If you’ve been hearing lately about how beneficial collagen is to your body, then it’s a good idea to understand why your body relies on this essential protein for optimal health.

We’ll discuss the differences in collagen sources in a moment, but first it’s important to know what happens to our bodies when collagen begins to decline. Around the age of 25, our collagen production begins to decline at a rate of 1 1/2% per year. With this decrease we will begin to notice a difference in the texture of the skin, increased wrinkles, appearance of cellulite and joint pain.

Therefore, it is extremely important for collagen replenishment in order to help reverse the signs of aging and ease the discomfort of severe joint pain. Since there are no food sources available that contain collagen, the only way we can be sure that adequate amounts are present in our bodies at all times is to make sure we take a collagen supplement.

There are some sources of collagen as we cannot replenish our own. Two of the most popular sources are chicken collagen and bovine collagen. The bovine is taken directly under the skin of the cow. Chicken collagen, on the other hand, is derived directly from the purest source of the animal, which is the sternum.

Making sure the source you choose is 100% organic, free of hormones and antibiotics is of the utmost importance. It’s much easier for farmers to make sure their chicken collagen meets this criteria than it is to be sure what larger farm animals are eating.

Collagen is taken orally in the form of tablets, capsules, or pills. This is the only possible way to ensure that you are targeting all 7 layers of skin from the inside out. Most collagen-containing creams, lotions, or injections only reach the top 2 layers and are temporary, expensive, and painful.

If you choose to take your collagen internally, be sure to weigh the benefits of a 100% pure source of hormones and free of antibiotics.