Tag: ageing

  • Why I’m Taking Collagen Powder In 2026

    Ageing is inevitable. If you’re lucky to see another year, and another and another, ageing hits us all. I’m grateful to get older. I’ve had the privilege of being on this planet for 40plus years. Some people unfortunately don’t get that chance. But with all the benefits of getting older e.g wisdom, experience, there are downsides too. And this is why I’m taking supplements, including collagen powder. So what am I taking and what is it supposed to do?

    Collagen powder supplement
    What’s the importance of collagen?

    Collagen is a form of protein that can be found in our body. Its job is to help provide strength, support and elasticity areas such as bones, joints and skin. From mid 20’s, the amount of collagen in our bodies decreases. And the older you get the more it rapidly gets lower. Although it doesn’t seem to make a massive difference straight away for many of us, over time it really can take a hold on our bodies e.g thinner skin, lines, wrinkles, dry skin. Bones can become brittle, less strong and we can experience aches and pains. So if our bodies naturally are not producing collagen at the same rate it used to, you can understand why many people want to try and ‘boost’ their supply!

    Why am I taking collagen?

    I’m in my mid 40s. My skin isn’t as flawless as it used to be in regards to tone. Structure wise it’s not in bad shape! I’m not suffering from lines and wrinkles and I would like to keep them at bay for as long as I can. The skin on my body seems thinner. A knock or scratch takes longer to heal. I have a few aches and pains in particular areas that are annoying, so I’m definitely not feeling and looking like someone half my age!

    What collagen am I taking?

    I’m taking Applied Nutrition Collagen Powder bought from Amazon. 165g in weight, provides 30 servings and in strawberry & raspberry flavour. Mix one scoop with 100-200ml of water, ideally take in the morning after exercise.

    Key ingredients

    This contains hydrolysed collagen. Hydrolysed means its been made smaller so its easier for the body to absorb it. Vitamin C helps to combat free radicals and boost immune system. Hyaluronic acid helps to provide hydration in the skin. Biotin helps hair and skin to be healthy.

    How easy is this to drink and what does it taste like?

    I mix this up in a water bottle half filled with water. I pop the cap on and give this a really good shake so the collagen powder totally disappears. The taste of this is actually half decent. Yes, it has a strawberry-esq taste to it. It’s not full of flavour like you’re drinking a cordial. It’s there, subtle but pleasant, so easy to drink. Regardless of how much this cost or why I bought it, if it tasted disgusting I promise I wouldn’t use it but this I happily drink every morning.

    How long have I been taking this?

    I’m currently on tub number 3. But after my first one I didn’t repurchase and use for at least another month or so. But the last 2 tubs I’ve used consistently and I’ve been taking this everyday for around 6-8 weeks.

    My current mix of supplements and a hyperpigmentation skincare product
    Have I noticed any changes?

    Aches and pain wise no. Skin wise? Now this is an interesting one. I’ve been suffering from hyperpigmentation (brown marks on the skin caused by inflammation, spots, cuts or bites) on and off for a while now (caused by spots). Over the last week or so I’ve noticed my skin looks more even in tone. I would love to say it’s the The INKEY List Mandelic Acid Treatment I’ve been using but I’ve been very inconsistent using it. The only other thing I’ve changed skincare wise is using a hot cloth cleanser, but I can’t see that changing the tone of my skin. So do I think it’s Applied Nutrition Collagen Powder? Let’s just say I’m happy to keep using this for the foreseeable future! My skin looks slightly better and it actually tastes ok!

    Applied Nutrition Collage Powder is available in not only in Strawberry & Raspberry flavour, but Strawberry Lemonade, Tropical and Unflavoured.

    Sizes of this product vary from 165g to 300g, with starts at around £10.00 up to £20.00.

  • The Supplements I’m Taking Now I’m Over 40

    In the words of the singer/actress Cher, ageing sucks! It really does! No point sugar coating it. I’m grateful to be alive and in good(ish) health, but as time goes on the wear and tear on the body really does start to show, and it’s not fun. And as a woman, I’m beginning to realise even more so. So what have I noticed and how am I trying to tackle getting older?

    Supplements I’m Taking As A 40plus Woman
    The signs

    Hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation is when brown marks are left behind by trauma to the skin. Could be a burn, scratch, bite, spot, some form of inflammation of the skin, leaving behind a not so beautiful reminder. This has been a pain of mine on the face, thanks to spots, which thankfully is so much better now.

    Joint pain. Sore knees, backpain from nowhere, probably just from breathing! Body parts that you really need and help to carry your whole weight, has caused me some form of discomfort on and off over the last couple of years.

    Thinning hair. Probably the worst bit for me. Chemical relaxers on my hair, tight pony tails, as women we’ve done lots to this area. Some areas of my hair have always been a little weaker and not as full. And those areas seem less full now.

