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Popular Wellness Trends Explained: From Colostrum to Hair Oiling

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EVIDENCE BASED

Evidence Based

iHerb has strict sourcing guidelines and draws from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, medical journals, and reputable media sites. This badge indicates that a list of studies, resources, and statistics can be found in the references section at the bottom of the page.

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Wellness products are trending on social media, and the best are going viral. Let’s look at a few of the most popular wellness trends. We will dive into the health benefits of each product and how they can help you reach optimal health and wellness.

Are These Viral Wellness Trends Legit?

These five wellness products have dominated the wellness conversation. Let us find out why.

1. Collagen

Thought to benefit hair, nails, skin, and joint health, collagen supplements contain collagen peptides, which are smaller pieces of broken-down collagen proteins. Collagen peptides may build up in the cartilage and skin, which can help with skin youthfulness and joint function.

Collagen drinks and supplements typically contain collagen from a variety of sources, including fish, cattle, chicken, and pigs. The short chains of amino acids, or peptides, help to make essential proteins in the body, like keratin and collagen.

Many health benefits have been discovered from taking collagen supplements. Some studies have found that taking collagen powder daily could slow the aging process of bones, making them less brittle and more dense. Collagen supplements have also been shown to improve skin elasticity and hydration.

Collagen has been shown to improve hair and nail health. Many people, both men and women, experience hair loss as they age. A study found that a group of women with thinning hair saw significant increases in their hair thickness, scalp coverage, and hair quantity while taking collagen supplements daily. Another study found that after four weeks of collagen supplementation, women showed faster nail growth and fewer chipped or broken nails.

Joint and muscle health may also benefit from collagen supplementation. Collagen supplements may act as a mild pain reliever for those with osteoarthritis after daily consumption for 3-5 months. Arthritis sufferers may also see improved joint function during this time. Another study found that men taking a collagen peptide supplement in conjunction with a 12-week strength training program saw an increase in muscle strength and mass compared to those who did not take the supplement.

Last but not least, collagen supplements may help improve cardiovascular health. When you lack sufficient collagen, your arteries, and blood vessels may weaken. Collagen helps your arteries maintain their shape and elasticity. A study found that healthy people taking a collagen powder supplement helped reduce their risk of atherosclerosis by supporting healthier arteries. Fragile blood vessels that are deficient in collagen increase your risk of atherosclerosis, which may lead to heart attack and stroke.

Influencers may have found gold in the viral wellness supplement collagen, considering all of the potential health benefits it can provide when taken daily.

2. Colostrum

The first milk produced by mammals after giving birth, colostrum is rich in antibodies, antioxidants, and growth factors. It’s the first milk received by newborns, but adults can also benefit from colostrum’s nutrients. Colostrum supplements are typically made from the first milk produced by a cow, called bovine colostrum.

Colostrum may be applied to the skin to improve its appearance or taken as a supplement to support the various body systems, including the immune, digestive, and musculoskeletal systems. Specifically, colostrum supplements may help improve immunity, reduce inflammation, soothe gastrointestinal discomfort, and help facilitate muscle recovery.

Due to the protective effects bovine colostrum has on a newborn calf’s gut, it could potentially have the same effect on human adults. Those suffering from inflammatory autoimmune disorders or other inflammatory gut conditions may find relief with colostrum supplementation.

Bovine colostrum protects newborn calves from infections as it adjusts to life outside of the mother’s womb. Similarly, in human uses, bovine colostrum may be good for maintaining health and preventing disease.

There are two types of protein found in bovine colostrum. The first protein, casein, contains peptides that help promote healthy digestion and are rich in pancreatic enzymes. These peptides have other beneficial properties that help regulate your immune system through their natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties‌.

The other type of protein found in bovine colostrum is whey. Rich in amino acids and antimicrobial properties, whey promotes healing in the body.

Special carbohydrates found in bovine colostrum, known as oligosaccharides, act as prebiotics in the gut. These prebiotics have a positive impact on your gut microbiome, helping to naturally balance the gastrointestinal tract where fungi, bacteria, and viruses live symbiotically with you.

Other nutrients found in bovine colostrum that can be helpful to adults include healthy fats like oleic acid, which helps support good cardiovascular health. Vitamins A, B, D, and E are found in high concentrations in colostrum, along with key minerals such as calcium, iron, zinc, magnesium, and phosphorus.

Bovine colostrum has even been used in antiviral medications used to treat diarrhea caused by infections.

However, caution should be taken when considering colostrum supplements.

If you follow a vegan diet, read labels carefully to see if the colostrum is of bovine origin. Considering it is the product of a cow, you may want to avoid bovine colostrum if you follow a strict vegan diet.

