Summary
When should you start taking collagen supplements?
Collagen production naturally begins to decline in your mid-20s, with a more significant drop around menopause. Environmental factors like UV exposure, stress, smoking, and poor sleep can accelerate this decline. Starting supplementation in your mid-to-late 20s or early 30s can help support natural levels and slow visible signs of ageing.
What types of collagen are most beneficial for skin, hair, and joints?
Type I supports skin, hair, and nails. Type II is essential for joint health. Type III supports muscles and organs. Types IV & V help form skin layers and support hair and eye structure. For beauty-focused benefits, Type I collagen is the most important.
Do collagen supplements actually work?
Yes – research suggests collagen supplements with VERISOL® Bioactive Collagen Peptides® can deliver measurable results when taken consistently. Studies have shown improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and wrinkle depth within 4–8 weeks, plus increased hair thickness and reduced nail brittleness over time.
Collagen supplements are having more than just a moment – they’re practically the main character in the wellness world right now. And while they’re often hyped as the secret to glowing skin, their benefits go far deeper than your latest skincare obsession.
Think of collagen as your body’s behind-the-scenes fixer, quietly keeping everything firm, flexible, and functioning as it should.
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body – which is a fancy way of saying you’re basically held together by it.
It’s made up of three amino acids – glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline – woven together in a tight, rope-like structure (1). Strong, flexible, and surprisingly elegant for something so microscopic. This “rope” forms the structural foundation of:
- Skin (hello, bounce and glow)
- Hair and nails
- Muscles and tendons
- Ligaments and joints
- Blood vessels and bones (2)
In short: collagen is the glue holding the whole operation together – and doing a pretty impressive job of it.
When Should You Start Taking Collagen?
Here’s the part no one loves: your collagen levels start to dip in your mid-20s. Yes, mid-20s! Bit early for betrayal, but here we are. From that point on, production slows down year by year, with a steep decline around menopause. And just to make things more interesting, modern life doesn’t exactly help. UV rays, pollution, stress, poor sleep, and smoking all speed up collagen breakdown.
The result?
- Fine lines making their debut
- Skin losing its firmness
- A little less glow, a little more “I need eight hours of sleep”
What Are The Types Of Collagen?
Scientists have identified 28 types of collagen (overachievers), but these are the ones worth knowing:
- Type I – The MVP (Most Valuable Player) for skin, hair, and nails
- Type II – Found in cartilage, your joints’ best friend
- Type III – Supports muscles and organs
- Type IV – Helps form skin layers
- Type V – Found in hair, skin, and eyes
If your goal is skin that looks like it drinks water and minds its business, Type I is the star player.
What’s In Collagen Supplements?
Most collagen supplements come from animal sources – typically cows, pigs, or fish (not glamorous, but effective).
They’re processed into hydrolysed collagen (aka collagen peptides), which means they’ve been broken down into smaller pieces so your body can absorb them more easily. Think: collagen, but pre-digested and ready to work. The ideal molecular weight of these peptides is around 2,000 g/mol (equivalent to 2,000 Daltons), which is known for its excellent absorption.
Many formulas also include helpful extras like:
- Vitamin C (collagen’s right-hand assistant)
- Biotin (for hair and nails)
- Zinc (for skin repair)
- Silica (for connective tissue support)
Are Collagen Powders, Capsules, or Gummies Best?
Collagen now comes in every format imaginable:
- Powders you can stir into your morning coffee
- Capsules for the no-fuss crowd
- Liquid sticks or sachets – watch out for all the single-use packaging!
- Gummies
The truth? The “best” one is the one you’ll remember to take. Consistency beats format every time.
Is There A Vegan Collagen?
Slight plot twist: collagen itself only comes from animal sources. But don’t click away just yet – vegan-friendly options can still support your body’s natural collagen production.
These typically include:
- Amino acids
- Vitamin C
- Plant compounds like anthocyanidins (found in blueberries and other dark fruits)
Think of them less as collagen replacements and more as collagen cheerleaders.
Does Collagen Actually Work?
