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Discover the Surprising Health Benefits of Collagen Peptides
Beauty

Discover the Surprising Health Benefits of Collagen Peptides

3 May 2025


Potential Health Benefits of Collagen




Who would have thought that a substance found in bones and skin could become the need-to-have supplement? We’re talking collagen.



“Collagen is a type of protein that plays an important role in building and supporting many tissues, from bones and cartilage to skin, hair, eyes, and the digestive system,” says Sonya Angelone, RDN, who practices in San Francisco.




When you take a collagen supplement or eat foods rich in collagen, you are typically consuming collagen that comes from an animal, says Ryanne Lachman, RDN, an integrative and functional nutritionist in Cleveland. (Vegan forms of collagen, however, are now available.)



Collagen peptides are often sold in powdered or capsule form, and collagen can also be consumed in bone broth.




As with any supplement, collagen comes with some potential side effects.



While collagen is generally safe, you should always talk to your healthcare team before adding a supplement to your diet. Side effects may occur: Collagen supplements can cause a rash or, in rarer cases, liver problems.[1]




Aside from that, a universal downside to collagen supplements is that they add an extra expense to your grocery bill. Prices can range from about $25 for a jar of the powdered form to $50 or more for a bottle of 90 capsules.



The studies on oral collagen supplements are mixed, with some showing potential benefits, while others conclude they are no better than placebos. The biggest challenge is that the existing body of research on collagen supplements lacks high-quality studies involving humans — and the studies on humans that do exist are either very small or have potential conflicts of interest.[2]




If you’re going to invest in taking collagen supplements, it’s important to know what the research shows about their potential benefits.



1. Supplements Help Replace What’s Naturally Lost Through Aging




Collagen is the “glue” that holds your body together, says Angelone. It makes up about 30 percent of the protein in your body.[3] But, she says, your body produces less collagen as you get older. Collagen peptides added to your diet may serve to replace what your body begins to lack as you age, and support your overall health.



2. Collagen Is an Easy-to-Digest Source of Protein




Your body works hard to digest protein from sources like chicken or beef, and some people may find they deal with digestive symptoms like burping or stomach pain after a meal, explains Lachman. But collagen supplements are hydrolyzed, meaning the collagen is broken down, a process that makes it easier for your body to digest. Collagen supplements (particularly the powders) may be a more comfortable way to get protein into your diet, she says. The process of hydrolyzing also allows collagen peptides to dissolve in water, which makes it relatively simple to use them in everyday foods (like water or smoothies).



3. Collagen Smooths Wrinkles and Boosts Elasticity in Skin




Skin health is collagen’s most well-researched benefit, says Lachman. In one review, researchers analyzed 11 randomized placebo-controlled studies of more than 800 patients who took up to 10 grams (g) per day of collagen with the goal of improving skin health.[4] The results? The supplements were shown to improve skin elasticity, help it better hold onto moisture, and increase the density of collagen fibers within skin.



Another review and meta-analysis on 14 randomized controlled trials on about 1,000 people also supported the idea that hydrolyzed collagen could improve skin hydration and elasticity across a variety of sources of collagen (including bovine, chicken, and fish) at even lower doses — 0.3 milligrams (mg) to 5 g daily for at least four weeks.[5] It could be a small step in preserving a youthful appearance.




4. Collagen May Relieve Joint Aches and Pains



Joint pain can make it difficult to exercise, which can knock you off track in meeting your fitness goals. A collagen supplement may help you stay the course. “There is some evidence that collagen can be great for supporting connective tissues and improving joint pain after exercise,” says Angelone.




For instance, one study found that athletes with knee pain who took 5 g of collagen peptides daily for 12 weeks had less joint pain during exercise than a placebo group.[6] Oral collagen may support cartilage repair and may also have an anti-inflammatory effect.



Collagen helps maintain skin elasticity, joint health, and bone density. But as we age past our twenties, our bodies produce less of the protein. See our picks for the best collagen supplements that may support healthy aging.




5. Oral Supplements May Promote Gut Health



In inflammatory digestive conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), there is a “gut healing” theory about collagen. “Some research finds that collagen levels are decreased in patients with these conditions. By taking collagen, you would help correct a deficiency,” says Lachman.




