Our premium wild-caught marine collagen is sourced from North Atlantic fish and processed locally in Canada. It is tested to meet the world's most stringent standards for heavy metals and toxins. Marine collagen comes from the parts of the fish (scales and skin) that would usually be discarded during processing. Marine collagen is a source of type I collagen. Type I is the most plentiful collagen in our bodies. It can be found in our skin, tendons, bones, teeth, ligaments and connective tissues. Collagen is often associated with skin health and rightly so! Type I collagen is the main component of our skin and is a key building block for maintaining its elasticity and firmness.

As we age, the ability to replenish collagen naturally decreases by about 1.5% per year. Inadequate collagen and the changes in the collagen protein network are associated with a loss of skin elasticity and suppleness, rigid skin, wrinkles, and dull, aged skin. Hydrolyzed collagen is absorbed in the small intestine, and then distributed throughout the body as collagen peptides and free amino acids. These peptides and amino acids are the building blocks for the formation of new collagen and elastin fibers, stimulating the production of new collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. That’s why marine collagen has long been touted in the cosmetic industry for its skin enhancing benefits. Marine collagen is slightly more expensive than other types of collagen, but it has the greatest bioavailability. Gram for gram, marine collagen will deliver the greatest impact.

Organic acerola is one of nature’s richest natural sources of vitamin C. Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin, which is required in the body to form collagen in the skin, bones, cartilage, muscle and blood vessels. Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant and has been shown to regenerate other antioxidants within the body, and may also limit the damaging effects of free radicals through its antioxidant activity. Supplementing with vitamin C may contribute to the maintenance of optimal collagenic density in the skin. Research has shown that vitamin C deficiencies adversely affect collagen production and may hinder skin healing.

Hyaluronic acid is found in bones, synovial fluid of joints, and tendons throughout the body, and is also a key molecule involved in hydration and lubrication. For joints, it is notably present in a type of cartilage called hyaline cartilage, which covers the ends of bones, and thereby supports the hydration, lubrication, and cushioning of joints. With age and degenerative joint changes, the amount of hyaluronic acid in the body is altered, resulting in reduced joint elasticity and the ability to resist physical stress. Skin hyaluronic acid accounts for approximately 50% of total body hyaluronic acid. One of the most dramatic changes seen in aging skin is the marked decrease and disappearance of hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid loss leads to a decreased ability to bind and retain water, resulting in a loss of skin moisture, which accounts for some of the most striking changes seen in aging skin. Ingested hyaluronic acid has been shown to increase skin moisture and improve outcomes for individuals with dry skin.

Zinc is a mineral that supports the maintenance and development of immune cells. Zinc has been shown to modulate the immune response, meaning that it is it critical for a controlled and well-adapted immune system. Zinc is also an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. While acute zinc deficiency has been shown to decrease the immune response, chronic zinc deficiency increases the risk of inflammation. When it comes to zinc supplementation, form matters: we use zinc picolinate because it is better absorbed than other forms, such as zinc gluconate and zinc citrate.

The incorporation of silica within certain plant cell walls has been well documented. However, this ability varies greatly between plant species. Extensive analysis of silica uptake has been carried out and plants of the families Equisetaceae, for example, show high silica accumulation. Horsetail Extract is a valuable source of silica. Silica is a critical mineral for optimal collagen health and synthesis, which positively impacts skin strength and elasticity. Silica may also be associated with a lower rate of hair loss and increased brightness, and may be involved in structural integrity of nails.

Biotin is a water-soluble B vitamin involved in the metabolism of protein, carbohydrates and fats. More specifically, biotin is necessary for the formation of fatty acids and glucose (which are used as fuels by the body). It is also necessary for the metabolism of amino acids and carbohydrates, and is a key regulator of gene expression. Biotin cannot be synthesized by the body and must be obtained from the diet or through supplementation. Symptoms of biotin deficiency can include hair loss, inflammation of the skin, and skin rash. Studies have shown that women with brittle fingernails who supplemented with biotin experienced less fingernail splitting and an increase in thickness of their nail plates.

Camellia sinensis is a plant that produces green, black, or Oolong tea. The consumption of green tea has been associated with a range of benefits, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Many of the health-promoting effects of green tea have been mainly attributed to its polyphenol content, most of which are flavonols, also known as catechins; epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most abundant catechin in green tea. It also tastes delicious and contributes to the subtle green tea flavour in our Beauty Collagen.

Tropical regions have always known about the amazing health benefits of tender coconut water, which comes from young green coconuts. Each nut contains about 200 to 1,000 milliliters of coconut water. Coconut water is packed with antioxidants, amino acids, enzymes, B-complex vitamins, vitamin C and minerals like iron, calcium, potassium, magnesium, manganese and zinc.