Chances are, you first heard about collagen through cosmetics commercials promising younger-looking skin. But here’s the thing: collagen doesn’t start with an expensive cream - it starts from within.
Today, collagen supplements are everywhere. From powders and drinks, to gummies and capsules, it seems that everyone in wellness is taking them. But with so much hype, does your body actually need extra collagen? And how do you choose the right supplement?
Let’s dive into what collagen actually is, and why your body might need some extra support.
What is collagen and why do we need it?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body(1). You can think of it as the scaffolding that supports your skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
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It nourishes cell and tissue growth.
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It keeps your skin smooth and firm.
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It’s essential to strong bones and healthy joints.
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It helps wounds and injuries heal faster.
In short, it’s the glue that holds everything together.
Why take a collagen supplement?
Your body makes collagen naturally from amino acids in your diet. But from your mid-20s, that production slows down - dropping by about 1% each year(2).
That’s when you might start to see and feel some changes, both above and below the surface. Here are five common signals that your body might need some extra collagen support.
#1. Hair shedding
Noticing more hair in your brush or shower drain? Collagen is vital for healthy follicles and for producing keratin, which is the bedrock of hair growth(3). As your collagen levels drop, your scalp dermis (the layer of skin where hair is rooted) can become weaker and less elastic, which can lead to thinner and more fragile hair.
#2. Brittle nails
Watch out for nails that split, peel, or just won’t grow. Collagen is one of the key proteins in the nail bed, keeping nails strong and flexible(4). If your body isn’t producing enough, they’ll become brittle and prone to breaking.
#3. Dull skin
Endless serums and 20-step skincare routines can only go so far. That natural glow comes from within, and collagen plays a starring role. When levels dip, your skin’s hydration and radiance do too, leaving your complexion looking tired or lacklustre.
#4. Fine lines
Collagen is a staple protein in the “extracellular matrix” - the network of molecules that give skin its bounce and firmness. As collagen production slows with age, skin loses its elasticity, and we get more fine lines and wrinkles.
#5. Joint stiffness
Collagen is about more than a pretty face - it’s also crucial for mobility. It forms the foundation of cartilage, which cushions your joints. Low collagen can lead to stiffness, creakiness, or reduced flexibility.
How to choose the right collagen supplement
If you’re noticing any of these signs, it might be time to consider a collagen supplement. But it’s important to know that most collagen supplements on the market come from cows, pigs, or fish. And while vegan options do exist, they’re usually “boosters” - ingredients that encourage your body’s own collagen production, rather than true collagen itself.
That’s why we use Vecollal®: the world’s first plant-based collagen that’s identical to human Type 1 collagen. It’s clinically proven, highly potent, and of course, ocean- and animal-friendly(5). So you can take a collagen supplement that’s aligned with your values and delivers results.
Want to be the first to try it?
We expect this launch to sell out fast - our waitlist gets the news first, so you’ll have the chance to shop our next-generation collagen supplement before it sells out.
REFERENCES:
(1) Deshmukh SN, Dive AM, Moharil R, Munde P. Enigmatic insight into collagen. J Oral Maxillofac Pathol. 2016 May-Aug;20(2):276-83. doi: 10.4103/0973-029X.185932. PMID: 27601823; PMCID: PMC4989561.
(2) Reilly DM, Lozano J. Skin collagen through the lifestages: importance for skin health and beauty. Plast Aesthet Res. 2021;8:2. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2347-9264.2020.153
(3) Karin I. Pappelbaum, Nicolina Virgilio, Lisa Epping, Bastiaan van der Steen, Francisco Jimenez, Wolfgang Funk, Janne Prawitt, Marta Bertolini, Revealing novel insights on how oral supplementation with collagen peptides may prevent hair loss: Lessons from the human hair follicle organ culture, Journal of Functional Foods, Volume 116, 2024, 106124, ISSN 1756-4646, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2024.106124.
(4) Vleminckx, S., Virgilio, N., Asserin, J., Prawitt, J., & F. Silva, C. I. (2024). Influence of collagen peptide supplementation on visible signs of skin and nail health and -aging in an East Asian population: A double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 23(11), 3645-3653. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.16458
(5) Lin, Y., Liang, C., Lin, Y., Lin, T., Jiménez Vázquez, J., Van Campen, A., & Chiang, C. (2023). Oral supplementation of vegan collagen biomimetic has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: A double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Journal of Functional Foods, 112, 105955. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jff.2023.105955