Collagen beauty supplements remain one of the most debated topics in the skin and wellness industry. The idea of simply sipping a drink, chewing a gummy, or adding a powder to your smoothie is enticing, but the big question is whether ingestible collagen truly enhances skin and hair from within.
Here, experts share the facts about collagen and – if beneficial – the best supplements to include in your routine.
What is Collagen?
“Collagen is a multi-functional protein in the human body and the essential building block of the skin,” explains consultant dermatologist Dr Alia Ahmed. “It plays a crucial role in skin structure, providing elasticity, hydration, and strength.” Since collagen keeps our skin firm, it directly influences how smooth and plump it appears.
Do We Need to Supplement Natural Collagen?
Collagen levels naturally decline with age, especially in women entering menopause, leading to the loss of skin firmness seen in mature skin.
“Our natural collagen production decreases from our early 20s by 1 to 1.5 percent annually, and by age 50, most individuals will have lost about half of their skin’s collagen,” reveals plastic surgeon Dr Paul Banwell. “This contributes to sagging, thinning, and wrinkles,” he confirms.
However, collagen depletion varies for each person. “The pace depends on lifestyle factors like diet, sun exposure, sleep, and stress, as well as genetics and hormones,” says Daisy Whitbread, a nutritionist focusing on ageing and beauty.
Using daily SPF, limiting sun exposure, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help protect collagen levels. While the process cannot be reversed, experts agree it’s never too late to support your skin’s health.
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How Do Collagen Supplements Work?
Collagen supplements are intended to ‘top up’ natural collagen levels and potentially reduce the effects of depletion.
Importantly, collagen supplements don’t deposit collagen directly into the dermis. “Instead, the ingested collagen peptides act as a feedback mechanism to stimulate your own collagen production,” explains Dr Banwell.
“The presence of collagen fragments signals the body that collagen breakdown has occurred, activating collagen-producing cells called fibroblasts to generate more natural collagen,” adds Whitbread. “This also stimulates elastin, which supports skin elasticity, and hyaluronic acid, which aids hydration.”
The outcome is a potential increase in the body’s collagen levels, leading over time to a firmer, healthier complexion.
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