Also, if you have an allergy to cow’s milk, bovine colostrum is no exception to your dairy allergy. Some people tolerate the proteins in cow’s milk but have a sensitivity to lactose found in the carbohydrate portion of bovine colostrum. Since the nutrients are in greater concentration in bovine colostrum, your reaction may be stronger than it is to cow’s milk.

Bovine colostrum contains estrogen, which is a hormone that may negatively impact the development of some hormone-sensitive conditions. If you are at risk for breast, ovarian, or prostate cancer, talk to your doctor before using a bovine colostrum supplement.

3. Liquid Multivitamins

Liquid multivitamins, as the name implies, are multivitamins that come in liquid form. They are usually liposomal, water, or alcohol-based and may contain a concentrated dose of vitamins, amino acids, minerals, herbs, and other phytonutrients. Compared to tablets or capsules, liquid supplements are absorbed faster because they contain pre-dissolved ingredients, increasing their bioavailability.

Liquid multivitamins may have many benefits over their pill counterparts. Let’s consider the following potential benefits of liquid multivitamins.

Increased Nutrient Density

Liquid multivitamins can achieve higher concentrations of micronutrients than capsules or tablets. These micronutrients can then be combined to create a stronger vitamin product with more health benefits.

Faster Effects

Water-soluble vitamins, like vitamins B and C, could start working almost immediately. However, it may take a few hours to notice the effects. The effects may be even faster if you are deficient in a particular vitamin.

Improved Bioavailability

Liquid vitamins do not need to be broken down like pills, tablets, or capsules, making them more easily absorbed by the body. This makes liquid multivitamins ideal for people with digestive concerns.

Other benefits of liquid multivitamins include versatility in dosing, pleasant taste, hydration promotion, convenient consumption, and a shorter shelf life.

Liquid multivitamins allow you to tailor your dosage based on your specific needs. Unlike pills, which come in standardized dosages, liquid multivitamins allow individuals to adjust the dosage by changing the number of drops or milliliters consumed. This makes them ideal for those taking multiple supplements or those who need to take a specific vitamin dosage.

Because liquid vitamins are often mixed with other liquids like water, juice, or smoothies, liquid multivitamins encourage hydration. This dual-purpose approach addresses both nutrient and fluid intake, enhancing overall well-being.

Liquid multivitamins often come flavored, making them more palatable because they taste better. This makes them ideal for children who may like a fruity flavor or adults who prefer supplements with a favorable taste.

Tablets and capsules can be difficult to swallow. Liquid multivitamins offer an alternative to pills because they can be swallowed much more easily. They can also be mixed into beverages, making them an ideal option for people who have difficulty swallowing large pills. Because they are easier to consume, liquid multivitamins encourage consistent daily usage.

Liquid multivitamins generally have a shorter shelf life than capsules or tablets. While their shorter shelf life may be considered a downside, it is actually advantageous because liquid multivitamins are less likely to contain toxic preservatives like sodium benzoate, hydrogenated oils, and boric acid.

The liquid multivitamin viral wellness trend may just be liquid gold in terms of benefits over their pill counterparts.

4. K-Beauty

K-Beauty is short for Korean Beauty. While K-Beauty often refers to products that were made in Korea, the term is also used to describe the philosophy behind Korean beauty products.

Viral wellness trend K-beauty highlights a multi-step skincare routine that emphasizes thorough cleansing, moisturizing, and caring for the skin. K-Beauty encourages users to do regular, multi-step skin care for healthier, glowing skin.

To get started with your K-Beauty routine, follow these steps in the morning:

  • Step 1: Wash Your Face with Water. Begin your day by cleansing your skin with just water, not a cleanser.
  • Step 2: Use a Toner.
  • Step 3: Apply Essence.
  • Step 4: Use an Ampoule next.
  • Step 5: Apply Serum.
  • Step 6: Apply Eye Cream.
  • Step 7: Apply Moisturizer.
  • Step 8: Don’t Forget your SPF.

The products offer anti-aging benefits, along with hydration and even skin tone promotion. Korean skin care products are addressing needs that other skin care markets have not. Plus, K-Beauty brands tend to be much more affordable than their counterparts.

K-Beauty is hugely popular around the world. Try the step-by-step K-beauty routine today for healthy, glowing, hydrated skin with an even tone.

5. Hair Health

Hair Oils

A form of haircare that’s been prominent in African cultures for centuries, where coconut, castor, argan, peppermint, or rosemary oil is applied to the scalp and length of the hair. This nourishes the hair strands while helping the hair follicles retain moisture.