Research found that among IBD patients, there was an imbalance between the formation and breakdown of collagen fibers, and this was connected to inflammation.[7] A study also showed that IBD patients have decreased serum levels of type 4 collagen. Collagen is a part of connective tissue, which makes up your colon and GI tract, so by bringing your levels up, there may be a supportive environment for your body to heal.[8] This is an emerging idea, Lachman says, but it may be one benefit to trying a supplement or dietary approach to increase collagen intake.



And for some healthy people, an oral collagen supplement may also help improve GI symptoms. When women were asked why they took collagen, they reported that it helped with digestion, kept bowel movements regular, and decreased bloating, among other perceived perks.[9]




Since collagen may contribute to these symptoms for some people, it’s important to keep track of how you feel when taking it and make adjustments to how much, when, or if you take it as needed. Remember to talk to your healthcare provider before trying any supplements.


6. Peptides Can Keep Bones Healthy

Bone mineral density decreases as you age, especially after menopause.[10] In a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial of 102 post-menopausal women, participants who took collagen peptides for one year increased their bone mineral density compared with the control group.[11] The researchers postulated that this was because the collagen stimulated bone formation while slowing down bone loss, although more research is needed, and it’s important to use other measures beyond collagen to support skeleton health, such as exercise like resistance training.[12]

7. Collagen May Be Useful in Joint Disease

There are different types of collagen.[13] Type 1 (found in beef) is beneficial when it comes to your skin, while type 2 (found in chicken) is potentially more helpful when it comes to arthritic joint pain, Lachman explains. Joints are composed of cartilage, which is largely made up of collagen.

A study found that patients with knee osteoarthritis who took acetaminophen along with type 2 collagen reduced joint pain during walking and had quality of life superior to those on the medication alone.[14] That said, research is mixed and hasn’t come to a firm conclusion. Lachman says your best bet is to purchase a supplement that contains various sources of animal collagen for the widest range of benefits.

The Takeaway

Collagen is a key protein that aids in essential bodily functions. There’s some supporting evidence that adding collagen to your diet can help improve skin elasticity and bolster joint and bone health, but more high-quality research is needed. If you’re considering collagen supplements, discuss them with your healthcare provider and be aware of some reported side effects, including a rash and — in rarer cases — liver problems. Look for quality sources such as bone broth or powders.

