Over the past few years, collagen supplements and bone broth have surged in popularity thanks to their potential health and appearance benefits. So, which is the better option for enhancing your natural beauty? As it turns out, both collagen and bone broth can provide essential support for your skin, nails, and hair—but there are differences that may make one a better choice than the other for you.

Here, we look at collagen supplements and bone broth in more detail so you decide which one is the most beneficial option to support your unique beauty needs.

What is collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is a crucial component of skin, bone, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments—providing strength and structure to keep them healthy and supple. Collagen contains four powerhouse amino acids: glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine, which are fundamental to your skin’s health and appearance as they support elasticity and avert wrinkling. 

These amino acids also help increase bone strength & density and reduce inflammation to improve joint health. Additionally, collagen promotes gut health by improving digestion and relieving associated symptoms, such as bloating. 

Collagen vs. bone broth

As we age, our body naturally produces less collagen. Taking collagen supplements or consuming bone broth with high collagen content may be helpful in replenishing lost collagen levels, potentially leading to improved skin elasticity, fewer wrinkles, and a bit more confidence when we look in the mirror.

There are key differences between a collagen supplement and bone broth, and depending on your goals, you may prefer one option over the other to bolster your beauty routine. 

How collagen powder is made

Collagen powder is made from animal bones, skin, and connective tissue; most manufactured collagen is bovine in origin. The process begins with breaking down the animal parts—through boiling or other methods such as acid hydrolysis or enzymatic hydrolysis. The resulting mixture is then filtered and purified before being dried and ground into a fine powder, which can then be used as-is or further processed to create different types of collagen supplements.

How bone broth is made

Bone broth is made by simmering bones—as well as optional aromatics including vegetables, herbs, and spices—in water for an extended period of time. This process naturally extracts the bones’ vitamins, minerals, and amino acids into the liquid. The end result is a flavorful broth that can be used as a base for soups and sauces, or enjoyed on its own.

Taking collagen supplements or consuming bone broth with high collagen content may be helpful in replenishing lost collagen levels.

Bone broth: benefits and drawbacks

Bone broth has been used for centuries as a healing remedy, and its benefits are recognized by modern science. 

Bone broth benefits

The benefits of bone broth are more comprehensive than a simple collagen supplement;

• Bone broth contains a range of minerals including calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, silicon, sulfur, and trace minerals that can help support overall health. 
• Bone broth is naturally high in unprocessed collagen, which helps to promote healthy joints and improve skin health and elasticity. 
• Bone broth is a satisfying food to consume and can support healthy weight loss
• Bone broth can aid in recovery from surgery or injury due to its ability to reduce inflammation and promote the healing of soft tissues. 
• Bone broth may be more cost-effective and can be made at home using simple ingredients like bones and vegetables. 
• Bone broth is relatively versatile in the kitchen.

Bone broth drawbacks

On the downside;

• Bone broth may be difficult to digest for some people, especially if fat content has not been removed in a second step after cooking. 
• Bone broth can be time-consuming to make at home.
• Pre-made bone broth products save time but can be pricey. 

Collagen supplements: benefits and drawbacks

Collagen has become increasingly popular as an added ingredient in skincare products due to its ability to help keep skin, hair, nails, and other connective tissues healthy. 

Collagen supplement benefits

There are various benefits to taking a collagen supplement; 

• Collagen supplements deliver a concentrated dose of protein and are highly versatile—they can be consumed internally in tablets, capsules, or in liquid or powdered forms. 
• Collagen powder is tasteless and won’t alter the flavor of your food. It can be easily added to yogurt, smoothies, coffee—nearly any dish or beverage. 
• Collagen supplements may be more accessible for some people, whether taken orally or added to food.
• You can easily consume a precise, doctor-recommended dose of collagen each day to support healthy body functions, skin elasticity, etc. 

Collagen supplement drawbacks

On the downside, collagen supplements are heavily processed, using enzymes to isolate the collagen molecules from the original animal parts; isolated nutritional components do not typically offer the same range of benefits as less-processed or whole foods. Also, supplements are not regulated by the FDA, meaning consumers must trust the manufacturer to test for the safety and efficacy of their product. 

We have a winner! Well, sort of…

In sum, bone broth has additional nutrients not provided by isolated collagen supplements and thus may be a superior choice for improving your overall health and wellness—that said, convenience is also important, and your personal preferences will have the final say in which one is the better beauty booster for you! 

The fine print

Unless you actually make or purchase bone broth frequently enough to regularly incorporate it into your diet, you will likely get more dependable beauty benefits from taking a daily collagen supplement. That’s because consistency is key to improving your skin, whether you are using professional-grade skincare products or increasing your collagen intake. Some people may find that taking a collagen supplement is simply more convenient and allows for more consistent use than drinking or cooking with bone broth. Ultimately, the right choice is the product you will use the most consistently!

