Should I Take Collagen Supplements? Here’s What to Know

You’ve probably seencollagen supplements popping up everywhere on your feed, tucked next to the protein powder at your local pharmacy, or maybe in a friend’s kitchen. And with all that visibility, it’s only natural to start wondering: should I take collagen supplements?

The short answer is: it depends. Your age, skin, joints, diet, and stress levels can all influence how much collagen your body is holding onto. Some women start to notice the shifts in their mid to late twenties, while others only start asking questions when the fine lines start to appear.

To give you a better understanding, this piece will walk through what collagen does, who might benefit, and how to tell if it’s worth adding to your routine.

Signs You Might Need Collagen Supplements

You might’ve had a moment where collagen supplements crossed your mind, then put the thought aside because things seem fine. But collagen doesn’t disappear all at once. It gradually slows down as we age, showing up in subtle ways that are easy to overlook.

Your body starts producing less collagen in your mid-twenties, and by the time you hit your forties, that slowdown can start to make a real impact on your skin, joints, gut, and how you bounce back after a workout. As collagen production declines, you might notice a few other signs:

• Skin looking a bit duller or less firm than it used to

• Fine lines setting in or becoming more noticeable

• Joints feeling stiffer, especially in the morning or after exercise

• Nails breaking easily or growing more slowly

• Hair thinning or not growing back

• Bloating or gut discomfort

Should I take collagen supplements? That depends on how your body feels and functions. Some people may benefit more than others, depending on what life looks like day to day. Here are some groups who might notice the difference sooner:

• People over 25 experiencing early signs ofageing due to natural collagen decline.

• Athletes or active people needing support for joint recovery and movement.

• Those with low protein or poor diets that don’t support natural collagen production. 

• Individuals withgut concerns that can benefit from collagen support.

What Are the Key Benefits of Taking Collagen Supplements?

You’ve probably heard collagen linked to glowing skin, healthier nails, and stronger joints. But what does it actually do, and why do so many people swear by it? Here’s how collagen can support your body in noticeable ways:

For skin and visible ageing

Collagen helps maintain skin structure by supporting elasticity and moisture retention, which can soften the look of fine lines over time. As your natural collagen levels dip, skin may start to feel drier or less firm. Topping it up can help it feel fresher and more resilient.

For joint and bone health

Supplementing with collagen may help reduce joint discomfort by supporting the cartilage that cushions movement. It also contributes to bone strength, especially as we age and naturalbone density begins to decline.

For hair and nails

Collagen provides the amino acids your body uses to build keratin, the protein that supports strong nails and thicker hair. If your nails are brittle or your hair feels thinner than it used to, a consistent collagen routine may help bring back some much-needed strength.

For gut and overall wellness

Did you know collagen also plays a role in supporting the gut lining? It can aid digestion and how your body absorbs nutrients, which may help ease bloating, support regularity, and leave you feeling more balanced.

Collagen Supplements vs. Natural Sources: What’s More Effective?

You’ve probably heard that bone broth, fish skin, and lean meats are natural sources of collagen, and they are, but getting enough through food alone can be hit and miss. Collagen in whole foods has to be broken down by the body before it can be used properly, which makes it harder to rely on a diet alone for consistent support.

That’s where supplements can help. Supplements providehydrolysed collagen, which means it’s already broken down into smaller peptides the body can put to use more easily. This makes collagen supplements a practical way to increase your intake, especially if you’re noticing signs of loss or your meals just aren’t covering the gap.

Choosing the Right Collagen Supplement

If you’ve circled back to the question, “Should I take collagen supplements?”, it helps to know what’s actually in them and how your body uses them. Choosing the right type can shape how well it supports your skin, joints, gut, and wellbeing.

Kissed Earth products use two types:bovine collagen peptides, known for their support across skin, joint, and gut health, andmarine collagen peptides, which are especially helpful for skin elasticity and hydration. Both are already hydrolysed, meaning the collagen has been broken down into smaller peptides, so it’s easier for your body to absorb and put to use.

You’ll also see ingredients like vitamin C, zinc, andhyaluronic acid across the range. These work alongside collagen to support formation, help protect against damage, and boost hydration. All this makes the supplements more effective overall.

Plus, you can choose how you take your collagen, too.Collagen protein powders are easy to stir into water or smoothies, whilecollagen protein bars are a simple grab-and-go option with added nutrients.

If you don’t include animal products in your diet, collagen may not be for you. Most people turn tomedicinal mushrooms as an alternative for general well-being and immune support.

The bottom line? It’s about finding what suits your lifestyle and what your body responds well to. Remember that small, consistent shifts can lead to steady changes in how your skin looks, how your body moves, and how balanced you feel each day.