Collagen, essential for skin, hair... and postpartum!

Collagen: a buzzword that's here to stay! But do you truly understand its functions and its little secrets? This important protein in our body acts on it on many levels every day, and even more so after childbirth. Ready to become an expert on collagen?

Oh collagen, precious protein

Still little known a few years ago, collagen is now in the spotlight, and for good reason: its benefits are numerous and varied. A protein naturally present - and in abundance! - in the human body, collagen is found in our bones, teeth, cartilage, cornea, skin... It is what primarily constitutes the dermis. If we tell you that its origin "kolla" is Greek and means "glue," you will certainly better visualize how it works: it allows the cohesion of tissues, cells, and organs, acting like... glue. It is a precious binder that ensures flexibility, resistance, and hydration of our bodily structures.

By making tissues more resistant and providing elasticity, collagen is certainly important for good health and skin beauty, but it doesn't stop there: it regenerates cells more quickly, protects the intestinal wall, stimulates muscle fiber growth, reduces certain joint pains, and slows down osteoporosis and skin aging. While it is produced by our body and renews itself throughout our lives, we produce less of it as we leave our younger years (those very years when we woke up fresh as a daisy after sleeping 4 hours, #RIP). After 30, it is estimated that we produce on average 1% less per year (get out your calculators, ladies) and that its quality decreases. Smoking, sun exposure, and/or pollution can also accelerate its degradation. The consequence? We lose elasticity and tone in the skin tissues.

What are the best sources of collagen?

We can't say it enough: your plates are the primary source of your energy and daily well-being! But due to lack of time, we know that we can't always fill them as perfectly as we should. To provide collagen to your body, turn to animal proteins (it only comes from animals). Pork, beef, fish, and chicken (and even with the skin for these two, it is very rich in collagen), feast! One of the recipes that can boost you is chicken broth. Low in calories, it is a powerful remineralizer and a concentrate of collagen. As there is no plant-based source of collagen, do not hesitate to ensure you get a sufficient dose of collagen by supplementing if you are vegetarian or consume little meat.

What are the benefits of the 3 types of collagen?

There are said to be 29 types of collagen! Depending on their structure and function, they obviously differ. The most important are types 1, 2, and 3: 1 and 3 are located in the dermis and contribute to skin youth. Here's a recap of their specificities:

• Type 1 collagen: It is the most abundant in the body and is found in the skin, bone tissues, ligaments, and tendons. While it helps form bones, it mainly plays a role in good wound healing, skin elasticity (essential for a pregnant woman's body), and the maintenance of connective tissues.
• Type 2 collagen: It is found in cartilage, which it nourishes. It participates in the efficient functioning of joints.
• Type 3 collagen: This is found in muscles and the walls of blood vessels.

Collagen and postpartum: the perfect duo

Not content with impacting the beauty of your skin (we know that sleepless nights don't rhyme with a fresh complexion) and your hair (hair loss is very common during this period), collagen also promotes healing and can therefore also play a role in the appearance of stretch marks. For all these reasons, it is more than welcome postpartum, a period when the body tries to recover from the "shock" of childbirth.

Can collagen be taken while breastfeeding?

Good news: yes, collagen can be taken while breastfeeding (and even during pregnancy)! Because collagen has no known impact on milk production. You can safely do a postpartum collagen regimen.

What are the benefits of collagen postpartum?

After childbirth, the body undergoes many transformations. And so, it needs a lot of nutrients to recover. This is where our favorite natural protein comes in! Because collagen for the skin can:

• Regenerate and heal: Whether after a vaginal birth or a C-section, collagen helps in the tissue healing process and reduces stretch marks. It also helps the skin stay hydrated and firm, despite the damage caused by hormonal upheaval.
• Improve elasticity and firmness: Belly, breasts, other fragile body areas... After pregnancy, the body's skin can lose elasticity. Collagen is fantastic for strengthening the structure of the dermis! It helps regain beautiful, firm, more toned, and more supple skin.
• Protect against skin aging: By taking a collagen supplement (like our marine collagen powder), you will stimulate its natural production. This can help slow the appearance of fine lines and prevent postpartum dry skin.
• Support connective tissues: By intervening in the repair of weakened tissues, collagen helps the skin regain its initial appearance after the stretching due to pregnancy.

But that's not all! Because collagen also works wonders on our fiery mane. Yes, it also boosts hair growth. How? By promoting keratin production. Result: it helps fight postpartum hair loss and allows faster regrowth.

In short, incorporating collagen into your postpartum routine can be valuable help in regaining beautiful, radiant, and healthy skin. Even after childbirth. Not bad, right?

Are you familiar with marine collagen? We tell you everything about it in our article on the benefits of marine collagen!

Collagen and postpartum: are there any precautions to take?

Even though collagen is a natural protein, often well-tolerated, we still recommend taking certain precautions. Especially postpartum, for new mothers.

First of all, choose quality collagen! It should always come from certified marine or bovine sources. Of course, avoid controversial additives (like artificial sweeteners or flavors). Prefer clean formulas, especially those that also contain vitamin C. This allows optimal absorption of collagen by the body.

Then, we advise you to avoid supplements that contain substances whose safety for the baby is not guaranteed. For example, certain forms of collagen peptides enriched with specific amino acids.

Remember, collagen does not replace your prescribed supplements, such as iron, folic acid, or vitamin D.

Last important point: integrate your collagen intake into a healthy lifestyle. Because, on its own, it is not enough for good postpartum recovery. Try to turn to a diet rich in protein, essential fatty acids, and vitamins. On the menu:

• red fruits;
• kiwi;
• dairy products;
• oilseeds;
• eggs;
• avocado.

In addition to these foods rich in good things, remember to stay well hydrated: at least 1.5 to 2 liters of water per day!

Finally, prioritize restorative sleep (as much as possible with a newborn!).

In short, this new daily routine is essential to maximize the benefits of collagen postpartum.