Not to toot my own horn or anything, but I have great skin. I get my monthly bouts of hormonal acne on my chin, but overall, my skin is smooth and clear with minimal wrinkles at age 35. The reason? I take care of it. My main weapon against aging has always been sunscreen. I read an article in YM Magazine (RIP) at the age of 13 that said that nothing prevents wrinkles better than sunscreen, and simply put, I listened. I have not left my house without sunscreen on my face since—and that is not an exaggeration.
As I’ve gotten older, my skincare habits have only become better. Not only am I putting at least SPF 30 on my face every day (higher in the summer), but I now put sunscreen on all my exposed skin on a day-to-day basis—not just at the beach. I also have an extensive skincare routine that includes snail mucin, retinol, and vitamin C. But it doesn’t stop there—for the past 4 years, I have been taking collagen supplements. I also do my best to stay hydrated—which J.Lo says is her number one anti-aging secret—that and not drinking alcohol—but I am not giving up margarita’s anytime soon. #sorrynotsorry
Now back to the collagen…
The first time I ever even heard of people consuming collagen to better their skin was back in 2016. Some of my co-workers were raving about this tasteless collagen powder, and they were putting it in their coffee and water throughout the day. I tried it once, and that was that. Fast forward another two years and everyone was talking about collagen—parents, grandparents, influencers, even estheticians and doctors. Collagen became the latest and greatest trend overnight, so I jumped on the train and started taking collagen supplements and I haven’t looked back.
I’ve been pretty loyal to the pill form since I’m good at taking my vitamins, but Naked Nutrition recently came out with a new product that is shaking up the collagen supplement industry…
Meet Ella—Naked Nutrition’s Beauty Protein Powder
Naked Nutrition now sells Ella, a protein powder that contains collagen, hyaluronic acid, zinc, vitamin C and biotin to support your hair, skin, and nails. According to their website:
“Collagen and organic seed protein combined with a powerful beauty blend of hyaluronic acid, zinc, vitamin C, biotin, and more improves skin elasticity, smoothness and gives a natural glow.”
I’m most intrigued by the added hyaluronic acid, as that is a common ingredient in moisturizing skincare products, and it comes highly recommended by dermatologists (I’m a big fan of The Ordinary’s hyaluronic acid serum). If consumed, it’s also been proven to moisturize your skin and improve elasticity from within. Check out the study here. After doing my own research, it seems like incorporating hyaluronic acid into my diet isn’t a bad idea at all.
Quality Ingredients Without the BS
I’m proud of my skincare habits, and they have paid off so far, but I know simply wearing sunscreen and following a skincare routine isn’t enough—the quality of those ingredients matter as well. I now do my best to shop for clean beauty products, and the same goes for my supplements. It matters and Naked Nutrition makes it easy. They source premium ingredients, using as few of them as possible (no need for unnecessary extras!) and being transparent so you know exactly what’s going into your body. Ella supplements are non-GMO, gluten-free, and contain no added sweeteners, flavors or colors. Woot! Plus, there are 0 grams of sugar and there are only 120 calories per serving.
*You can purchase Ella in both chocolate or vanilla for $39.99.
There are also 20 grams of protein, so this is an excellent post-workout option. To be honest, it has replaced my usual protein protein powder for my workouts. With so many supplements out that that we need to take—especially as women—taking supplements that combine multiple benefits makes life simpler, and sometimes, more affordable.
Results
I’ve been consuming Ella about three times a week for the past month, and I have noticed my skin being less dry—and I have year-round dry skin due to LA’s dry climate, so that’s always a win. However, since it’s a supplement, I think that I need to take it for another couple of months to really see the differences.
I can’t wait!
Directions and Taste Review
The basic directions are to add 2 scoops of Ella to 8oz-12oz of cold water or a beverage of your choice. I like mixing with cold water with a splash of almond milk for some creaminess. This is the quickest and easiest way to consume this supplement, and this is the way I consume it most often. If I have the time, I have mixed Ella with almond milk, banana, and ice in my blender to make a smoothie.
As for taste, I find it to have a subtly sweet stevia-like flavor. Almost like a chocolate essence water with subtle sweetness and creaminess. To get the best flavor, I use less water—no more than 8oz, and then I top it off with a splash of unsweetened vanilla almond milk. The colder, the better!
Where to Purchase!
You can purchase Ella on Naked Nutrition’s website or on Amazon for $39.99. And while you’re shopping, be sure to check out Naked Nutrition’s other great products! I personally love their multi-vitamins and their protein brownie mix.
Have you ever incorporated collagen into your daily life? Let me know in the comments below!
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*Naked Nutrition provided their product for review, but as always, opinions are my own.