Meet Collagen Beauty, the scientifically backed collagen supplement that delivers results. With premium VERISOL® Bioactive Collagen Peptides® – a patented Type I and III peptide profile derived from porcine source, specifically optimised to support beauty from within. The average molecular weight is around 2,000 g/mol (equivalent to 2,000 Daltons), basically the best for absorption.
Skin: Published studies have shown that taking 2.5g of VERISOL® Bioactive Collagen Peptides® significantly:
- Improves elasticity
- Reduces wrinkle depth
- Boosts hydration
- Provides smoother overall texture
A study in the journal Skin Pharmacology and Physiology on 69 women aged between 35 and 55 reported that supplementing with bioactive collagen peptides for four weeks significantly increased skin elasticity compared to the placebo treatment (3).
Another study on more than 100 women aged between 45 and 65 found that oral administration of collagen peptides reduced wrinkle depth after four weeks (4).
In addition, a double-blind placebo-controlled study (the crème da la crème of studies) on 105 women aged between 24 and 50 years revealed a daily supplement of bioactive collagen peptides decreased the cellulite score after three months in those with a BMI of <25 (5).
You too can experience a visible reduction in the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines, and a smoother, more youthful complexion, in just 4–8 weeks!
Hair & Nails: Get ready to flaunt your crowning glory and enviable nails with Collagen Beauty! With regular daily intake, expect to experience:
- Increased hair thickness over time
- Better hair structural support
- Reduced nail brittleness
- Improved nail growth
- Less nail chipping
A 2017 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology on a small group of women aged 26 and 50 reported bioactive collagen peptides decreased cracked and chipped nails by 42% after six months (6).
In a randomised, placebo-controlled study on 44 women aged between 39 and 75 years, researchers found those taking bioactive collagen peptides saw an increase in hair thickness after 16 weeks (7).
The Fine Print: Supplements Aren’t a Free Pass
Collagen can help – but it won’t cancel out three hours of sleep, a week of stress, and zero sunscreen. If you really want to keep your collagen levels happy:
- Wear SPF like it’s non-negotiable
- Get decent sleep (your skin notices)
- Avoid smoking
- Manage stress where you can
- Eat like someone who respects their future self and stay hydrated
Key Takeaways
Collagen is doing a lot more for you than you probably realised – and it doesn’t stick around forever without a bit of support.
Supplementing with collagen may help maintain skin elasticity, support hair and nails, and keep things functioning smoothly beneath the surface.
Is it the fountain of youth? No. Is it a smart addition to your routine? We think so!
To learn more about collagen and what foods contain collagen, read our article. And for expert Nutrition Advice or information on our supplement range, contact our Nutrition Advisors.
Disclaimer: This article offers informational advice and is not a substitute for professional medical care. While we strive for accuracy and up-to-date information, always consult your GP or healthcare professional before using supplements or alternative products, especially if you have existing medical conditions or are under medical supervision.
References:
- Wu M, Crane JS. Biochemistry, Collagen Synthesis. Nih.gov. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK507709/
- Nezwek TA, Varacallo M. Physiology, Connective Tissue. Nih.gov. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542226/
- Proksch et al. (2014). Oral Supplementation of Specific Collagen Peptides has Beneficial Effects on Human Skin Physiology. Skin Pharmacol Physiol, 27:47–55. https://karger.com/spp/article/27/1/47/295741/
- Proksch et al. (2014). Oral Intake of Specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides Reduces Skin Wrinkles and Increases Dermal Matrix Synthesis. Skin Pharmacol Physiol, 27:113–119. https://karger.com/spp/article/27/3/113/295769/
- Schunck et al. (2015). Dietary Supplementation with Specific Collagen Peptides has a Body Mass Index-Dependent Beneficial Effect on Cellulite Morphology. J Med Food, 18:1340–1348.
- Hexsel et al. (2017). Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. J Cosmet Dermatol, (16)1–7. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318989437/
- Oesser (2020). The oral intake of specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides has a positive effect on hair thickness. Nutrafoods, 1:134–138. https://www.nutrafoods.eu/index.php/nutra/article/view/9