Collagen is everywhere — in powders, creams, capsules, and even drinks. Promised benefits include better skin, stronger joints, and healthier hair. But how much of it is marketing… and how much is backed by science?

Here’s what collagen actually does, who might benefit, and the best ways to take it — without the hype.

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🧬 What Is Collagen and Why Does It Matter?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It’s the glue that holds everything together — skin, bones, joints, muscles, tendons, and even your gut lining.

Your body makes collagen naturally, but by your mid-20s, production starts to decline. By the time you hit your 50s, levels have dropped significantly — leading to signs of ageing like wrinkles, joint stiffness, and slower recovery.

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🔍 Types of Collagen (Yes, There’s More Than One)

There are over 20 types of collagen, but these are the most important:

• Type I: Skin, bones, tendons — the most common form
• Type II: Cartilage and joints
• Type III: Skin, lungs, blood vessels (often paired with Type I)

Different supplements support different goals — more on that below.

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⚠️ Signs You Might Need Collagen Support

• Fine lines and sagging skin
• Joint stiffness or mild pain
• Weak nails or hair thinning
• Poor wound healing
• Gut issues (leaky gut, IBS)

While your body still produces collagen, age, sun exposure, sugar, smoking, and stress can all speed up its breakdown.

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💊 Best Ways to Take Collagen

Your body doesn’t absorb whole collagen — it absorbs hydrolysed collagen peptides, which are broken down into amino acids.

✅ Collagen Powders

• Dissolve in water, coffee, smoothies
• Easy to digest and high dose
• Usually made from bovine or marine sources

✅ Collagen Capsules or Tablets

• Great if you don’t like the taste of powders
• Lower dose, but convenient

✅ Collagen Gummies or Drinks

• Tasty and easy, but check for sugar
• Often combined with hyaluronic acid or vitamins

Look for:

• Hydrolysed (or “collagen peptides”) – easier to absorb
• Type I and III for skin
• Type II for joint health
• Added vitamin C, which helps collagen synthesis

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🇬🇧 Best Collagen Supplements in the UK (2025)

Here are a few clean, high-quality options:

• Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides – Unflavoured, Type I & III, easily mixes into anything
• Edible Health Marine Collagen – Sourced from fish, ideal for pescatarians
• PureHemp Collagen Complex Gummies – With vitamin C, biotin, and zinc for skin & hair
• Revive Collagen Ready-To-Drink Pouches – Tasty and easy, includes hyaluronic acid

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🧠 Final Thoughts

Collagen isn’t a miracle supplement — but for skin, joints, and ageing support, it’s one of the best-researched proteins available.

Look for hydrolysed collagen with the right type for your needs, and take it daily for at least 8–12 weeks to see real results.

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👉 Want to support healthy ageing even more? Read our guide to supplements for over 60s for more no-nonsense advice.