I truly believe that a beautiful complexion and a healthy, optimally functional body come primarily from what you feed yourself more so than what you put on it. That’s not to say that the right skincare products can’t make a noticeable difference in your skin, but I feel that true “beauty” and health starts on the inside first.

I’ve taken supplements since I was a child when my mom would leave a veritable cornucopia of vitamins and herbs next to my cereal bowl in the mornings. To this day, I still have a supplement regimen that I follow religiously, and lately, I’ve added a few more that I want to share.

I’ve been reading a lot about the benefits of taking collagen internally, and when Vital Proteins, a brand I had heard many a good thing about, reached out to me to test some of their wares, I couldn’t say no!

So, what is collagen and why should you incorporate it into your beauty regimen?

Basically, collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies and is made up of the amino acids glycine, proline, hydroxyproline, and arginine. It is found in our muscles, bones, tendons and skin and is essentially the “glue” that holds our body together. And while it is important for muscle and joint health, it also helps to ensure the cohesion, elasticity, and regeneration of the skin.

The dermis (the “middle layer” of the skin that consists of connective tissue) is closely involved in the skin’s elasticity and flexibility and collagen is the main component of the dermis, so maintaining the amount of collagen in your body is important for beautiful, healthy, and youthful skin.

Benefits of collagen to the skin include:

• Promotes younger-looking skin;
• Improves skin moisture level;
• Improves skin smoothness by reducing the number of micro-relief furrows;
• Improves the signs of deep wrinkles
• Improves skin suppleness.

I had the opportunity to try out two of Vital Proteins’ products and today I am going to share my experience with you.

1. Marine Collagen (unflavored) – Made from the scales of wild-caught, Non-GMO Project verified snapper from the Pacific Ocean using sustainable harvesting, this flavorless powder has been a main staple in my diet for over a month. I add it to my lemon & ACV water and sip on it all day. There really isn’t a noticeable flavor to this, which I like (not even a slight fishy taste, which I actually expected), and has 11 grams of protein in one serving (2 scoops). Since taking this daily, I have noticed that my skin seems to be less irritated, more hydrated and breaking out less frequently, which makes me very happy! $49
2. Collagen Beauty Greens – Marine collagen peptides are combined with raw organic greens, hyaluronic acid, and probiotics for a truly nourishing beauty elixir. But as nourishing as this is, and despite the coconut water and vanilla bean, I’m not a fan of the taste. It’s very “grassy” tasting. Normally I’ll just add it to a smoothie or throw in a bit of stevia to help mask the taste, but if I am in a hurry, I’ll chug it. That being said, I believe that the benefits this provides greatly outweigh an unpleasant taste, and my skin and body are thanking me for that oversight! $79

Beauty Greens benefits:

• Promotes collagen formation
• Improves skin smoothness
• Revitalizes skin tone
• Strengthens hair and nails
• Helps prevent the signs of aging
• Increases skin moisture
• Reduces fine lines
• Heals skin and reduces redness

A few other benefits that I have noticed/experienced since taking these collagen supplements are stronger, more durable nails (mine would break constantly), my hair seems to be growing faster, and I’ve noticed a lot less back and joint pain than before!

I’ve only been taking these for a month or so, so I am interested (and excited) to see what results I will get and the continued benefits I reap over a longer period of usage! I’ll keep you guys posted! 😉

Have you ever tried Vital Proteins Collagen? Which products have you tried? If not, do you take collagen at all? What brand do you use? Let me know below!

Peace & Love,

Sabrina xo

*Products were sent to me for review consideration. All thoughts are based on my own experience with the products.