok.
The ingredient reached 110 million views on the video streaming platform in the UK, with 42% of views accounted for by Gen Z users.
With the Princess of Wales’s favourite skincare ingredient becoming a viral sensation, we take a closer look at collagen and its benefits.
What is collagen?
Collagen is a protein naturally produced by our bodies. It plays an important role in supporting more than just skin, as it is found in muscles and bones as well.
In the skin, collagen is necessary to provide strength and elasticity. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen and this can lead to wrinkles forming and sagging as our skin loses elasticity.
Certain lifestyle habits can also decrease the body’s production of collagen, such as sun damage, smoking and alcohol consumption.
Where does collagen come from?
According to Harvard Health, our bodies create collagen by using amino acids that it gets when we eat protein-rich or collagen-rich foods.
These can include:
Fish and fish skin
Tomatoes
Bone broth
Beef
Berries
Citrus fruits
Eggs
Dark leafy greens
Chicken
Legumes
Collagen supplements that have become popular in recent years get the protein from a number of different sources, such as fish, cattle, pigs or chicken. There are also plant-based collagen supplements on the market that are suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
What are the benefits of collagen?
Aside from making skin appear more plump and youthful, collagen is important for a number of other bodily functions.
Collagen is also essential for:
Healthy bones
Collagen can help with bone density, making them stronger and less brittle even as we age.
Supple joints
The protein can help improve joint function and potentially reduce pain from osteoarthritis.
Muscle mass
Collagen is part of the muscle tissue and critical to keep muscles strong. Some studies suggest that taking collagen can also promote muscle growth after exercise.
Healthy heart
Collagen helps maintain the shape of the arteries and blood vessels, which reduces the risk of atherosclerosis (fragile blood vessels that can lead to heart attack or stroke).
Thicker hair and stronger nails
It can help strengthen hair and nails that may otherwise become fragile and brittle with age.
Watch: What Happens to Your Body When You Take Collagen Supplements Every Day
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How to detoxify your skincare regime (Cover Media, 2-min read)
Eva Longoria, 48, claims she looks 'unrecognisable' in new no-makeup video (Women's Health UK, 3-min read)
