What Is Marine Collagen vs. other? And its benefits

Have you heard of collagen in all your skincare solutions? That’s right! Collagen is a structural protein that boosts the elasticity of your skin and keeps it firm and hydrated. This is one reason why you will find it in many skincare products and moisturizing lotions. Considering the growing demand for vegan or plant-based products, there are skin lotions with plant-based marine collagen. Wonder if plant-based marine collagen actually exists? This post gives you the answer. It also offers interesting information about various sources of collagen protein and how skincare products with plant-based collagen can boost collagen production in your body leading to firm and hydrated skin.

Why is Collagen Necessary?

Collagen is necessary for the healthy growth of skin, hair, and nails. It also makes our bones strong; however, aging can reduce its production. This results in dryness, dullness, loose skin, wrinkles, fine lines, frizzy hair, brittle nails, and so on. Collagen comes from various sources, including marine, bovine, and plant-based options. Plant-based collagen often works best to boost collagen production, as it stimulates your body’s collagen production more effectively than animal-derived collagen. It’s also an excellent option for vegans!

What is Plant-Based Marine Collagen?     

Marine collagen is actually derived from animal sources, such as fish skin, bones and connective tissues. Collagen does not have a vegetarian or plant-based (vegan) source. So, where does the plant-based marine collagen come from? Vegan consumers need not worry! Our body can produce collagen if it gets certain supplements in the right formulation. So, when you read plant-based marine collagen on a moisturizer or sunscreen bottle, it actually contains collagen boosting ingredients sourced from amino acids in seaweeds, certain types of algae, or other marine plants and not the actual protein. Plant-based collagen (not marine) is derived from vegan sources such as soy, coconut, pea protein, bamboo extracts, and so on. In skincare products, plant-based collagen is a formulation of certain amino acids, such as glycine, arginine, lysine, and proline, that boost collagen production in our body. This is supplemented with vitamin C and E extracts, hyaluronic acid, and essential minerals such as zinc and copper to nourish the skin further. 

Curious About the Different Sources of Collagen?          

Here are some types of collagen proteins based on their sources.

• Bovine Collagen: As the term implies, this type I and III collagen is derived from cowhide or bones, and is great for skin and bone health. In fact, it can be consumed or applied to boost recovery from joint pains. However, this is not a very sustainable option and is unsuited for people who are allergic to dairy or beef. Obviously, it is not meant for vegetarians and vegans.
• Porcine Collagen: This type I and III collagen is derived from pigs, and is similar to human collagen in terms of its biochemical properties. It is derived from their skin, bones, and connective tissues. Porcine collagen may be used in food supplements and wound dressings aside from skincare products. Again, this is not a very sustainable option, and certainly not meant for vegetarians and vegans.
• Marine Collagen: This type I collagen is mainly derived from fish skin and bones. This is the real animal-based collagen used for consumption and application, and is absolutely amazing for skin health. It is bioavailable, which means your body absorbs its nutrients faster compared to bovine collagen. While still unsuited for vegetarians and vegans, it is slightly more eco-friendly than bovine collagen. It may also not be suitable for people with allergies to certain types of fish.

Key Differences Between Plant-Based Marine Collagen and Other Collagen  

So, here are some major differences

• Plant-based collagen products are simply collagen boosters, while other collagen types are directly derived from animal sources, such as skin, connective tissues, bones, and more.
• Unlike actual collagen, plant-based collagen does not fall into any category such as Type I, II, or III, as it stimulates collagen production in our body.
• While it is not directly absorbed into your body, plant-based collagen products have shown gradual yet long-term results.
• You can use these products in your daily skincare routine.
• This is the most sustainable, safe, and vegan-friendly option. 

Check for plant-based collagen on the skincare products you use or wish to buy. 

Looking for a Quick Glow? Try Plant-Based Collagen Masks!

Plant-based collagen products give gradual results, but that’s not always true. Want to rush for a party after a long day at work? Getting a glowing face is possible in a matter of minutes. Try Out ToGoSpa’s Face Masks with Plant-Based Collagen! Crafted with collagen-boosting plant-based ingredients for your face, neck, forehead, lips, and eyes, you can totally rely on these masks for their safety and output. We have separate formulations for lips, cheeks & neck, forehead, and eyes. Our top picks include a lip balm infused with tangerine and grapefruit, a hydrating coconut lip mask, collagen masks for your face and neck with rose gold and pomegranate, and a refreshing green tea mask for your eyes. We offer micro-infused collagen gel masks with marine plant collagen, hyaluronic acid, aloe vera, and vitamins C & E to de-puff and soothe your tired under the eyes! For your forehead, the Lotus Flower Third Eye Mask works wonders. For more information, feel free to contact our team by phone or email.