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Are you tired of dealing with hair loss or thinning hair? You’re not alone. Hair loss is a common problem for many people. Genetics, hormones, stress, age, and medical conditions can all contribute to hair loss. Some hair loss can even be caused by surgery. I recently experienced hair loss after undergoing major surgery earlier this year. I was shocked when clumps of hair started falling out over the next three months.
According to the American Hair Loss Association, post-surgery hair loss is most commonly caused by telogen effluvium (TE), a condition that’s triggered by a disruption of your normal hair follicle cycle. Normally, you lose between 50 to 100 hairs per day. However, sometimes certain health events, such as surgeries or underlying medical conditions, can cause hair follicles to not produce hairs as they should. Surgery can sometimes put your hair follicles in a longer resting state than normal. Rather than large bald spots associated with alopecia areata, you’re more likely to see progressively thinner hair as a result of TE.
Surgery is considered an invasive process, which can put your body — and your mind — under a lot of stress. According to the American Skin Association, hair loss after a major stressful event of this nature is most likely to occur within 3 to 6 months. Your body needs certain nutrients for hair growth, such as biotin, iron, zinc, and protein. A stressful event, like surgery, may cause your body to divert these nutrients away from your vital organs. This can lead to hair thinning and TE.
Fortunately, there are ways to promote hair growth and improve hair density following sudden hair loss after surgery, one of which is by taking marine collagen supplements.
What is Marine Collagen?
Collagen is a protein that is naturally found in the body and is responsible for maintaining the strength and elasticity of our skin, hair, nails, and joints. Marine collagen is a type of collagen that is derived from fish and other marine sources. It is known for its high bioavailability, which means that it is easily absorbed by the body and can be used effectively to promote hair growth and improve hair density.
How Does Marine Collagen Improve Hair Growth and Density?
There are several ways in which marine collagen can help improve hair growth and density:
1. Provides Amino Acids That Can Be Used to Build Hair
Hair is primarily made up of the protein keratin. Your body uses several amino acids to build keratin — some of which can be found in collagen. When you consume collagen and other proteins, your body breaks them down into amino acids that are then used to build new proteins and compounds. There are 11 nonessential amino acids that your body can make and 9 essential ones that you need to obtain from your diet. Collagen is primarily made up of 3 nonessential amino acids: proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline. Proline is also the main component of keratin. Therefore, consuming proline-rich collagen should provide your body with the building blocks it needs to create hair.
2. Helps Fight Damage to Hair Follicles
Collagen can act as an antioxidant and fight damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are compounds that develop in your body as a result of stress, air pollutants, smoking, poor dietary choices, alcohol, and other environmental influences. Too many free radicals can harm your cells, proteins, and DNA. Research shows that free radicals may also damage hair follicles. Since your body’s defense against free radicals decreases with aging, older adults are especially susceptible to hair damage. To fight free radicals and promote healthy hair, your body needs antioxidants. Several test-tube studies have shown that collagen — especially from fish scales — may have powerful antioxidant activity. One study found that marine collagen was able to fight four different free radicals, while another study observed that the protein may be a more effective antioxidant than a well-known compound found in tea. Still, keep in mind that research has only been performed in isolated cells in labs. Thus, the antioxidant potential of collagen in your body is unclear.
3. Promotes Blood Circulation to the Scalp
Collagen can help improve blood circulation to the scalp, which is essential for healthy hair growth. Blood carries oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles, which are necessary for hair growth. Poor blood circulation to the scalp can lead to hair loss and thinning hair. Collagen can help improve blood circulation by strengthening the walls of blood vessels and promoting the growth of new blood vessels.
4. Increases Hair Shaft Diameter
Collagen can help increase the diameter of the hair shaft, which can make hair appear thicker and fuller. One study found that taking a collagen supplement for 12 weeks increased hair thickness and density in women with age-related hair loss. Another study found that taking a collagen supplement for 6 months improved hair thickness and scalp coverage in men with male pattern baldness.
5. Reduces Hair Breakage
Collagen can help reduce hair breakage by strengthening the hair shaft and improving its elasticity. Hair breakage can be caused by several factors such as heat styling, chemical treatments, and environmental damage. Collagen can help protect hair from these factors by strengthening the hair shaft and improving its elasticity. One study found that taking a collagen supplement for 8 weeks reduced hair breakage and improved hair shine and texture in women with damaged hair.
