Collagen Craze: Drink, Rub, or Inject—Does It Really Boost Your Glow?

Collagen is a protein that plays a big role in keeping our skin firm, our joints flexible, and our hair and nails strong. It is the most common protein in our bodies, acting like a scaffold that supports our skin and musculoskeletal system. As people become more interested in looking youthful, collagen has become a popular supplement. Some people drink collagen shots at parties, while others use creams or take pills, hoping to slow down the effects of aging.

Our bodies naturally produce collagen, but as we age, the amount decreases. Factors like sun exposure, poor diet, and high stress can make collagen decline even faster. Some dermatologists suggest 'banking' collagen early in life, so you have more as you get older. But is there real science behind these supplements? Can they really help us keep our skin smooth and our joints healthy?

Kimberlie Smith, a mother of three, started taking marine collagen after a stressful year. She drinks a tropical-flavored gel made from fish every day and believes her skin is brighter and her hair looks better. She feels it has helped her cope with the effects of stress and lack of sleep. However, not all experts agree. Dr. Emma Wedgeworth, a dermatologist, says that while there is some evidence, she is skeptical. Collagen is a large molecule, and when we eat or drink it, our digestive system breaks it down. Companies now make hydrolyzed collagen, which is broken into smaller pieces called peptides. These peptides have a better chance of getting into the bloodstream, but it is still uncertain if they reach the skin and make a difference.

Dr. Wedgeworth also points out that collagen creams do not penetrate deep enough to affect the skin's middle layer, where collagen is needed. There are three main types of collagen supplements: marine (from fish), bovine (from cows), and vegan. Marine collagen is recommended for skin because it contains more type 1 collagen, which is important for skin structure. Vegan collagen is not actually collagen but a mix of amino acids and vitamins, and it is less effective.

Ali Watson, a neuroanaesthetist and weightlifter, started using bovine collagen powder to protect her joints. She also gives it to her aging dog, Tommy, hoping it will help his joints. Ali says her skin glows more, her hair is thicker, and her nails are stronger, but she is not sure about her joints. She spends £60 a month on collagen for herself and Tommy and feels she cannot stop taking it.

Professor Faisal Ali, another dermatologist, says there is a lot of conflicting information about collagen supplements. Some studies funded by the supplement industry show positive results, like improved skin hydration and fewer wrinkles, but independent studies do not find the same effects. He believes there is not enough strong evidence to prove that oral or topical collagen really works.

If you want to keep your skin healthy, Professor Ali recommends using sunblock, eating a healthy diet, and not smoking. These habits have a much bigger impact on skin health than collagen supplements. There are also expensive treatments like microneedling or laser therapy that can boost collagen production by making tiny wounds in the skin, but these are not affordable for everyone.

In the end, while collagen supplements are popular and many people hope they will help them look younger, the science is still unclear. The best advice for healthy skin is to protect it from the sun, eat well, and take care of your overall health.