Want to boost your skin today? Let us help! 

While consuming collagen can provide nutritional support when it comes to skin health, its action is subtle and takes time. Collagen supplements also can’t erase past sun damage, wrinkles, and other skin flaws—laser treatments and other non-surgical methodologies are much more effective when it comes to quickly improving the surface appearance of your skin. The outstanding medical team at The Swan Center is here to help you with the best non-surgical cosmetic treatments, including options that are proven to boost your natural collagen production and improve your skin’s appearance, such as RF microneedling, chemical peels, laser treatments, and specialty facials. We invite you to schedule a consultation with our Atlanta medspa or call us at (770) 667-0904 to learn more! 

Buzzfeed recently highlighted some professional beauty tips to try in the new year, and we’ve added a few of our own simple habits that will help you feel and look absolutely beautiful!

Experiment with your signature look

They say that life begins right outside of your comfort zone, and we think you should make 2016 the year of trying something new. One way to express yourself is with your beauty and fashion routine, and trying out new things is a fun, simple way to change things up.

Here’s one fun idea: try out the winged eyeliner look. From Adele’s retro-inspired cat eyes to Cara Delevingne’s modern, bold wings, this became a must-have look in 2015—and it’s so classically alluring, we don’t think it’s going anywhere soon. Even if you aren’t sure if it will work for you, why not grab your favorite liner and give it a try? You may end up loving the technique and making it your own.

Revamp your beauty habits

Change is one of the most important human experiences, as it allows for growth and movement from stagnant behavior. A great way to implement change into your life is with simple habits. Here are some rituals that can make a big impact on both the health of your skin and your state of mind!

Once a day:

• Clean your phone with alcohol wipes
• Use SPF products
• Tell yourself “I am beautiful!”

Once a week:

• Clean your makeup brushes
• Deep condition your hair

Once a month:

• Try a professional rejuvenating treatment, such as a light chemical peel or moisturizing facial
• Empty your hair brush
• Throw out old or expired cosmetics and products

Read the full article here to check out even more beauty resolutions for 2016.

Master 2016 Beauty Trends with a Professional

One of the best things you can do for your skin is to talk with a professional. Knowledgeable and experienced skincare experts can help you learn about your skin and make personalized recommendations as to the best treatments and products for you. Contact us today to schedule a consultation where you can explore your options and get started on finding a new level of confidence for the new year.

Edit Your Wardrobe with a Friend

Think back to the first time you went to the mall with your best friend. While you were picking out lip gloss and trying on every sweater in the Juniors section, you probably laughed a lot and boosted each other’s confidence. Apply that same idea today, and head to your closet with a trusted friend.

Pick a friend who is both honest and makes you feel great about yourself, then ask her to help you sort through all of your clothes. To make it even more fun, pop open a bottle of bubbly or mix up a mocktail before delving into the depths of your closet. Make a pact to go through your closet one day and your friend’s the next. Chances are, you’ll be pulled out of your fashion rut and start wearing clothes you’ve forgotten were flattering.

Live in the Present, Not the Past

When sorting through your clothes, ask yourself, “who am I now?” It’s perfectly OK to hold on to classics such as your favorite well-worn jeans, but rid your closet of clothes that don’t work for you now. Clutter just makes outfitting harder! Keep clothes that fit your current life—not a romanticized version of your future self, or a former incarnation of yourself. If you haven’t worn something in over a year, free up closet space to properly organize the clothes you love (and that love you) right now.

Know Your Colors

Everyone has colors that look especially great on them. You may have noticed which blues brighten your eyes or what shades of red boost the natural hue of your lips. Learning more about color theory is an easy, free fashion tip. Even if you have heard about this in the past, it’s worth checking into it again: the color “seasons” have been broken down from the original four to offer even more specific and flattering choices for any complexion. Find out yours with a professional seasonal color consultant in your area, or use a free online quiz. Once you know your season, you can even buy a color wheel for your season to take with you when you shop.

When you find the colors that make you look beautiful, you’ll find yourself looking healthier and more vibrant. Sticking to your family of colors will make it easier to edit your wardrobe and coordinating outfits going forward will be a breeze. You’ll feel more beautiful and like your wardrobe has doubled!

Don’t Be Afraid to Give It Away

Do you constantly hoist up your jeans or tug at that old sweater every time you stand up? Chances are your feelings of discomfort are shining through when you wear these ill-fitting clothes. Ditch these wardrobe downers! See if your wardrobe buddy wants your cast offs or give them away to charity.