DQH Knowledge drop: In your 20s, your skin cell turnover decreases. (Cell turnover is a key component in keeping your skin youthful.) You know what else slows down? Your collagen production. Starting in your 20s, collagen decreases by about 1 percent per year. Should you want to prevent fine lines and wrinkles, start by eliminating behaviors that contribute to premature aging. “If it’s bad for you, it’s bad for your skin,” says dermatologist Michel Somenek. “Cigarette smoking reduces blood flow to the skin and causes premature wrinkling and a dull skin texture. Making the repeated pursed motion to inhale can also cause smoker’s lines. Alcohol and recreational drugs are toxins for the skin that damage its cellular structure and DNA,” Somenek tells us. “The faster you eliminate vices while you are young, the better chance your skin and body have to recuperate.” Also, adopting an anti-aging routine in your 20s is key. After all, the best offense is a good defense. We spoke to Somenek and experts Joshua Ross and Audrey Kunin to find out more. Keep reading for the best anti-aging products for your 20s, according to skincare professionals. Sunscreen “We all know that the sun is the number one cause of skin aging and starting the prevention in your 20s is very important,” Ross says. “The majority of your sun damage won’t start to appear until you’re in your 30s, so don’t wait until you see it surface or you’ll be behind the curve. Stay ahead of it with a good-quality zinc-based sunscreen worn daily.” Farmacy Green Defense Daily Mineral Sunscreen An invisible sunscreen with SPF 30, plus botanical extracts meant to protect skin with tons of antioxidants. Bonus: It’s clean and fine to use under makeup. Bareminerals Complexion Rescue™ Tinted Moisturizer Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Although we recommend you use your SPF and moisturizer separately, we also understand moments when you don’t have time or energy for that extra step. For those times, this bareMinerals moisturizer is a great thing to have on hand. Vitamin C Serum “A great introduction to anti-aging is to start with a vitamin C serum in your morning skincare routine,” Ross says. “It’s a powerful antioxidant that will neutralize free radicals and brighten the skin.” He adds that it’s a great way to counteract the effects of the sun’s harmful rays, which, as previously mentioned, are among the biggest causes of premature aging. Drunk Elephant C-Firma™ Vitamin C Day Serum The Drunk Elephant C-Firma is a lightweight serum that promises to give skin a glow by combining the brightening powers of vitamin C with ferulic acid, l-ascorbic acid, and vitamin E. The included sodium hyaluronate is meant to replace hydration loss, so you shouldn’t have to deal with any irritation. Sunday Riley C.E.O. Rapid Flash Brightening Serum This potent serum is jam-packed with vitamin C (15 percent, to be exact), which means it’s a potential superstar at both brightening skin and dousing it in antioxidants. Peptides Using peptides on your skin has many benefits, says Somenek. “The skin barrier is what defends the body against pollution, UV rays, bacteria, and toxins. It can be damaged by several everyday factors. Using topical peptides aids in building a stronger barrier,” he says. “Peptides comprise elastic fibers, which are a type of protein. These fibers help to make skin appear taut and firm. Peptides can also help repair damaged skin, relieve inflammation, and even out skin tone. Some peptides can kill acne-causing bacteria that is common in 20-somethings.” Kunin agrees, saying, “Peptides are an excellent entry point for supporting collagen.” She recommends looking for face and eye treatments that contain these collagen-boosting powerhouses. Charlotte Tilbury Magic Eye Rescue Cream This Charlotte Tilbury super-emollient eye cream has a base of coconut oil and shea butter (read: it’s incredibly hydrating). Botanicals plus peptides are meant to help reduce dark circles and boost collagen, respectively. This creamy moisturizer serves up potent collagen-boosting peptides and pycnogenol, and antioxidant-rich vitamin C. “Instead of sitting on top of the skin, peptides penetrate the outer layer so they go deep. The ‘signals’ they send tell the cells to produce elastin and collagen, which are needed for youthful-looking skin,” explains Somenek. At-Home Peel Pads Remember that skin cell turnover fiasco we talked about earlier? One way to help support it is by exfoliating. “Exfoliation is important to help keep skin fresh and luminous,” Kunin says. She recommends using at-home peel pads as an easy and effective way to exfoliate. “The goal in your 20s is to fight the slowing pace of cell turnover. It is wise to use products that gently exfoliate, yet still remove oil and other impurities. Products that have Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHA) or Beta Hydroxy Acids (BHA) are a good choice.” According to Somenek, you should only exfoliate two to three times a week. “People of all ages are guilty of over-exfoliating and that can be too much of a good thing,” he says. Dermadoctor Kakadu C Intensive Vitamin C Peel Pad A few swipes of this Derma Doctor powerful peel pad promise to leave your skin glowing and smooth, thanks to the seven (yes, seven) types of chemical exfoliants, including AHA and BHA. It also contains vitamin C via Kakadu plum extract for added brightening and antioxidant protection. KEY INGREDIENTS Kakadu plum extract is sourced from the Kakadu plum, a fruit grown in northern Australia. It contains vitamin C, which restores the skin’s natural barrier, increases collagen production, and soothes irritation. Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Alpha Beta® Universal Daily Peel Pads These are the gold standard of peel pads, with a cult following and over 900 five-star reviews on Sephora. They’re easy to use and contain a blend of anti-aging exfoliating acids. Emollient Night Cream “In your 20s, you need to start upping the hydration in your skincare routine. You may have been cautious of over-moisturizing because of acne in your teens, but as you enter your 20s, your skin transitions and becomes drier,” Ross says. “I recommend an emollient night cream added into your evening skincare regimen.” “Twenty-somethings need to make sure that they are not using creams that will clog their pores and cause excess oil production,” says Somenek. Opt for non-comedogenic products. Cerave Skin Renewing Night Cream One great choice is the CeraVe Skin Renewing Night Cream, which is a non-comedogenic night cream that leaves skin soft and glowy. It combines the moisturizing powers of ceramides and hyaluronic acid. RoC Retinol Correxion Max Hydration Creme “The best night cream ingredients contain retinol, benzoyl peroxide, and/or salicylic acid or hyaluronic acid. The goal is to moisturize, yet remove excess oil,” says Somenek. This Roc Retinol Correxion cream fits the bill as it contains both hyaluronic acid and retinol so it promises to moisturize while also being non-comedogenic.
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