How Collagen Supports Nail Health from Within

The Power of Collagen for Stronger, Healthier Nails When we think of collagen, most of us immediately think of glowing skin and anti-aging benefits. But did you know that collagen can also work wonders for your nails? Collagen is a vital protein, supporting the strength and structure of our body’s tissues. Just as it helps with skin elasticity and hydration, collagen can also enhance nail strength and resilience. Hydrolyzed collagen (HC) is particularly effective for supporting nail health due to its low molecular weight, which enhances absorption. Organika’s Hydrolyzed Collagen, derived from grass-fed, pasture-raised cows, is processed to maximize bioavailability. Regular intake of HC has shown benefits for skin, like reducing wrinkles and improving elasticity (Proksch et al., 2013; de Miranda et al., 2021), and similar strengthening effects can extend to your nails as well. Recent studies specifically link collagen to nail health. Research indicates that oral collagen supplementation may increase nail growth and reduce brittleness. For example, a study found that bioactive collagen peptides enhanced nail growth and reduced brittle nail symptoms (Hexsel et al., 2017). Another study showed that a supplement containing peptides, lipids, collagen, and hyaluronic acid significantly improved nail brittleness, cracking, and softness after just 8 weeks (Yagoda & Gans, 2012). This evidence aligns with findings on collagen’s broader benefits for protein-based tissues like nails and skin. Interestingly, the connection between nail health and overall structural integrity in the body is being explored further. A pilot study even linked nail properties with bone health, noting that individuals with low bone mineral density also had weaker nail structures (Pillay et al., 2005). This suggests that collagen may play a role in supporting both nail and bone health, likely due to its impact on protein metabolism and structural strength. If nail growth or bone density is of a concern to you, Orgnaika’s Enhanced Collagen Pure Beauty contains Hyaluronic Acid, Silica, Vitamin C, and Zinc all great for not only nail growth but hair and skin too. For extra nourishment for bone and joints, try Organika’s Enhanced Collagen Bone & Joint, a great combo that contains hefty doses of Glucosamine, MSM, and Chondroitin. In our next post, we’ll explore how collagen functions within your body to support overall wellness and provide tips on incorporating it into your routine for both strong nails and broader health benefits. References: https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Oral-supplementation-with-specific-bioactive-nail-Hexsel-Zague/a0c1a6b3d3e8d6ba27fb09b0dfc82aa02e376541 https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/Myths-and-media-in-oral-collagen-supplementation-A-Rustad-Nickles/3318a8aeba0f516db90daa2cbe468e8a77d947b5 https://www.semanticscholar.org/paper/A-Nutritional-Supplement-Formulated-with-Peptides%2C-Yagoda-Gans/051bae733e3a8b1790d05f93862ed4412b5cadeb

In today's daily norm, it’s unfortunately way too easy to get caught up in the cycle of constantly being on the go. Just like our morning coffees, we often search outside of our homes to find the perfect beauty fix. We feel the need to book appointments (that we often rush to and from) in order to get that temporary beauty fix that we all need from time to time. But what if I told you that some of the best long term beauty hacks are located inside your own home? Try out these 10 at home beauty tips and tricks to truly bring out the YOU in bea(you)tiful: 1. Make time for yourself and your coffee Whether this means getting up a little earlier or skipping your morning scroll through social media, rushed mornings are stressful and will not only drain your emotions, but also your overall beauty. 2. Meditate I'm sure we’ve all heard the of it and are familiar with the typical excuses of whypeople deter from doing it. You don’t have to be spiritual, nor a professional nor carve out too much time from your day to do it. Just give yourself some time to breathe. Breathing increases the oxygen flow within your body, which in turn rejuvenates your skin, slowing down the process of aging. 3. Start your day with warm lemon water Life gave us lemons, so why not make use of all their vitamins? This combination helps to replenish and balance our skin cells, leaving them firmer and tighter. Essentially, it’s the best way to achieve the appearance of plump, rejuvenated skin and a healthy glow! 4. Invest in a silk pillow case Yes, you deserve it! Combined with a cup of Organika’s Serenity, not only will your body thank you for the 5-star sleep experience, but you’ll also find your hair to be less frizzy, and your skin to appear smoother. Thanks to the smooth texture, silk doesn’t absorb any moisture from your skin, leaving it more hydrated (& making your bedtime serum more effective). 5. Don’t underestimate the power of chamomile Not only does it make for a nice moment of calm before bed, but it also works as a great de-puffer! Place a few damp teabags in the fridge overnight and apply them to your eyes in the mornings to sooth out puffiness. 6. Practice Posture Did you know that the way you hold yourself can actually make you appear more beautiful? Good posture helps to keep our joints aligned, reducing aches andfatigue, and also lengthens our appearances. While its easier said than done, there are plenty of quick and easy posture workouts to follow at home, online! 7. Scalp massages We put our heads and minds through a lot in a day, the least we can do is show them some love in return. This can be done while stuck in traffic or while waiting foryour morning brew. A little bit will go a long way and I promise that your hair will thank you in inches for the increased circulation and blood flow you give it. 8. Smile! Call me cheesy, but your smile will forever be your prettiest asset. I am not here to tell you to hop on the influencer bandwagon and get one of those blue light whitening tools. However, I will advocate that you show off your smile more. While it is true that a whiter smile can enhance your appearance, adding a teaspoon of activated charcoal powder with water until it turns into a paste and brushing for a couple minutes prior to your normal routine will do just the trick. Now you can show off those pearly whites! :) 9. Unplug It's easy to get caught up in the cycle of always being online, but the best you can do is be mindful of your screen time before bed. Give yourself at least 30 minutes of off time before you sleep. The next best piece of advice is to invest in a pair of blue light glasses. 10. Practice Positivity Last but not least, and my favourite beauty tip of all times - the ultimate PP: Practice Positivity! As silly as it sounds, standing in front of the mirror and appreciating yourself will have a stronger impact on you than your 10 am facial appointment. I promise. Wishing you all a beautiful and healthy stay at home!

