Hydrolyzed Collagen – Skin Deep or Just a Trend?

A few years ago, if someone told me I’d be mixing collagen powder into my morning coffee like some kind of fountain of youth elixir, I would have laughed. But here we are, drowning in collagen supplements, promising to plump, firm, and rewind time like a real-life Instagram filter.

So, is hydrolyzed collagen really a key component of youthful skin, or is it just expensive dust in a fancy jar? Let’s dive into the science behind collagen, how it supports skin structure, and whether drinking it actually does anything besides draining your bank account.

Collagen: The Skin’s Invisible Scaffolding

Picture your skin like a luxury mattress—firm, bouncy, and full of support. That’s collagen’s job. It’s the most abundant protein in the body, found in the extracellular matrix (ECM)—the architectural framework that holds your skin together. Alongside elastin (for stretch) and hyaluronic acid (for hydration), collagen keeps skin smooth, firm, and resilient.

But—here’s the catch—collagen production naturally declines as we age. And not in a gentle way. By the time we hit our mid-20s, collagen breakdown starts outpacing collagen production. By 40, we’ve lost about 20%, and by 50, things are really thinning out. (Cue the panic-buying of every collagen supplement on the market.)

What Causes Collagen to Decline?

Aging – Your body just… stops making as much. Because, why not?

Sun Damage (UV Radiation) – UV rays break down collagen fibers faster than you can say SPF 50.

High Sugar Diets – Excess sugar leads to glycation, a process where sugar molecules attach to collagen and make it rigid and weak.

Smoking – The chemicals in cigarettes reduce oxygen to the skin, making collagen brittle and breaking it down prematurely.

Chronic Stress & High Cortisol – Prolonged stress increases cortisol, which interferes with collagen production (a double whammy if you’re already stressed about aging!).

Enter Hydrolyzed Collagen – The Skin Savior?

Hydrolyzed collagen (or collagen peptides) is collagen that’s been broken down into smaller, digestible pieces. The idea is: drink it, absorb it, and let your body rebuild skin from within.

But does it work? Research says: Maybe. Studies suggest ingesting collagen peptides can:

Increase skin hydration (collagen works with hyaluronic acid to retain moisture)

Improve skin elasticity (plumper, firmer skin over time)

Support the ECM by reducing collagen breakdown

Sounds great, right? But here’s the thing: when you ingest collagen, your body breaks it down into amino acids—which means it doesn’t just go straight to your skin. Your body decides where it’s needed most (and spoiler: your skin is not always top priority).

HOWEVER a recent META study (not funded my the beauty brands.... for once!) Showed that across 1700 participants and 1500 participants, those receiving the hydrolyzed collagen did notice a difference in fine lines and wrinkles over time when compared to the control group. It is now widely though that while we cannot dictate where the body uses the collagen that has been supplemented, ingesting hydrolized collagen can prompt the body into boosting its own stores (How flipping interesting is that!)

But this is not definitive and further studies are needed...so....

How to Boost Collagen Naturally (With or Without Supplements)

If you’re spending £50 a month on collagen powder, make sure you’re giving your skin what it actually needs to use it.

Vitamin C is Key – Collagen can’t be synthesized without Vitamin C. Think citrus, berries, peppers, leafy greens.

Retinoids & Peptides – Retinoids stimulate your body’s natural collagen production, while peptides act as cell messengers to tell fibroblasts to make more.

Protein-Rich Diet – Collagen is made from amino acids, so eat plenty of lean meats, fish, eggs, and plant proteins.

Hydration & Hyaluronic Acid – Water + HA helps support the ECM and collagen matrix.

So, Should You Take Hydrolyzed Collagen?

If you’re looking for a quick fix, collagen supplements won’t magically erase wrinkles overnight. But if combined with a solid skincare routine, sun protection, and a nutrient-rich diet, they can help support skin health over time.

Think of it as one piece of the puzzle—not a miracle cure. And if nothing else, it’s a great excuse to justify the fancy latte powder you keep buying.