If you're taking collagen for the anti-aging benefits, look for type I, or a combo of type I and type III. Both are found in the skin and support skin health (think: improved skin hydration, firmness and texture, as well as fewer wrinkles, per a review study in 2019 in the journal Molecules).
Type I or type 1 collagen is the strongest type of collagen. If you're looking for a collagen for supporting skin health, type 1 is a top choice since it's literally a building block of the skin.
Look for collagen that comes from grass-fed, pasture-raised animals or wild-caught fish. The collagen should not have any additional fillers or additives. Overall, when choosing a collagen supplement opt for a brand that is transparent about their processes and sourcing.
Our best overall pick is the Ancient Nutrition Multi Collagen Protein Powder, which has hydrolyzed collagen that comes from grass-fed food sources to promote healthy skin and joints.
The Original Medical-Grade Collagen: AminoSculpt Original contains the only Type 1 Collagen backed by 40 years of medical use and clinical research. These collagen peptides are time-tested and have been used by over 4,700 health professionals including surgeons, doctors, and nutritionists.
Vital Proteins® Original Collagen Peptides
Jen Says: "My go-to collagen routine is adding Vital Proteins® Collagen Peptides ($27; shop now) in my morning cup of coffee or smoothie – so easy to use."
In other words, the collagen peptides specifically trigger collagen production in joint tissues. So, unless you are consuming Type II undenatured or Matrix collagen specifically for joints, then the type(s) of collagen you ingest won't matter.
Collagen supplements may lead to mild side effects such as bloating, heartburn, and feelings of fullness. If you have food allergies, make sure to purchase supplements that don't contain your allergens.
Fish, or “marine”, collagen contains 90% Type I and 10% Type III collagen. These are the two main types of collagen in the skin. Therefore, they are the best types of collagen for eliminating wrinkles and sagging skin.
Collagen powders are the most effective format as they can offer significantly more collagen per serving than capsules or pills. In addition, powders are also highly versatile and can contain additional good-for-you ingredients.
A further 2021 meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials concluded that ingestion of hydrolyzed collagen for 3 months is effective at reducing skin ageing, as it reduces wrinkles and improves skin elasticity and hydration (4).
Superstars like Drew Barrymore, Lady Gaga, and the Kardashian sisters swear by these nutrient-rich beauty drinks. Among the many brands, Taut® Premium Collagen Drink – rated as the “Bentley” of collagen drinks – has been featured in Cosmopolitan, New Beauty, and other leading magazines.
Loose skin can be problematic, but there are multiple ways to minimize or reduce it. Collagen is a huge factor in the skin's elasticity. Boosting your body's collagen production is one way to reduce loose skin.
Some research has found that taking daily collagen powder could help make your bones denser, slowing the aging process that makes them brittle and helping your body to produce new bone. Skin elasticity and hydration. Collagen supplements have been shown to improve skin hydration and elasticity for older people.
Collagen is a structural protein of the blood vessel wall, which is normally concealed beneath the cells that line the blood vessel inner walls. When the blood vessel becomes injured, collagen is exposed and attracts cells called platelets from the blood which causes blood clotting.
Human studies are lacking but some randomized controlled trials have found that collagen supplements improve skin elasticity. [3,4] Other trials have found that the supplements can improve joint mobility and decrease joint pain such as with osteoarthritis or in athletes.
“Collagen peptides can help protect your ligaments and tendons,” Czerwony says, “So they're worth a try for anybody who has arthritic pain or who works out a lot.” In studies, collagen peptides are shown to significantly reduce joint pain among athletes, the elderly and people with degenerative joint disease.
Collagen peptides are made by breaking animal collagen down through hydrolysis. So, while collagen is a complete protein, collagen peptides are fragments of that protein. Whole collagen is difficult for the body to digest or absorb, while collagen peptides are significantly more accessible for the body.
Collagen supplements may not be safe for: People with fish, shellfish, or egg allergies (collagen supplements may contain these allergens as ingredients)16. People with a Kosher or Halal diet. People with a vegetarian or vegan diet.
The 'Keeping Up With the Kardashians' star is the new global spokesperson and partner of Dose & Co collagen.
Does collagen work? Some studies show that taking collagen supplements for several months can improve skin elasticity, (i.e., wrinkles and roughness) as well as signs of aging. Others have shown that consuming collagen can increase density in bones weakened with age and can improve joint, back and knee pain.
Marine collagen is better for the human body than bovine collagen for various reasons, but chief among these is its unique structure. Marine collagen tends to contain more amino acids and glycine than bovine varieties, which are essential for skin health.
Ultraviolet rays, aka sunlight, cause collagen to break down faster. With sun exposure, those UV rays damage the skin by entering the dermis (the second and thickest layer of our skin) which causes collagen to break down faster.