What is Collagen? Collagen is the most abundant form of protein in our body. It provides strength, elasticity, and tone. Although we may think of collagen only in our skin, it can also be found throughout our bodies: from muscle fibres and bone matrix to our blood vessels. Collagen is the protein responsible for strong and flexible connective tissues. The collagen in our skin plays the role of improving our skin's moisture, suppleness and elasticity, and a healthy amount of collagen will give an overall youthful appearance. Our body produces its own collagen, using 3 amino acids as key "building blocks"; they are Glycine, Proline, and Hydroxyproline. Collagen formation in our body involves complex enzymatic reactions, and providing the building blocks is crucial in the process. WHY SHOULD I SUPPLEMENT WITH COLLAGEN? As we age, our collagen formation naturally decreases: starting at 1% every year in our twenties, and up to 50% by the time we hit 45. Poor lifestyle choices, such as smoking, can further decrease the collagen formation rate in our body. Less collagen leads to a loss of elasticity, strength, and tone throughout the body. You may notice this through signs of ageing, such as: Fine lines/wrinkles Brittle nails Cellulite Sagging skin Loss of moisture Weak ligaments Aching joints Arthritis Cartilage injuries There are ways to bring the collagen formation rate up again, such as providing enough "key building blocks." These amino acids are abundant in collagen-rich food, such as bone broth and chicken feet. Unfortunately, most people don't get enough collagen in their diet. Hence, collagen supplementation is beneficial for most people! It helps reduce the signs of ageing, keep the strength, tone and health of our connective tissues, and even improve the digestive tract. There are so many benefits to collagen other than beautiful skin, hair, and nails! THE MAIN TYPES OF COLLAGEN Let's break down the three most common types of collagen that you'll see in our bodies: Types 1, 2, and 3. Supplemental collagen is mainly found as Type 1, as well as a combination of Types 1 and 3. Generally, sourcing plays a role in the type of collagen that is extracted. For example, bovine collagen is sourced from the hides of cattle and is naturally high in Type 1 collagen. Here is a chart of the most common types of collagen supplements and how they are sourced. Now that you are ready to start supplementing with a Collagen powder, which source should you use? What is the difference? Is there a price difference between them? Here is a breakdown of the characteristics and benefits of bovine, marine, and poultry-sourced collagen: Bovine Collagen Naturally sourced from the hides of cattle (be sure it is sourced from the hides), this kind is very high in collagen Types 1 and 3 and contains a high amount of protein. In fact, it contains almost double the amount found in marine collagen. With a large amount of glycine (a functional amino acid), bovine collagen is excellent for hair, skin, nails, as well as our connective tissues and digestive health. In most cases, bovine collagen will give you a better bang for your buck. Marine Collagen Naturally sourced from the scales and/or skins of marine species (usually cold water fish like cod or salmon), marine collagen is very high in Type 1 collagen, which is known to increase tightness, tone, and skin elasticity. It is very beneficial for skin, hair, and nail health, and is referred to as the fountain of youth. If you are a pescetarian or prefer fish-based products, marine collagen is the one for you. Poultry Naturally sourced from chicken sternum cartilages (very high in Type 2 collagen), it is high in Hyaluronic Acid and Chondroitin Sulfate, which are essential for healthy and strong cartilages, joints and ligaments. BioCell Collagen contains a potent amount of hydrolyzed collagen which stimulates collagen production in the skin, supports the health of our joints, and keeps the moisture in our skin and lubrication around our joints. What Can Collagen Do for Me? Collagen is highly beneficial to our body for many health reasons. Mostly known for its anti-ageing effects, collagen has been researched and shown to improve more than just your skin's texture and tone. So, what are the benefits of collagen supplements? Here are a few proven benefits from collagen: Increased moisture within the body (skin & joints) Improved digestive health (leaky gut) Immune support Improved mood Stable blood sugar/weight management Connective tissue health (joints, cartilage and ligaments) Reduction in inflammation within the body Improved bone health The amazing thing about collagen is that it is a very versatile and functional supplement for all lifestyles and ages. It is also an easy supplement to include in your daily routine: add it in your morning smoothies, yogurt, coffee, and even to your baking! Organika's Enhanced Collagen Enhanced Collagen from Organika goes above and beyond to meet the needs of the modern-day health enthusiast. Stress, energy, cognitive function, etc. are all symptoms that can be addressed through Organika's collagen - hence the name "Enhanced"! Whether you are in a time crunch or need a convenient way to get some much-needed nutrients, Enhanced Collagen can help you make an event out of your morning cup, or give your baked goods a nutritious boost. It is super simple to find a product that works for you! Organika has a variety of formulas created just for your modern, on-the-go lifestyle and all can be mixed in water, smoothies, coffees, even baked goods! So find which one works best for you! Check out this handy cheat sheet. Conclusion: With over 300 various collagen supplements on the market, choosing the collagen that is right for you can seem overwhelming and confusing. When choosing a collagen supplement, always make sure to ask or research a few important details before making your decision. Wondering what makes a great collagen supplement? Find out here in this blog. Do you still have questions about Collagen? Download our e-book to learn more about the different types of collagen and which one is for you!