Are you a fan of wellness supplements, skincare, or both? Then you probably are no stranger to the buzz around collagen powder. This versatile source of protein does your skin a solid when taken daily. You can add them to your post-workout smoothies, or a cold coffee brew and enjoy the myriad of benefits it has to offer.
You might be wondering, "Doesn't my body already make collagen?" That's true! However, collagen production naturally slows down around our 30s and declines by at least 1% each year. Do you know what that means? Your skin is sagging and your joints hurt.
Unfortunately, there's a high chance that you grab a collagen product that's contaminated with heavy metals. While our bodies are equipped with natural detox mechanisms to get rid of larger quantities, consistently consuming high levels or even trace levels over time of heavy metals can lead to health problems. Not to worry, to help you make an informed decision, we’ve lined up the best collagen powder without heavy metals just for you.
First, let's break down what collagen powder really is.
What is Collagen Powder?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It provides structure for your skin, bones, muscles, and other types of connective tissues. To put it in simpler terms, collagen is the “glue” that holds your entire body together and provides it with structural integrity.
What collagen powders are made of depends on the one you’re choosing. Just like humans, animals are also abundant in collagen, and it can be sourced from them. The varieties include:
- Bovine Collagen: Sourced from cow collagen.
- Porcine Collagen: Sourced from pig.
- Marine Collagen: Sourced from fish skin, scales, and body parts.
- Chicken Collagen: Sourced from chicken cartilage and bones.
- Eggshell Membrane Collagen: Sourced from the lining of chicken eggshells.
- Plant-Based Collagen: Made by using genetically-modified yeast and bacteria.
As you age, you may need to supplement your declining collage production with collagen powders — which provide benefits such as reduced wrinkles and stronger hair and nails.
Top Picks for Best Collagen Powders Without Heavy Metals
Skin Rehab High Dose Collagen
Dermforge takes extra care when sourcing its ingredients, especially bovine collagen peptides. The cattle are grass-fed for Hydrolyzed Collagen, making this collagen powder ideal just to begin with. What you would love about Skin Rehab High Dose Collagen is that it’s dissolved well in beverages, whether hot or cold, and you wouldn't notice any unpleasant texture, smell, grit, or even taste!
Considering it’s the best collagen powder without heavy metals, it provides your body with the vital protein components needed to naturally form collagen. This, in turn, helps promote improved skin, hair, sleep, and overall well-being. When consumed with bone broth, it can become a complete protein, supplying your body with essential amino acids and potentially aiding in gut health.
Last but not least, you would surely appreciate the fact that it's a versatile option for people with various kinds of dietary needs. This is because it’s dairy and gluten-free, keto and paleo-friendly, and does not contain any sugar.
Ingredients: Collagen Peptides (Grass-Fed Hydrolyzed Collagen Type I & Type III Bovine)
Skin Vitals Full Spectrum Collagen Capsules (I, II, III, V, X)
Looking for a way to promote healthy skin, hair, and well-being? This quality product formulation contains 5 different collagen peptides and is free of heavy metals. Its blend of ingredients will boost your collagen production and promote healthier skin, joints, and gut.
Additionally, it’s free of gluten, dairy, soy, nuts, and non-GMO– this formula avoids common allergens and caters to various lifestyles. It also seamlessly integrates into your paleo or keto diet.
Although not restricted to athletes, the Skin Vitals Full Spectrum Collagen Capsules (I, II, III, V, X) help improve strength, mobility, and flexibility if taken 30-60 minutes before a workout. Besides that, you would appreciate having these capsules as your on-the-go essentials as they come in a convenient capsule form. However, you can also mix it with water, soups, or smoothies if you prefer.
Ingredients: Bovine Collagen Peptides, Hydrolyzed Chicken Collagen Peptides, Pure Hydrolyzed Marine Collagen Peptides, Eggshell Membrane Collagen Peptides, Avian Sternum Collagen Peptides.
