Beauty sleep? We haven’t had one of those since we were single, childless, and in our twenties. Which may just explain why the signs of ageing have been rapidly making themselves known via our less-than-bouncy skin. According to science, it may also have something to do with the fact that collagen production naturally slows down with age...
No doubt you’ve heard of collagen. But what exactly is it, other than a fancy ingredient showing up everywhere? To put it simply, collagen is “the main structural protein that forms the connective tissue throughout our body, from skin to bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments,” says New York dermatologist Dr. Shari Marchbein. In English? More collagen means more plump, youthful-looking skin, shinier hair, and stronger nails. Sign us up!
Sydney-based Vida Glow founder Anna Lahey is way ahead of us: “Vida Glow started in 2014. I had discovered collagen in Japan and started taking it for my personal use as my hair, skin and nails were never quite where I wanted them to be. I suffered from significant hair loss and resorted to ‘natural’ looking hair extensions and acrylic nails. Within three weeks of taking marine collagen, I noticed a dramatic decrease in the amount of hair I was losing. By the five-week mark, my skin had improved, my nails were strong and growing so quickly. Nothing in my diet or lifestyle had changed. I had taken so many different hair, skin and nail supplements in the past, and nothing “really” worked. This was a game-changer!” As the effects of collagen kicked in, she began inspiring other women to do the same.
The Grace Tales founder Georgie Abay using Vida Glow marine collagen
The inner beauty movement is having a moment. And no, we’re not talking about beautiful personalities – I mean the connection between what we consume internally and how that affects our outward appearance. The link between gut health and skin health is more understood than ever, which means that the Vida Glow range of natural Marine Collagen powders is backed up and proven. If you’re looking for the most effective way to boost your collagen stores, Vida Glow powders are it: “because collagen is produced in the deeper level of the skin, called the dermis”, says dermatologist Dr Whitney Bowe, “it is very hard for topical collagen to actually make it there.” Consumable powders are the go-to.
And for mothers, there’s an added benefit to choosing Vida Glow. Anna is a mother of three – her newest addition, a baby girl, recently arrived – so ensuring the range is safe for new (and breastfeeding) mothers was not only paramount, but critical. For post-partum mothers in particular, marine collagen works amazingly to replenish collagen stores that are lost during pregnancy, while strengthening hair skin and nail health, and providing much-needed support during breastfeeding.
Anna explains, “I suppose I’ve become a lot more aware of what I’m putting in my body and on my body since becoming a mother. I have a much greater appreciation of the vessel I live in, I do take better care of myself. My first pregnancy was an incredible learning experience, and although I was more relaxed the second time around, I’m definitely conscious of my diet and beauty regime.”
After reading that it increases skin hydration by up to 91%, I’ve been adding Vida Glow’s unflavoured ‘Original Marine Collagen’ (you can opt for sachets or loose powder) to my morning green smoothie every day for about six months now. When I run out and take a week or two to restock, I notice a remarkable difference in my skin. When I’m taking it daily (as recommended), my skin doesn’t feel sallow or tired. It contains 100% natural marine collagen – no artificial flavours, preservatives or other additives. You can vary the amount you ingest – one sachet a day promises you a natural boost to your body’s collagen production. Two sachets a day (one in the morning and one in the evening) will help diminish fine lines and wrinkles, weak nails and fine hair. Three sachets a day is recommended for “anyone who is looking for a real ‘pick me up’.” So basically, I try to opt for the latter option (and I imagine, so would most mothers). And in terms of flavours, they offer Peach, Blueberry, Pineapple, Mango, Cranberry and Lime, Mocha and Original.
Being a busy mother, Anna has set out to come up with a solution for all of our wellbeing problems. Most recently, Vida Glow has added a new star product to the mix: Anti-G-Ox. For those concerned with ageing (hi!), this is going to become a hero product for you. Formulated with a blend of natural antioxidant and anti-glycant ingredients (Vitamin C, Chromium, and Magnesium), Vida Glow Anti-G-Ox helps to support the body against damaging environmental and lifestyle factors that affect cellular health. Some of the benefits include helping to reduce free radical damage, which helps support even skin tone and texture. Supporting healthy blood sugar, which helps promote strong, firm skin; and also enhancing the skin’s internal structure and strength. You can pour it into water or pour the powder straight into your mouth (it tastes a little like taking a chewable Vitamin C tablet).
Vida Glow’s range includes everything from marine collagen to beauty bars.
For me, taking marine collagen and more recently, Anti-G-Ox, helps me feel like I’m going that extra mile each day. It’s not hard to see why Vida Glow is the number one collagen brand in Australia and China, with one unit sold every four seconds. No matter how crazy the day gets, I know I’ve looked after myself. And it shows. Vida Glow gives you results (follow @anna.lahey for glowy skin inspiration – you couldn’t get a more dynamic founder of the brand). The good news, even if your glass of marine collagen is followed by a glass of wine, it’ll still do its job.
So, while I’m not asking you to switch your morning coffee for morning collagen (you can have both), just know that no matter how busy life gets, you’ll have these little beauty savours picking up the slack for you.
For more information, visit ausnz.vidaglow.com. In association with Vida Glow | Photography by Julie Adams