Myths and truths about collagen in summer

Summer is a wonderful time to enjoy the sun, the beach and holidays, but it’s also a crucial time to look after our skin, hair and joints. With the arrival of the heat, it’s common for many questions to arise about collagen supplements: is it necessary to keep taking them? Does the sun break them down? Do they lose their effectiveness in high temperatures? Or even, do they make you put on weight?

We’ll clear up these myths and facts so you know how to look after your skin from the inside out, even during the hottest months of the year.

Does collagen break down in the sun?

Myth. The collagen we take isn’t destroyed by sun exposure, but the sun does affect our skin’s natural collagen.

When we are exposed to the sun’s rays, particularly UVA and UVB rays, there is an increase in free radicals in the skin. These free radicals are responsible for oxidative damage, which directly affects collagen fibres, weakening them and accelerating their breakdown. This process is known as photoageing.

What does this mean?

The sun does not break down the collagen we take orally, but it can break down the collagen that forms the natural structure of our skin, causing:

• Premature wrinkles.
• Loss of elasticity.
• Sunspots.
• Sagging.

How to protect yourself:

It is essential to apply sunscreen every day, even when it is cloudy, and to complement your skincare routine with antioxidants and collagen to strengthen the skin from within.

Collagen supplements can help combat these effects by providing the amino acids necessary for skin repair, especially when combined with vitamin C, which contributes to the natural formation of collagen, such as GOLD COLLAGEN® FORTE AGELESS, which contains 12,000 mg of hydrolysed collagen, 80mg of vitamin C and vitamin E, which helps protect cellular components from oxidative damage, amongst other benefits.

Should we stop taking collagen in summer?

False. Collagen is not a seasonal supplement, and summer is one of the best times to continue taking it.

We sometimes think that in summer we ‘take a break’ from certain routines, but skin and hair care should not be interrupted, because during this time we are more exposed to

factors that damage the skin’s structure:

• Solar radiation.
• High temperatures.
• Heavy sweating (which leads to dehydration).
• Chlorine from swimming pools.
• Sea salt.

All of this weakens the skin, dries out the hair and also affects the joints, especially if we do more physical activity whilst on holiday.

Benefits of continuing to take collagen in summer:

• It helps maintain the skin’s firmness and elasticity.
• It helps reduce oxidative damage caused by the sun.
• Promotes hydration from within.
• It strengthens hair and nails, which suffer particularly during this season.

What’s more, our little bottles are a very convenient format for summer, ready to take with you and easy to enjoy on their own or mixed with juices or cold drinks.

Taking collagen in summer is, in fact, an excellent investment to ensure you reach autumn with healthier skin and stronger hair.

Does collagen make you put on weight?

A very common myth. Collagen does not make you gain weight on its own.

Collagen is a low-calorie protein (approximately 40 kcal per 10 grams). What can lead to an increase in calories is the type of product we choose. Some collagen supplements are combined with:

• Added sugars.
• Artificial flavourings.
• Large amounts of sweeteners.
• Other calorie-rich ingredients.
• The GOLD COLLAGEN® PURE PLUS option contains 38 kcal per sachet and contains 17 active ingredients that help maintain hormonal balance.
• Or ARTRON COLLAGEN® EXTREME, which contains just 32kcal and 200mg of L-carnitine, which the body needs to convert fat into energy.

Why trust Gold Collagen®?

GOLD COLLAGEN® is a brand that prioritises the quality and purity of its products:

• No added sugars.
• No artificial sweeteners.
• No colourings.
• Formulated with highly absorbable hydrolysed collagen and combined with key vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C and zinc.

This means you can take GOLD COLLAGEN® without worrying about a potential increase in calories or hidden sugars. It is a safe and effective choice whether you are watching your weight or simply want to improve the health of your skin, hair and joints.

GOLD COLLAGEN® helps you look after your beauty from within, in a clean way and without unnecessary ingredients.

Therefore, if you choose a high-quality supplement with no added sugars, collagen will not cause you to gain weight. In fact, many people include it in weight-management diets because it promotes satiety and helps preserve muscle mass.

If you’re in the process of toning up or losing fat, collagen can be a great ally, especially when combined with physical activity.

Fun fact:

Collagen also contributes to the health of your joints and tendons, helping you stay active and avoid injuries during the summer.

Does collagen lose its effectiveness in the heat?

It depends. Hydrolysed collagen is quite resilient, but it isn’t indestructible.

Hydrolysed collagen (the type commonly used in high-quality supplements) is formulated to be stable and withstand moderate temperatures. You can mix it without any problem into cold drinks, juices, milkshakes, smoothies or even warm herbal teas.

But be careful:

When collagen is exposed for prolonged periods to temperatures above 70–80°C, its amino acid chains may begin to denature, which could slightly reduce its effectiveness.

That’s why, in summer, it’s perfect to take it in chilled drinks or in drinkable form. It’s not advisable to add it to very hot coffee or cook it directly in soups, for example.

Collagen isn’t just for winter or a passing fad. It’s a supplement that can help us look after our skin, hair and joints all year round, and in summer, its role is even more important.

It isn’t destroyed by sun exposure, it doesn’t cause weight gain if you choose the right product, it doesn’t lose its effectiveness under normal conditions and, above all, you shouldn’t stop taking it in summer.

Choose a convenient format, incorporate it into your daily routines and continue to enjoy the summer whilst looking after your beauty from within.