Collagen supplements: Your daily beauty boost from within!

Do you know that feeling when you look in the mirror and think: "My skin is a little less radiant than it used to be ?" Or that your hair seems less full and your nails feel a bit brittle? Maybe you don't pay much attention to it—but still, maybe something's nagging at you. After all, don't we all want to feel vital, fresh, and energetic, inside and out?

This moment might just be the beginning of a new routine: discovering collagen supplements. Perhaps you've heard of them: from a friend who raves about a powder in her coffee, a beauty blogger who swears by a daily dose, or that one colleague who suddenly seems to have a glowing complexion. Collagen isn't just a fad; it's a nutrient that plays a vital role deep within our bodies.

Table of contents:

• What is collagen?
• Advantages
• Types of collagen
• Supplements
• Power supply

What is collagen anyway?

Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that's the most abundant in your body and can be seen as the foundation of your skin, bones, tendons, and connective tissue. It forms the building blocks that keep everything firm and elastic.  

The word comes from the Greek word colla , meaning glue. It refers to the role collagen plays in our bodies, namely, holding everything together. Without collagen, we would literally collapse.  

The beauty of it is: your body produces its own collagen. However, from the age of 25, that production begins to decline very slowly. At first, it's unnoticed, but as you get older, you'll notice it more and more. Your skin loses some firmness, wrinkles appear, and you recover less quickly after a workout.

And that is precisely why collagen supplements get so much attention: they supplement what your body is producing less and less of itself.

What are the benefits of collagen?

In recent years, there has been increasing scientific research into the role of collagen in the body. The effects of collagen supplements and collagen-rich foods on the body are also being studied.  

Currently, no health claims are permitted in Europe regarding the benefits of collagen for your tendons, joints, bones, muscles, or connective tissue. More research is needed.  

Below we list all the collagen benefits that have been scientifically substantiated and approved by the European Commission:

1. Collagen contributes to the maintenance of the normal structure, elasticity and appearance of your skin*

2. Collagen helps hydrate your skin*

3. Collagen maintains the firmness of your skin*

4. Vitamin C contributes to the normal formation of collagen in the body

*This claim falls under the beauty claims drawn up and approved by the Inspection Council

What types of collagen are there?

If you want to delve deeper into collagen, it is important to know that there are different types. Currently, more than 28 different types have already been discovered!

However, 90% of the collagen in your body is made up of the following three types:

Type I. By far the most common type. Good for skin, hair, nails, and bones.

Type II. Found in cartilage and joints.

Type III. Often occurs together with type I, in skin and blood vessels.

When it comes to supplements, you can usually choose from collagen from three different sources:

Fish collagen

Contains primarily type I and is known for its fine molecular structure. Therefore, it is often considered highly absorbable. It is especially popular among those who take it for skin and hair.

Bovine collagen

Contains many types I and III and is therefore widely applicable.

Chicken collagen

Usually rich in type II and often found in supplements.

Most supplements focus on type I (and sometimes type III), as this is directly linked to supporting your skin and hair from within. Think of them as the most "cosmetically" beneficial varieties.  

For many users, the origin of collagen also feels like an ethical choice. Therefore, brands are increasingly offering sustainable fish collagen or collagen from grass-fed cattle. This way, you know you're not only doing something for yourself but also making a conscious choice for the planet.  

Top 6 best collagen supplements

 There are many different collagen supplements on the market. What makes a product one of the best? Below is a checklist of the most important points to consider when choosing a collagen supplement:

1. Go for hydrolyzed collagen

When choosing a supplement, make sure the collagen is hydrolyzed. This means the collagen has been broken down into smaller particles. This is important because it allows your body to absorb it more effectively.

2. Note the origin

Depending on the collagen's source, you can determine its potential uses. The most common types are:

Fish: Rich in type I, for your skin

Cattle: Rich in types I and III, widely applicable

Chicken: Rich in type II, which is found in your joints

3. Go for quality

Choose a reputable brand with a proven track record in the health industry. Quality marks and independent testing and reviews can help guide your decision.