Though many have been integrating this practice into their beauty routines since ancient times, the power of social media has given this much-loved secret to a mass audience. The practice of hair oiling has more than 256 million posts on the social media platform.

Heatless Curls

Heatless curls allow hair to be styled without the use of damaging heat being applied to the hair. The trend is most commonly shared using a heatless curler, which is typically a long, fabric-coated product designed for you to wrap your hair around and sleep in to form beautiful curls overnight.

With over 9 billion views on TikTok for ‘#heatlesscurls,’ the alternative to curling irons is a popular trend for millions around the world.

Glass Hair

Glass hair is more about the finished look than the haircare method itself. This trend is all about hair health. It provides a glass-like shine, leaving a healthy, luxurious feel. To wear the glass hair trend, choose high-shine products and smooth the hair out as much as possible for an almost reflective finish.

Double Shampooing

Double shampooing, or double cleansing your hair, is exactly like it sounds: taking the time to shampoo your hair not once but twice. By double shampooing, you are more likely to fully remove any product buildup or dirt on your scalp that has settled between washings.

Scalp Care

This social media wellness trend has gained over 3 billion+ views under ‘#scalpcare.’ People have been getting into their skincare routine, and they are investing in scalp and hair care products as well because a healthy scalp means healthy hair.

Popular scalp health trends include using sulfate-free shampoos, treatments to target scalp issues, massaging the scalp with your fingers or a tool, and scalp light therapy.

The Big Picture

Social media has turned many wellness products into viral wellness trends. From the skin, hair, and nail-boosting power of collagen to the immune and digestive health benefits of colostrum, these viral wellness trends have the right stuff to back them up.

Another viral wellness product, liquid multivitamins, has numerous benefits, from better taste to fewer preservatives. They are easier to swallow and can be more powerful in concentrated form than their capsule and tablet counterparts.

Whether it is a new K-Beauty trend or a viral hair health routine, social media has made skin, hair, and scalp health a number one priority. Try adopting traditional Korean wisdom in a K-Beauty face care routine or healing your scalp and damaged hair with hair oiling and heatless curls.

Become a trendsetter and try out one of these wellness trends today!

References:

  1. Pu SY, Huang YL, Pu CM, et al. Effects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2023;15(9):2080. Published 2023 Apr 26. doi:10.3390/nu15092080
  2. König D, Oesser S, Scharla S, Zdzieblik D, Gollhofer A. Specific Collagen Peptides Improve Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Postmenopausal Women-A Randomized Controlled Study. Nutrients. 2018;10(1):97. Published 2018 Jan 16. doi:10.3390/nu10010097
  3. Hwang SB, Park HJ, Lee BH. Hair-Growth-Promoting Effects of the Fish Collagen Peptide in Human Dermal Papilla Cells and C57BL/6 Mice Modulating Wnt/β-Catenin and BMP Signaling Pathways. Int J Mol Sci. 2022;23(19):11904. Published 2022 Oct 7. doi:10.3390/ijms231911904
  4. Campos LD, Santos Junior VA, Pimentel JD, Carregã GLF, Cazarin CBB. Collagen supplementation in skin and orthopedic diseases: A review of the literature. Heliyon. 2023;9(4):e14961. Published 2023 Mar 28. doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e14961
  5. Martínez-Puig D, Costa-Larrión E, Rubio-Rodríguez N, Gálvez-Martín P. Collagen Supplementation for Joint Health: The Link between Composition and Scientific Knowledge. Nutrients. 2023;15(6):1332. Published 2023 Mar 8. doi:10.3390/nu15061332
  6. Tomosugi N, Yamamoto S, Takeuchi M, et al. Effect of Collagen Tripeptide on Atherosclerosis in Healthy Humans. J Atheroscler Thromb. 2017;24(5):530-538. doi:10.5551/jat.36293
  7. Arslan A, Kaplan M, Duman H, et al. Bovine Colostrum and Its Potential for Human Health and Nutrition. Front Nutr. 2021;8:651721. Published 2021 Jun 21. doi:10.3389/fnut.2021.651721
  8. Ko J, Yoo C, Xing D, et al. Pharmacokinetic Analyses of Liposomal and Non-Liposomal Multivitamin/Mineral Formulations. Nutrients. 2023;15(13):3073. Published 2023 Jul 7. doi:10.3390/nu15133073
  9. Tinsley GM, Harty PS, Stratton MT, Siedler MR, Rodriguez C. Liposomal Mineral Absorption: A Randomized Crossover Trial. Nutrients. 2022;14(16):3321. Published 2022 Aug 13. doi:10.3390/nu14163321

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