REVIEW & GIVEAWAY! [Ended]: NeoCell Derma Matrix Collagen Skin Complex and Beauty Burst Soft Che

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I recently had the opportunity to review some of NeoCell's collagen products and I have been thoroughly impressed with both the Derma Matrix Collagen Skin Complex and the Beauty Burts Collagen Soft Chews in Fruit Punch. Even more exciting is that I have partnered with NeoCell to give away a set of these products for one very lucky winner! Enter at the bottom of this post!! I have been taking Collagen supplements for quite some time now, and these two products have shown more improvement in just over one month's time than any other collagen products that I have tried thus far. It's no surprise, though, as NeoCell keeps winning awards for best (new) products year after year. In fact, the Derma Matrix was named Best New Product in Delicious Living Magazine's Beauty and Body Awards earlier this year. I fully understand why, and you will too in just a few scrolls :).

Collagen products and supplements are everywhere these days which can be overwhelming. So, what is it? Why is it good for you? What products are the best?

What is collagen?

Collagen is the major insoluble fibrous protein found in the body's tissues. Collagen is found in all systems in the body, including bones, teeth, hair, skin, nails, organs, muscles, and joints. Collagen keeps these connective tissues healthy, but the real beauty behind collagen has to do with the process of regeneration of these tissues. [1][2][3]

The body is a fascinating machine and has almost a low battery signal when it comes to collagen production and when it is time to "charge up". As we get older, not only does the amount of collagen production slow down, but so does the quality. That's where collagen supplements come into play.

Did you know:

Collagen production decreases by 1.5 percent every year Sometime after the reaching the age of 25. [1]

Yikes. I don't know about you, but I've definitely passed that number already.

But don't freak out, because I already did that for you 😆, and I did my research. Aging can be graceful with a balanced diet and correct use of supplements, along with regular exercise, and practicing mindfulness (along with many other factors).

Essentially, if you take collagen supplements, you can slow and reverse the decrease in production of natural collagen that occurs. What sets collagen supplements apart from other nutritional supplements, is that the collagen you consume actually stays in the body and can stay there for over a year even after you stop taking collagen! People consume collagen for different reasons. Some take it to help reduce fine lines and wrinkles, some take it for strong nails and healthy hair and skin, and others take it for healthy joints. Collagen can benefit basically everyone!

What Type Should I Take?

There are actually around 16 types of collagen in the body, but 80-90% of the collagen found in the body consist of types I, II, and III. [2]

Types I & III Promote healthy skin, hair, bones, and muscles.

Type II Promotes healthy joint cartilage.

Marine Collagen Promote healthy skin, hair, bones, and muscles.

Unfortunately for my vegan or vegetarian friends (unless you are okay with marine-sourced products), collagen is not vegan/vegetarian-friendly, although these products from NeoCell are gluten-free, as well as soy, wheat, lactose, starch, and yeast-free!

My Results & Recommendations

To give a thorough recommendation, I wanted to use the products for just over one month (I'm still taking them as well). At first, I started taking the Derma Matrix daily. There were days that I didn't make a smoothie or mix the Derma Matrix powder with juice, and those days I consumed the Beauty Burst Chews instead. The Beauty Burst Chews remind me of the texture of starbursts, which made it hard not to eat more than the serving size, which is two soft chews. The chews were extremely convenient, but they do contain less collagen, and it is important to be mindful and aware of sugar consumption. To compare, one serving of the Derma Matrix (one scoop with the scoop provided) consists of 6 grams of collagen (types I & III), 30 mg of Hyaluronic Acid, 60 mg of Vitamin C, 6 grams of Protein, 10 mg of sodium, and 20 calories. One serving of the Beauty Burst Soft Chews in Fruit Punch consists of 2 grams of Collagen (types I & III), 2 grams of protein, 20 mg of Hyaluronic Acid, 20 mg of Vitamin C, 6 grams of carbohydrates, 4 grams of sugar, and 40 calories.

Side note: Hyaluronic Acid helps to hydrate, lubricate, and cushion connective tissues. The gel-like molecule can hold up to 1000 times its weight in water. [1]

I didn't take before and after pictures, but I should have. One of the main drastic improvements I noticed were the expression lines on my forehead softening. Like, a lot.

My skin also produced a glow that has been missing for some time and some pesky breakouts that just WOULD NOT go away disappeared (life gets stressful sometimes). My knees also hurt less (I stand and move around in a kitchen for a living), and my skin felt and looked more hydrated. For using the supplements for just over one month, I'd say these results are pretty awesome!

This photo is from less than two weeks ago (today is 11/16/16), right around the month mark of taking NeoCell collagen products daily. I am wearing make up on my skin, but just concealer mostly under my eyes and powder. The rest of my make up is all clean and green products as well :).

I am extremely satisfied with how NeoCell's Derma Matrix Collagen Skin Complex and Beauty Burst Soft Chews have made my skin and body look and feel. NeoCell has quite a large product line as well, so there are many different products to choose from. They have Collagen products specifically for joints, sports nutrition, beauty, skin, hair, and nails, as well as different forms and quantities.

While there are many different Collagen brands to check out and try, I definitely recommend NeoCell! Check out Neocell.com to find the nearest location to you that carries their products. You can find them in stores such as Sprouts, Whole Foods, GNC, Vitamin World, New Seasons, or, online at Amazon here and here

Looking for a way to incorporate The Derma Matrix Collagen Skin Complex into a smoothie? Look no further! Below I share a simple strawberry banana green smoothie! Please enjoy and share! Have you tried NeoCell products? Comment below with your favorite products or recipes!

Disclaimer:

*I received these products in exchange for my honest review. All options are my own. This information is also not meant to be medical advice, but instead helpful tips and recommendations. Please contact your medical professional for any questions regarding nutritional supplements that you may have.

References

[1] Delicious Living, & NeoCell. (2015). The Collagen Key. Retrieved from http://images.info.newhope360.com/Web/NewHopeNaturalMedia/%7Ba651f57d-bcf4-403e-8598-6b9d7db35bd9%7D_DL_BG_Neocell_Collagen_Key_081815.pdf

[2] Lodish, H., Berk, A., Zipursky, L. S., Matsudaira, P., Baltimore, D., & Darnell, J. (2000). Collagen: The fibrous proteins of the matrix. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21582/

[3] Patton, K. T., & Thibodeau, G. A. (2016). Structure & function of the body. United States: Mosby.