    Skin on the body. Despite the fact my skin is deep brown in colour, I’ve noticed the skin on my body isn’t as thick as what it used to be. I can see the odd vein, as if my skin is more translucent. It marks easier. Skin from head to toe just doesn’t seem to be so robust anymore!

    What am I taking?

    Collagen powder. Collagen starts depleting from the body from the age of 25. And the older you get the more you lose. Collagen is essential for the condition and quality of skin, hair, bones, so you can understand why I’m taking this now!

    Collagen Powder

    Turmeric capsules. It’s been said turmeric helps with inflammation of the joints, so can help either relieve joint pain or help to keep it at bay. I use turmeric cooking but I take the tablets as well. This supplement apparently works better with the addition of black pepper in it, which is what I take.

    Turmeric capsules

    Vitamin B Complex tablets. These can help convert nutrients into energy, helping with tiredness. It can also help the brain and nervous system to function normally.

    Vitamin B Complex tablets
    What am I doing topically?

    To help with hyperpigmentation on the outside, I’m sticking to fragrance free formulations in products applied to my face. This hopefully will cut down on any possibly irritation. I’m using sun cream everyday, as the sun can make hyperpigmentation harder to shift and can make it worse. I’m also using a treatment specifically to help improve on the appearance of hyperpigmentation marks.

    The Inkey List’s Madelic Acid Treatment
    Anything more I can do?

    There’s always more! But there’s only so much my already stressed mind and low budget can cope with. So for now these things will do. Are they working? The hyperpigmentation issue took time but it has changed a lot thanks to my skincare routine. The rest is work in progress. We’re not taking days or weeks, it could be months before I see results! Patience and consistency is the key if you want to improve on certain issues.

    List of what I’m using:

    Applied Nutrition Collagen Powder – Strawberry & Raspberry Flavour – 5000mg

    The INKEY List Mandelic Acid Treatment 15ml

    Vitamin B Complex Tablets (Home Bargains)

    Vit Direct Tumreric Joint Complex Capsules (Home Bargains)

  • Why I Like L’Oréal’s Hyaluron Expert Eye Serum

    Have you ever saw a product and thought, should I buy a few but opted for one to be on the safe side? Then used the product and thought I wish I bought more? I’ve done it on many occasions. The flip side is giving into that urge and finding you have 3 to 4 bottles of a product which you hate using. But one product I don’t hate using, and actually like using, is L’Oréal Paris 2.5% Hyaluronic Acid Eye Serum. Why?

    L’Oréal’s Hyaluron Expert Eye Serum
    What is this & what is it supposed to do?

    This eye serum is designed to help the appearance of dark circles, wrinkles, puffy eyes, while moisturising and brightening the look of the eye area. Not only is this down to the serum itself (containing caffeine, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, glycerin) but also the applicator you use that this comes with.

    Cost?

    This isn’t cheap usually! I was lucky enough to grab this from Home Bargains when it was only £1.99. But this retails from anything from £20.00 plus.

    Packaging

    20ml of L’Oréal Hyaluron Expert Eye Serum comes in a bottle not that much different in look to a bottle of nail polish. Clear, slightly tinted in purple with the serum applicator being attached to the lid. Unscrew lid, take out the applicator which consists of three small metal balls which is a triple roller. This gently moved over the under eye area provides a massaging action..

    This comes boxed. Typical L’Oréal in look and style. Eye catching, informative in regards to the product and doesn’t look cheap!

    In use

    Applied onto clean skin, this can be used morning and evening. The box itself tells you how to use the applicator but I just gently sweep it a few times under each eye and dab excess serum in those areas. Quite a bit of serum is held onto the applicator, so there’s always excess. The mix between the serum and applicator provides a cooling sensation, especially as I have this in the fridge. You can feel the the massage action clearly with this, and the serum remains there while doing it, which is important. The serum, if applied too much, can be on the sticky side. But overall provides a very moisturising and protective shield under the eyes without making them look shiny.

    My eyes after using this do look slightly rested. But is this the applicator, serum or both? No idea. But what I will say is the serum keeps them well moisturised. They look and feel it. And the applicator feels great on the skin and is a simple and quick way of pampering an area on my face I have issues with.

    Recommended?

    I like this product, a lot! I enjoy using it. It’s quick, easy but strangely rewarding. It hasn’t changed my undereye area but it has taken a slight edge off looking half dead. But for a product that can be as pricey as £30.00? I couldn’t afford it. Under £10.00? From anywhere, possibly. Under £5.00? Buy it! Under £2.00? Grab multiples! Nice product, I would buy if much cheaper than the usual rrp, but not at full price.