Benefits of Collagen Powders
As with many dietary supplements, people recommend that one should take collagen protein daily. So, what happens if you take the best collagen powder without heavy metals every day? Are they just lofty promises or is there a science behind it? Let's explore the benefits of collagen powders.
Better Recovery After Resistance Training
According to a 2022 review in Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition & Metabolic Care, collagen powders promote muscle recovery before and after resistance training. It can reduce pain and help you heal faster so that you can return to your routine sooner.
Reduce Signs of Skin Aging
The loss of collagen as you age can result in thinner, dryer, and sagging skin. With collagen powders, you’ll regain collagen that can retain the moisture in your skin, which may improve skin hydration and elasticity.
Strengthen Your Bones and Joints
Did you know, thousands of people around the globe suffer from osteoporosis? If you’re above the age of 50, your knees are most likely hurting. This is just to highlight how crucial it is to keep your bones as strong as possible, for as long as possible. Lack of collagen affects your bones and weakens their structure. With collagen powders, you can increase their bone mineral density and also help reduce bone breakdown after menopause.
Increase Hair Growth
Ever heard of the keratin treatment salons would recommend if your hair is too dry or frizzy? Well, your hair is made of keratin protein which is also naturally found in collagen. Hence, when you take collagen powders, you can consume the necessary amino acids needed to produce keratin. This provides much-needed extra support to prevent hair loss or promote hair regrowth.
Heal Wounds Quickly
It’s interesting to know that a 2020 published clinical trial found that Hydrolyzed-collagen-based supplements such as the Skin Rehab High Dosage Collagen Powder may aid wound healing in patients with 20-30% burns, potentially reducing their hospital stays.
Understanding Different Types Of Collagen
Our largest organ — the skin — is approximately 75% collagen. While bones are 90%, joint cartilage is 70% and tendons are 85%. Similarly, collagen made from different sources also comes from different parts of the animal. Let's understand that there are nearly 28 different types of collagens, each with different functions.
Commonly, supplements may have collagen I, II, and III. The following are where you'd find these collagens in your body, and the same areas that they’ll help heal.
- Collagen I: It can be found in skin, bones, ligaments, tendons, and cornea.
- Collagen II: It makes up cartilage, which protects your joints.
- Collagen III: It can be found in your muscles and arteries and be used for pain relief.
With an ample amount of the right kind of collagen in your body, you can feel strong, flexible, and healthy.
Buyer's Guide: What to Look Out for When Buying Collagen Powder
When choosing a high-quality collagen powder that best supports your health and wellness goals, you must make an informed decision. The following are some guidelines you should consider.
Hydrolyzation Process
Make sure that the collagen powder is hydrolyzed. This process helps break down the collagen into smaller absorbable peptides to maximize its effect on your body.
Science-Backed Benefits
Ensure you’re getting a product that works truly as it has been advertised. To do this, look for collagen powders with their advantages backed by scientific research and third-party testing.
Heavy Metal Testing
Exposure to heavy metals can cause serious health issues, so make sure that your collagen powder isn’t contaminated with high measurable levels of heavy metals.
Chemical-Free Extraction
Choose collagen powders that are extracted without the use of chemicals. This maintains the purity and quality of the product.
Professional Advice
Consult a healthcare professional to find a collagen supplement that's best suited for your specific needs and health conditions.
Supplement Combinations
If you take other supplements in combination, make sure they don't have collagen as an added ingredient to avoid over-supplementation, as it can be harmful.
No Sugar or Fillers
Avoid collagen powders with added sugars or unnecessary fillers. Such additives can dilute the benefits of the collagen and hinder its effectiveness.
The Bottom Line
The hype is real, collagen supplements have gained popularity and for all the right reasons. If with our collagen supplement that’s without heavy metals you can get a healthier-looking skin, quicker healing wounds, and healthy bones, why wouldn't you want to add them to your daily routine?
DermForge works hand in hand with experienced professionals to create medical-grade products to help people live healthier lives. To increase your collagen production, you should also explore our best-selling LED light therapy masks. We provide not just a treatment, but a lifestyle to better skin, body, and health.