Using Collagen to also improve Skin Health
Collagen is not only beneficial for hair health but also for skin health. It can help improve skin elasticity, hydration, and texture. As we age, our skin loses collagen, which can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. Collagen supplements can help replenish the collagen in your skin and improve its overall health. One study found that taking a collagen supplement for 8 weeks improved skin hydration and elasticity in women. Here are some more benefits of using collagen supplements for your skin:
- Reduces wrinkles and fine lines: Collagen is a key component of our skin and is responsible for maintaining its elasticity and firmness. As we age, our body’s natural collagen production decreases, which can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin. Marine collagen supplements can help replenish the collagen in your skin and improve its overall health. Several studies have indicated that collagen peptides moisturize skin, improve elasticity, and reduce wrinkles and roughness in the skin.
- Improves skin hydration: Collagen supplements can help improve skin hydration and texture. One study found that taking a collagen supplement for 8 weeks improved skin hydration and elasticity in women.
- Promotes wound healing: Collagen is an essential component of the extracellular matrix, which is the structural framework that supports cells and tissues. It plays a crucial role in wound healing by providing a scaffold for new tissue growth. Several studies have shown that collagen supplements can help promote wound healing and reduce inflammation.
- Protects against UV damage: Collagen can act as an antioxidant and protect against UV damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals are compounds that develop in your body as a result of stress, air pollutants, smoking, poor dietary choices, alcohol, and other environmental influences. Too many free radicals can harm your cells, proteins, and DNA. Research shows that free radicals may also damage skin cells and lead to premature aging. Collagen supplements can help fight free radicals and protect your skin from UV damage.
- Reduces acne scars: Collagen supplements can help reduce the appearance of acne scars by promoting new tissue growth and improving skin texture. One study found that taking a collagen supplement for 12 weeks reduced the appearance of acne scars in women.
It’s important to note that while marine collagen supplements can provide several benefits for skin health, they are not a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and managing stress are also important for maintaining healthy skin.
Which Brand do I use?
Click here to see it in the Amazon store. Marine collagen supplements are available in various forms such as capsules, powders, and liquids. The recommended dosage of marine collagen supplements varies depending on the product and the manufacturer. However, most products recommend taking 1-2 scoops
I used Sproos Marine Collagen in the months after my surgery and hair loss. Sproos Marine Collagen is a premium marine collagen supplement that is derived from wild-caught North Atlantic fish such as cod, pollock, and haddock. It is processed locally in Canada and is tested to meet the world’s most stringent standards for heavy metals and toxins.
Sproos Marine Collagen is a type I collagen, which 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.
Sproos Marine Collagen is also beneficial for hair health. It provides your body with the amino acids it needs to build hair, fight damage to hair follicles, promote blood circulation to the scalp, and increase hair shaft diameter. The recommended dosage of Sproos Marine Collagen supplements varies depending on the product and the manufacturer. However, most products recommend taking 1-2 scoops or capsules per day.
In addition to its hair and skin benefits, Sproos Marine Collagen can also help improve joint health, gut health, and overall well-being. It is available in various forms such as capsules, powders, and liquids. The unflavored powder form of Sproos Marine Collagen is easy to mix into hot or cold beverages and provides a 24-40 day supply.
Potential Side Effects To Be Aware Of
While marine collagen supplements are generally safe to consume, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. Here are some of the most common side effects that have been reported:
- Minor bloating: Some people may experience mild bloating after taking marine collagen supplements. This is usually caused by the high protein content of the supplement and should subside after a few hours.
- Diarrhea or constipation: In some cases, marine collagen supplements can cause digestive issues such as diarrhea or constipation. This is more likely to occur if you take too much of the supplement or if you have a sensitive stomach.
- Indigestion or heartburn: Marine collagen supplements can also cause indigestion or heartburn in some people. This is usually caused by the high protein content of the supplement and can be alleviated by taking the supplement with food.
- Allergic reaction: In rare cases, marine collagen supplements can cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms of an allergic reaction may include hives, itching, rashes, and difficulty breathing. If you experience any of these symptoms after taking a marine collagen supplement, stop taking the supplement immediately and seek medical attention.
It’s important to note that these side effects are relatively rare and most people are able to take marine collagen supplements without experiencing any adverse effects. However, if you have any concerns about taking marine collagen supplements, it’s always a good idea to speak with your doctor first.