It’s in your skin, joints, and even your morning smoothie these days, but what is collagen?
As the most abundant protein in the body, collagen is the key to plump, hydrated, and glowing skin. Beyond beauty, it plays a crucial role in keeping your bones, joints, muscles, gut, nails, and hair strong and healthy.
As we age, collagen production naturally declines, leading to visible signs of ageing and reduced joint mobility. By incorporating collagen-rich foods and dietary supplements, you can support your body’s overall health from the inside out.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know about collagen: how it works, why it matters, and how to naturally boost collagen production for long-term health and beauty.
If you’re looking to learn more about finding the right collagen for you, take our inner beauty quiz.
What does collagen do in the body?
When it comes to our complexion, collagen is the connective tissue that gives our skin elasticity and a youthful bounce. It plays a vital part in keeping our skin smooth, supple and radiant by helping fibroblasts to form in your dermis, which helps spur the growth of new cells.
While we often associate collagen with skin, this protein plays an important role throughout the human body, having a major impact on your health. There are over 28 different types of collagen, with some of the most common types found in the human body including type I collagen (skin, bones, tendons, organs), type II (cartilage), type III (blood vessels, uterus, bowel), type IV (internal coverings of organs) and type V (hair). Over 90% of your body’s collagen is made up of type I, which not only supports elastin in skin but also provides strength and structure to bones, tendons and ligaments, helping them to withstand pressure during stretching and impact. Collagen is also essential for tissue repair and cell renewal, playing a key role in wound healing by promoting the regeneration of healthy skin and connective tissues.
Beyond the skin, collagen supports internal organ function. Type IV collagen forms protective barriers around organs, while Type III collagen enhances the elasticity of blood vessels, the uterus, and the digestive tract. In the gut, collagen helps reinforce the intestinal lining, which can improve digestion, support nutrient absorption, and contribute to overall gut health.
Types of collagen
Understanding the different types of collagen helps you in choosing the right skincare and supplements:
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Type I – The most abundant collagen in the body, Type I is essential for skin, bones, tendons, and connective tissue. It provides structure, strength, and elasticity, making it a key player in maintaining youthful skin and strong, resilient bones.
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Type II – Found primarily in cartilage, this type supports joint health by cushioning bones and allowing for smooth movement. It’s especially important for people with joint discomfort or arthritis.
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Type III – Often found alongside Type I, Type III collagen is crucial for blood vessels, the uterus, and the digestive tract. It supports tissue flexibility and plays a role in wound healing and organ health.
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Type IV – This type forms the basement membrane that lines organs and provides a protective barrier, particularly in the skin and kidneys.
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Type V – Essential for hair, cell surfaces, and the formation of tissues like the placenta, Type V collagen contributes to healthy hair growth and overall tissue development.
Most beauty-focused collagen supplements prioritize Type I collagen since this type is the most abundant and critical for skin and connective tissue. Meanwhile, joint-support formulas often contain Type II collagen to improve joint health and reduce discomfort. By knowing which types of collagen benefit specific areas of the body, you can tailor your supplement routine or your ingestible routine to best suit your specific health goals.
Why collagen matters for skin, hair, nails & joints
It’s easy to dismiss collagen as just another beauty trend, given how often it's marketed and advertised. However, the truth is that some forms of collagen are well-researched and backed by science, with wellness benefits that go far beyond skin health.
One of the main reasons to take collagen is due to our body’s declining ability to produce and store collagen as we age. It’s essential to help support collagen formation by consuming enough amino acids from protein-rich foods—as this builds and boosts our collagen stores—as well as the essential vitamins and minerals (including vitamin C and zinc) that enable our bodies to continue to produce this skin-plumping protein.
In addition to a well-balanced diet that focuses on wholefoods, including a collagen supplement in your daily inner beauty routine is an excellent way to support your body’s ability to produce, protect and preserve collagen.
Skin: Hydration, firmness & elasticity
Collagen is the key structural protein that keeps skin smooth, firm, and hydrated. It supports skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while promoting a plump, youthful glow.
As collagen levels decline with age, skin can become drier and lose its elasticity, making supplementation and collagen-rich skincare essential for maintaining healthy, radiant skin.
Hair & nails: Strength & shine
By supporting keratin production, collagen helps prevent brittle nails and promotes thicker, shinier hair. It also provides essential amino acids that nourish the scalp and encourage hair growth, making collagen supplements a great option if you experience dry, damaged or thinning hair caused by nutrient deficiencies or external stressors, such as frequent heat tool use.
Joints & mobility: Flexibility & comfort
Collagen makes up the cartilage that prevents bones from rubbing together, making it essential for joint lubrication and flexibility. Over time, natural collagen loss can lead to joint stiffness and discomfort, making movement less fluid. Adding a collagen supplement to your routine, particularly Type II collagen, can help support joint health, reduce stiffness and pain, and maintain mobility as we age.
Do collagen supplements actually work?
As we age, the natural process of collagen synthesis becomes less frequent. Taking a collagen supplement can help boost our natural stores and support collagen synthesis.
When skin starts to lose its elasticity and the collagen fibers in our dermis start to become less effective (as early as our 20s), we often look to topical skincare, serums and creams to help counteract skin ageing. Think of collagen as part of your inner beauty skincare routine, helping to give your skin a youthful bounce from the inside out.
While collagen supplements have been available for some time, studies and scientific literature in this area have been limited until recently. Research now supports collagen health benefits, including how collagen hydrolysate can help to improve skin elasticity and hydration, boost collagen production, improve collagen density and promote wound healing.
What are hydrolyzed collagen peptides?
Collagen peptides are short chains of amino acids derived from collagen. In hydrolyzed form, they are broken down into smaller molecules, making them easier for the body to absorb and use. This makes hydrolyzed collagen a great option for those looking for effective results for skin, hair, nail, joint, and muscle health.
The science behind collagen supplements
Emerging research suggests that collagen supplementation can have several benefits for skin health. Studies indicate that regular collagen intake may improve skin hydration and elasticity, helping to increase moisture retention and reduce fine lines. Additionally, collagen supplements can enhance collagen density, strengthening the skin’s structure and resilience over time. Research also highlights collagen’s role in wound healing – making it a valuable addition to a well-rounded skincare routine.
When it comes to taking collagen supplements, consistency is key. A daily dose as small as 2.5 grams a day is enough to support collagen levels for skin, hair, and nail health. For optimal results, pair collagen supplements with a diet rich in vitamin C, zinc, and copper, as these nutrients will help in collagen synthesis.
Your daily collagen ritual
Collagen comes in a variety of forms, including powders, elixirs, and chewables. This flexibility makes it super easy to incorporate collagen into your daily routine!
Collagen forms for every lifestyle and goal:
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Powder: Powder collagen, like Deep Marine Collagen™, can be easily mixed into smoothies or water for a quick, beauty-boosting drink.
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Elixirs: Liquid collagen, like Collagen Boost™, can be added to your favourite beverage for bouncy benefits.
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Chewables: Tasty collagen chewables like Plumpers™ are great for a convenient, on-the-go collagen boost.
