You could buy the most expensive moisturizers and serums on the market, but the best skincare regimen starts from the inside. Your diet is a major contributor to the appearance of your skin because what you consume, and your body absorbs it, can generate free radicals, which are unstable atoms that can damage cells and release harmful substances that contribute to breakouts and premature aging of your skin. 

That’s part of why collagen supplements are everywhere. Since the protein is a major component of our skin, ingesting some extra collagen may be able to contribute to the health and appearance of our skin. However, it’s not the only supplement that can have these benefits—fiber can also help with our glow. Read on to learn more about the benefits of both fiber and collagen supplements, and which one you should take.

What is collagen?

Collagen refers to a family of proteins that makes up connective tissues like skin and cartilage. It accounts for about 30 percent of the proteins in our bodies, and 75 to 80 percent of the components in our skin. 

There are actually 28 types of collagen found in the human body. Type 1 is what’s found in the skin, tendons, internal organs, and some parts of our bones, but there are other types found in cartilage, our hair, the layers surrounding tissues, and more.

Collagen is not the only supplement that can have these benefits—fiber can also help with our glow. 

What are the benefits of collagen for your skin?

Here are some of the things that collagen may be able to do for our skin:

• Strengthen skin
• Improve hydration
• Reduce wrinkles
• Increased skin elasticity
• Increased production of other proteins that help our skin, such as elastin and fibrillin

How can I get more collagen in my diet?

In addition to taking a collagen supplement, you can eat these foods to get more collagen in your diet:

• Bone broth
• Proteins like chicken and egg whites
• Fish
• Citrus fruits and other foods with vitamin C, which plays a role in collagen production

What is fiber?

Fiber is a carbohydrate found in vegetables and fruits, primarily known for its activity in the gut. Our digestive enzymes don’t break it down during digestion, and it actually aids the digestive process and how we absorb nutrients from our food. It benefits gut health based on the kind of fiber it is:

• Soluble fiber dissolves in water. It acts like food for your gut microbiota, which are basically friendly bacteria that get rid of toxins and bad bacteria to help keep your gut healthy.
• Insoluble fiber doesn’t dissolve in water, but absorbs it. It promotes intestinal activity, helping you poop.

There are tons of advantages of getting enough fiber in your diet. Many doctors and dietary experts recommend it to help lower the risk of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and high blood pressure. It’s also associated with preventing constipation, hemorrhoids, and colon cancer. 

Many foods with fiber contain phytoestrogens, which maintain hormonal balance and can thus prevent hormonal acne.

What are the benefits of fiber for your skin?

Here are the ways fiber may be able to help your skin based on how it improves gut function:

• It helps us eliminate toxins that can cause breakouts and age our skin.
• It can help oily skin by reducing how much fat we absorb from food.
• It can provide omega-3 and omega-6, fatty acids that can help reduce inflammation caused by acne.
• Many foods with fiber contain phytoestrogens, which maintain hormonal balance and can thus prevent hormonal acne.
• Fibrous foods also tend to contain vitamins and antioxidants that promote the regeneration of skin cells.

How can I get more fiber in my diet?

In addition to eating foods that are high in fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, you can get more fiber in your diet by taking a fiber supplement. Bellway is a psyllium-based daily supplement that contains the soluble fiber that nourishes gut bacteria, among other benefits that are good for the skin. (As an added bonus, Bellway contains no artificial ingredients.) Just like you would with any supplement, confirm with your doctor that it’s right for you.

Should I take fiber or collagen to improve my skin?

Both! As you can see, taking fiber and collagen can benefit your skin in different ways. Plus, fiber may help collagen be more effective: Fiber improves the way we absorb nutrients from what we eat and drink, and collagen won’t be as effective if your body isn’t absorbing it correctly. 

But don't assume you have to take two different supplements to get more fiber and collagen in your diet! Our all-new, all-natural Bellway Beauty supplements contain 18 percent of the fiber you need in a day, plus 15 grams of collagen and hyaluronic acid, for your glow-iest skin ever.