Collagen

Should you be taking a collagen supplement?

When it comes to supplements, there’s a lot of information out there. Some good. Some bad. Some scientifically-backed. Some are so laughable that it makes us, well, laugh. 

To tackle collagen, we decided to answer the internet’s most popular questions. Hopefully, after reading the answers, you’ll know whether collagen supplements are for you. When you decide that they are, scroll back up and check our collection of oral collagen supplements to get started. 

Why do we need collagen?

Great first question. Collagen is the substance that holds us together. 

Collagen is a protein responsible for strong, healthy joints and skin elasticity. Everything from our bones and skin to muscles, ligaments, and tendons are held together by collagen. It’s in our blood, too. 

As we get older, the collagen that we have breaks down, and it’s really hard to produce more.

This means that skin starts looking dry and fine lines and wrinkles start popping up where youthful glow once lived. This is why most people start taking oral collagen supplements – to combat the undeniable effects of aging. 

Can we make collagen for ourselves?

When you’re young, collagen formation happens naturally. That’s why we all look so young when we’re young. 

But then in our twenties, we start slowing down the collagen production factory. Add in lifestyle factors like smoking, unhealthy diet, and way too much UV exposure, and you’ve got saggy skin and not enough collagen to help it bounce back (literally). 

There is good news! Collagen supplements help provide your body with the building blocks needed to form new collagen. 

What can collagen supplements be added to?

Add collagen supplements to drinks such as water, coffee, juices, smoothies, etc. The options are endless. 

Collagen can also be added to oils, creams, and lotions and applied topically – like you do with any moisturizer. These are not meant to be ingested. Just saying.

What’s better? Topical or collagen powder that you drink?

Ehhh… we don't have an exact answer for this one. It’s really up to you. 

Topical collagen is easy to add to your daily skincare routine. But taking it orally can be a part of your training routine. It’s really up to you and what works best with your schedule. 

Does drinking collagen work? 

When you drink collagen, you’re sending the collagen peptides (small pieces of protein) straight to the stomach. The idea behind it is that you’re building up from the inside out… versus putting on a lotion and hoping it stays on your skin. 

Collagen powders are supplements. Like all dietary supplements, they are not designed to be meal replacements. You still need to eat properly, not just down a collagen smoothie, and hope for the best. 

Can you ingest too much collagen?

If you experience any negative side effects, seek advice from a medical professional – not this page. 

Ok, now that’s out of the way. For the most part, collagen is a safe daily supplement and can be taken every day. Most people will not have any adverse side effects. 

The most common side effects that we’ve found include unpleasant taste, heartburn, mild diarrhea, and a heaviness in the stomach (like feeling really full). 

When buying any type of nutritional supplement, always check the recommended dosage on the package and follow the guidelines. 

What’s the best way to take collagen powder?

Most collagen powders come with a handy little scoop so that you can make sure you get the right dose.

Collagen powders can be added to almost everything. See if you like them best in hot or cold beverages. Just be sure you use the scoop that comes with the package. 

If you find your powder to be too lumpy, use a shaker to make sure it dissolves.  

Does collagen make you gain weight?

No, collagen doesn't help you pack on weight or build muscle fast. Collagen is a protein, but unlike protein powders or creatine, you won't see huge increases in muscle mass... and therefore you won't have massive weight gain.