TL;DR:
- Collagen is a key protein for skin, joints, bones, and cartilage, supporting firmness, elasticity, and tissue regeneration. Its production decreases after age 25, leading to aging signs.
- Collagen deficiency causes sagging skin, wrinkles, slower wound healing, joint pain, stretch marks, cellulite, weaker hair, and teeth.
- Drinkable collagen, often hydrolyzed for better absorption, is commonly supplemented with vitamins (C, E, A) to enhance efficacy; fish-derived collagen shows the best results.
- Benefits of drinking collagen include improved skin moisture, elasticity, reduced wrinkles, fewer stretch marks, better resistance to external factors, and stronger hair, nails, and joints. Results require regular, daily intake over 1–3 months.
- Side effects may include allergies, digestive issues, muscle pain, bad aftertaste, and mouth odor. Quality supplements with clean ingredients are essential.
Collagen is a very important building block of human skin. Among other things, it is responsible for firmness and its youthful appearance. No wonder, then, that it has recently become so popular and is widely used in both cosmetics and aesthetic medicine. It is used as an ingredient in creams, but just as often you can hear about dietary supplements containing collagen in a drinkable form. However, does drinkable collagen actually bring results in the form of skin rejuvenation? To avoid being fooled, it's worth knowing what collagen is and whether drinking it is a hit or a cheap marketing ploy.
What exactly is collagen?
Collagen is a protein that has large amounts of amino acids in its composition, such as glycine, proline, as well as hydrosypoline and hydroxyzine. It is a key building block of connective tissue, and therefore skin. It serves as a kind of rack for the structure of the dermis. The properties of collagen make the skin moisturized, firm, elastic and look healthy and radiant. In addition, collagen is responsible for tissue regeneration. However, a decline in collagen synthesis is already noticeable after the age of 25, which is related to the body's greater demand for collagen than its production. As a result, the first signs of skin aging appear.
Effects of collagen deficiency
Insufficient collagen is primarily associated with a decrease in elasticity and firmness of the skin. The first wrinkles and sagging of the skin are noticeable. In addition, the skin becomes less moisturized and more exposed to harmful external factors, such as sunlight and sub-zero temperatures. It is also worth bearing in mind that collagen is the building block of skin, joints, bones and cartilage. Therefore, its reduced production in the body contributes to poorer wound healing, the formation of cellulite, a greater risk of stretch marks and the appearance of joint problems, weakened hair and teeth.
Drinking collagen – hit or miss?
Collagen is available as a dietary supplement in many forms. A common one is the one for daily drinking when dissolved in water or in an ampoule. However, is collagen in liquid form really effective? First of all, drinking collagen is available in many attractive flavors to encourage its consumption. It is naturally found in fruit jellies, offal, gelatin and chicken feet and fish stock. However, in this form, it is poorly absorbed, and makes for an unattractive meal. Therefore, supplementation of collagen in liquid form seems to be justified especially since the supplements have vitamins in their composition that facilitate its absorption. The most common are vitamin C, E and A. Drinkable collagen has a hydrolyzed form of the protein, which also affects easier absorption of collagen by the body. Proponents of drinkable collagen claim that after drinking collagen, it is absorbed by the digestive system and then penetrates into the bloodstream. As a result, ingested collagen molecules stimulate increased production of naturally occurring collagen in the body. In addition, numerous studies have been conducted regarding the effectiveness of drinking collagen. Collagen derived from fish has recorded the greatest effectiveness in terms of increasing collagen in the skin and improving its appearance. However, opinions are divided on the effectiveness of drinking collagen. Some believe that delivered collagen in liquid form is digested and in no way contributes to the increase in collagen produced in the dermis. It is also worth bearing in mind that when deciding on supplementation with collagen for drinking, it is important to pay attention to the composition of the supplement and choose only one that does not have artificial and suspicious substances in its composition.
Side effects of drinking collagen.
The development of allergic reactions in the body has been noted in some people who regularly take collagen. In addition, taking collagen in drinking form can cause hypersensitivity to certain nutrients and general weakness of the body. Side effects also include muscle and joint pain and bowel problems. People who use drinking collagen may also develop an acidic and unpleasant aftertaste and mouth odor. Therefore, when using drinking collagen, pay attention to the composition of the supplement and do not exceed the manufacturer's recommended dose. It is best to choose marine collagen that has been extracted from the skin and scales of fish, as its effectiveness has been supported by research.
Effects of collagen for drinking
The increased amount of collagen in the body contributes, first of all, to the improvement of skin condition. The skin is moisturized and increases its elasticity, making wrinkles less visible. In addition, people taking collagen have noticed increased skin density and a change in the condition of their skin, which looks young and fresh. Regular intake of collagen in liquid form also helps reduce the formation of new wrinkles, counteracts skin discoloration, as well as cellulite and stretch marks. A positive effect of increasing the amount of collagen in the body is also an increase in the skin's resistance to harmful external factors, such as UV radiation, negative temperatures or polluted air. In addition, it has been noted that collagen in liquid form has a positive effect on the condition of not only the skin, but also hair and nails. They become strong and stop splitting. Collagen also helps to get rid of pain in the joints, strengthen teeth and bones. However, to notice the effects of drinking collagen you need to take it regularly. This means drinking the recommended dose of the supplement every day. After about a month of use, you may notice an improvement in the appearance of your skin, but the full effects will be visible only after 3 months of regular use of collagen. If the recommended dose is often skipped, the treatment does not make much sense, as the effects are unlikely to appear. In addition, the effectiveness and results achieved in taking collagen are influenced by the composition of the supplement.
Conclusion
Drinkable collagen shows promise, but it’s not a miracle fix. Regular use benefits skin elasticity, hydration, and appearance over time. Results depend on consistency and the supplement’s quality. Be cautious of side effects and choose products with clean ingredients. While it’s not for everyone, research supports its effectiveness when sourced well, especially marine collagen. Always pair collagen intake with a balanced diet and proper skincare for best results. Ultimately, it’s one tool among many to support healthy skin, hair, and joints—not a cure-all.
