How collagen helps against cellulite: a scientific approach
Cellulite - the word alone makes many women feel uneasy. Yet it is not uncommon and affects most women at some point in their lives. But what if there was a simple solution in your own body?
Collagen is considered a miracle cure for reducing cellulite and improving the appearance of the skin. But how exactly does it work? And how can you use collagen correctly to strengthen your skin from the inside?
Read on and let's uncover the secret behind smooth skin!
What is cellulite and why does it develop?
The facts about cellulite
Cellulite - or “orange peel skin” - occurs when fat cells are pushed through the weakening connective tissue. This phenomenon is particularly noticeable on the thighs, bottom and hips. But why does it affect women so often?
The reason lies in the structure of female connective tissue: it is less densely networked than that of men and therefore more susceptible to the formation of these dimples.
The main causes of cellulite
- Hormonal changes: Hormones such as oestrogen control fat distribution and have a negative effect on connective tissue.
- Genetic predisposition: If your mother or grandmother had cellulite, you are more likely to get it too.
- Weak connective tissue: Collagen plays a key role in firm skin - and this is exactly what decreases with age⁽¹⁾.
Statistics: How common is cellulite really?
Cellulite affects around 85-90% of all women worldwide - regardless of weight, age or fitness level⁽²⁾.
This shows that it is completely normal and no reason to feel bad.
The most common myths about cellulite
There are many myths about cellulite. Here are the three most common ones - and what's really behind them:
1. “Only overweight women have cellulite.“ Wrong. Even slim women can be affected, as it is mainly due to the structure of the connective tissue.
2. “Creams can remove cellulite completely.“ Unfortunately not. Creams can make the surface of the skin appear smoother, but they do not penetrate deep enough to strengthen the connective tissue.
3. “Sport alone removes cellulite.“ This is also a myth. Sport does help to tighten the muscles and underlying tissue, but without support from the inside - e.g. collagen - the effect is limited.
The role of collagen in the body: why is it so important?
What makes collagen so special?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and the main component of skin, bones, tendons and connective tissue. It gives the skin structure, provides elasticity and retains moisture.
How the loss of collagen promotes cellulite
From the age of 25, the body begins to produce less collagen - around 1-1.5% per year. This loss leads to the connective tissue becoming weaker, the skin appearing thinner and less elastic and cellulite becoming more visible⁽⁴⁾.
The different types of collagen
- Type I: Important for skin, tendons and bones.
- Type II: Found mainly in cartilage.
- Type III: Supports the elasticity of skin and organs.
How does collagen help against cellulite?
Scientific findings
There are several studies that confirm the positive effect of collagen on skin appearance and cellulite reduction:
1. Improving skin elasticity: one study showed that taking collagen peptides for 6 months can significantly improve the elasticity of the skin⁽⁵⁾.
2. Strengthening the connective tissue: collagen stimulates the formation of new skin cells, making the tissue firmer and more resistant⁽⁶⁾.
3. Hydration of the skin: Collagen binds moisture, which makes the skin appear smoother⁽⁷⁾.
4. Long-term results: In contrast to superficial methods such as creams, collagen works deep in the tissue and ensures lasting improvements⁽⁸⁾.
Collagen vs. other methods
Creams: Only help in the short term and mainly act on the surface of the skin. They are therefore not useful for long-term treatment.
Massages: Can promote blood circulation, but do not directly strengthen the connective tissue and are therefore not recommended.
Collagen: Works from the inside out and strengthens the skin structure in the long term. Taking pure collagen is the best way to fight cellulite. For maximum results, we would recommend our pure collagen powder or capsules for maximum effect.
Forms and intake of collagen: what works best?
The different forms of collagen
- Collagen powder: Versatile - perfect for smoothies, coffee or water.
- Collagen capsules: Simple and practical, especially for on the go.
- Liquid collagen: Is absorbed particularly quickly by the body.
Natural sources of collagen in the diet
- Bone broth: One of the best natural sources of collagen.
- Fish: Particularly rich in type I collagen, which strengthens the skin.
- Eggs: Egg skin in particular contains a lot of collagen.
Tips for correct intake
You will achieve the best results if you consume around 2.5-10 g of hydrolyzed collagen every day. Ideally, you should combine this with a healthy diet and sufficient water to maximize the effect⁽⁹⁾.
Additional tips for smoother skin
Collagen is a game changer, but it works best in combination with a healthy lifestyle. Here are some tips to effectively counteract cellulite:
1. Eat a healthy diet: fresh fruit, vegetables and proteins promote collagen formation. Vitamin C-rich fruit and vegetables and collagen-rich meat or eggs are particularly important.
2. Regular exercise: Strength training in particular helps to strengthen the connective tissue. However, it is worth mentioning that you should always make sure you do it properly!
3. Drink enough: Water supports skin hydration and ensures a plumper look. For women, we would always recommend 2 liters per day.
4. Avoid stress: Stress hormones such as cortisol weaken connective tissue and damage your entire body⁽¹⁰⁾.
Live smoke-free: Smoking inhibits collagen production and significantly accelerates skin ageing.
Conclusion: Can collagen really reduce cellulite?
Cellulite is a natural part of life and affects almost every woman. But that doesn't mean you can't do anything about it! Collagen is an effective way to strengthen your connective tissue from the inside out, improve skin elasticity and visibly reduce cellulite. In combination with a healthy lifestyle and regular weight training, you can achieve long-term results - and feel good in your skin again.
Our recommendation
Discover our high-quality collagen powder or our practical collagen capsules and start your journey to smoother skin today!
List of sources
- Baumann, L. (2007). Skin ageing and its treatment. Journal of Pathology, 211(2), 241–251.
- Rossi, A. B. R., & Vergnanini, A. L. (2000). Cellulite: A review. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 14(4), 251–262.
- Darlenski, R., & Fluhr, J. W. (2012). Ageing and skin structure. Advances in Dermatology and Allergology, 29(6), 343–351.
- Proksch, E., et al. (2014). Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 27(1), 47–55.
- Hexsel, D., et al. (2009). Effects of collagen peptides on cellulite. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 8(2), 132–137.
- Choi, S. Y., et al. (2014). Effects of collagen tripeptide on skin properties. Journal of Medicinal Food, 17(7), 810–816.
- Schunck, M., et al. (2015). Dietary supplementation improves skin hydration. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 28(1), 32–40.
- Bolke, L., et al. (2019). Hydrolyzed collagen improves skin aging. Clinical Interventions in Aging, 14, 1087–1093.
- Sapolsky, R. M. (2004). Stress and the brain: Individual variability. Neurobiology of Stress, 10(3), 345–357.
- Morita, A., & Torii, K. (2006). Tobacco and skin aging. Skin Research and Technology, 12(1), 1–6.
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