From creams and capsules to collagen-packed lattes, the options are endless — but what actually works? L360 asked the experts to separate the hype from the science.
Whether you’ve committed to a 10-step beauty routine or settled on a couple of items, you might be wondering whether your collagen-loaded products are actually delivering on what they promise.
Collagen is an ingredient found in many skincare products, from moisturisers to serums and face masks. But what is it? Olivia Buckley, a biomedical scientist and co-founder of supplement brand Supp, says, “Collagen is a family of proteins. Type I is the most abundant in skin, bones and tendons, and is the form most studied for skin elasticity and hydration.”
Essentially, collagen is the protein that keeps our skin bouncy and firm, but as we age we produce less of it. This is why you’ll find collagen in products marketed towards anti-aging.
While we know what our skin needs, how should we be providing it? The truth is, collagen support comes from a mix of diet, lifestyle and targeted supplements — not creams alone.
Read more: Collagen-rich foods for glowing skin and stronger joints
Can the skin absorb collagen?
Olivia explains that collagen molecules are too large to pass through the skin’s outer barrier. “Creams with collagen will hydrate the surface, but they do not deliver collagen into the dermis, where it matters,” she adds.
Emma Coleman, a nurse practitioner and founder of Emma Coleman Skin, adds, “Collagen must be broken down into smaller collagen peptides or amino acids, which can then be absorbed and used by the body.”
This isn’t to say that we shouldn’t be using collagen skincare at all. Emma recommends using products with collagen-enhancing ingredients such as niacinamides and retinol, which signal the skin to in turn produce more collagen.
However, Olivia says to pay equal attention to what you put inside your body. “If you want to support your skin’s collagen network, it’s better to focus on what the body can use internally.”
Can we eat our collagen?
The consensus is yes. “A protein-rich diet with plenty of vitamin C is the foundation,” says Olivia, who explains that Vitamin C is essential for collagen assembly, and so if vitamin C is low, collagen formation stalls.
She goes on to point out that while there are a number of supplements on the market marrying collagen and vitamin C, it’s beneficial to also focus on your daily protein intake alongside vitamin C-rich foods like berries, peppers and citrus.
Emma adds that there are no official guidelines for daily collagen intake, so it’s best to consult a healthcare professional.
Read more: Bone broth benefits and how to make it at home
What are collagen supplements made from?
As collagen is a food-derived protein, supplements can be a great way to achieve your collagen intake without having to overhaul your diet.
Those who don’t eat fish need to be careful as many supplements are marine collagen, which is sourced from fish. While vegan alternatives are available on the market, they’re often not actually collagen, as plants do not make their own collagen. “Most vegan collagen products are actually blends that support your own collagen production rather than supplying collagen peptides,” says Olivia.
Those seeking a plant-based approach should instead focus on boosting their protein and vitamin C intake.
The best collagen supplements designed to work from within
Here are L360 and our experts’ top picks of the collagen supplements that your skin will thank you for.
Supp Marine Collagen with Vitamin C
This collagen supplement from Supp combines the magic of collagen and vitamin C to create a super-supplement. While it’s designed to be a perfect supplement to take if you’re looking to improve your skin’s firmness and elasticity, it also claims to be great for joint comfort and bone and gum health.
Read more: This anti-wrinkle beauty trend could actually make your skin worse
Absolute Collagen Marine Collagen Supplement Drink
Can’t ingest pills? This one’s for you.
Absolute Collagen has formulated its marine collagen with vitamin C in powder and drink form. It comes in a delicious Mango and Mandarin, or unflavoured — perfect for mixing into your morning coffee
Buy from Absolute Collagen for £27.99
Cytoplan Marine Collagen Powder
Emma recommends Cytoplan Marine Collagen, a powder that can be sprinkled on food with good levels of collagen to support the elasticity, texture and strength of the skin. “This has a neutral taste, so you can mix it into your favourite drink or smoothie to enjoy as you like,” Emma says.
Dose by VH Collagen Tripeptide Complex
This supplement not only contains collagen, but also vitamin C, zinc and biotin to help boost collagen levels and support the health of your hair, skin, nails and joints.
Buy from Victoria Health for £45
Vida Glow Collagen Liquid Advance Food Supplement
This brand is best known for its award-winning, luxurious supplements. Its collagen drink has a dose of marine collagen peptides combined with an antioxidant complex and vitamin C and is available in three delicious flavours — Tropical, Green Apple and Mixed Berry.
Dose & Co Collagen Protein Powder
If you’re looking to increase your protein intake, which can be important for collagen absorption, this protein powder with collagen is a no-brainer. It can be mixed with water, milk, coffee or in a smoothie and is designed to support your skin from the inside out.
Feature image: Pexels
