If you follow health food fads at all, you know there’s always some new craze or suggestion for the latest ingredient you should eat or spread over your body, and there are always fabulous results promised as a consequence. Some of this is outright quackery, but some have more basis in science. Collagen is a good example of one such “hot” ingredient right now.

For those of you not in the know, collagen is a naturally occurring protein in the body, found in bones, skin and connective tissue. As we age, and especially in post-menopausal women, the amount of collagen naturally in our bodies diminishes and with that, so, too, do some of the health benefits that derive from collagen. For a scientific overview of collagen and what it does, Read Here. There are innumerable supplements containing collagen on the market, in powder form or pills, and there is some scientific research to support their use, though if you eat enough protein in your diet that may not be necessary. For an overview of collagen supplements, and what they can and cannot do, Click Here.

If you decide to climb on the collagen bandwagon, however, one new product on the market should probably give you pause. The clothing manufacturer Bukihas just announced their Collagen Collection, a new line of clothing that promises collagen is built into its uniquely woven fabric so as to provide the moisture benefits of collagen directly into the skin when you wear the clothing. Given that the topical application of collagen as an anti-aging beauty ingredient is already considered controversial and not scientifically sound, it’s hard to buy into the promises of this new clothing line. However, the fabric also has a UPF factor of 50 for sun protection and the collection is stylish if a bit pricey. So, should you be both ingesting and wearing collagen to sustain youthful skin and strong bones? Maintain your skepticism but find out more by Reading Here.