Below you'll find our top 6 best collagen supplements. Here's a quick explanation of why we think they're our favorites:

#1 | Collagen Hydrolyzate Wild Sea Fish from Ergomax

Pure collagen hydrolysate from sustainably sourced wild sea fish

#2 | Collagen Hydrolysate Grass-Fed Beef from Paleo Powders

Contains 20 grams of collagen hydrolyzate per dose, from 100% grass-fed pasture cattle

#3 | Collagen Hydrolysate Grass-Fed from Great Lakes

High in glycine, proline & hydroxyproline, with 12 grams of collagen hydrolysate per serving

#4 | Grass-Fed Beef Collagen from Ancestral Supplements

High-quality, pure ingredients and a source of collagen types I, II & III

#5 | Bone Broth Pastured Chicken from Broth of Life

High-quality proteins from 100% pasture-raised chickens, particularly rich in type II collagen

#6 | Beef Gelatin Grass-Fed European Cattle from Ergomax

Contains all essential amino acids, including high concentrations of glycine and proline

How do you use a collagen supplement?

The great thing about collagen is that you can easily incorporate it into your daily routine. Many people see it as a little treat: a spoonful of collagen powder in your morning coffee—a kind of ritual to start your day right!

Powder

The most popular form: stir it into your smoothie, coffee, or even oatmeal. It's flavorless and therefore very versatile.

Capsules

Handy for on the go. No hassle, just add a sip of water and go!

Drinks or shots

There are for those who love convenience and want a fresh taste.

You don't need to take collagen on an empty stomach; it's often absorbed better with a meal, especially if that meal is rich in vitamin C.

What is a collagen-rich diet?

You don't necessarily need to take supplements: collagen is also found in food. However, it's more difficult to get enough of it daily. Classic sources include:

• Stewed meat , with tendons and skin.
• Fish , especially fish with bones and skin, such as sardines, salmon, or anchovies.
• Bone broth , fresh and slow-drawn, is this age-old delicacy at its best.
• Gelatin , found in sauces or pastries.

Collagen supplements are in principle always made from the bones, cartilage and tendons of mainly beef, fish and chicken.

Regularly consuming fresh broth, meat with skin, or fish with skin or bone pieces can provide your body with sufficient collagen. However, many people prefer a supplement: it's quick, convenient, and you know exactly what you're consuming.

Does vegan collagen exist?

A question we often hear is whether plant-based collagen exists. The honest answer is: no. Collagen comes exclusively from animal sources. However, there are "collagen boosters": supplements containing building blocks that help your body produce collagen itself.  

This includes vitamin C (essential for collagen synthesis), minerals like copper and zinc, and amino acids from sources like algae or plant proteins. These don't directly provide collagen, but they support the process your body is already performing.

For vegetarians and vegans, this is a valuable alternative: you don't opt ​​for ready-made collagen, but you help your body to do the best with what it has.

As a vegetarian or vegan, you can't get collagen through your diet. What you can do, however, is support your body's natural collagen production. Essentially, you're ensuring your body has enough building blocks to produce collagen itself.

The following nutrients help with this, so make sure you eat foods that are rich in these nutrients:

1. Essential amino acids (glycine, proline & lysine)

Found in beans, chickpeas, tofu, nuts and seeds.

2. Vitamin C

Found in abundance in broccoli, red bell peppers, citrus fruits and strawberries.  

3. Minerals (zinc & copper)

Eat mainly nuts, seeds, whole grains and legumes.

4. Antioxidants

Such as hyaluronic acid (in soy and leafy greens) and polyphenols (in berries, green tea and pure cocoa).  

Finally

A collagen supplement isn't a miracle cure that will transform your skin, hair, or nails overnight. It's more like a healthy investment in yourself. A small ritual you give yourself daily.  

Perhaps that's also the power of collagen: it invites us to treat ourselves more consciously and lovingly. And who knows, after a while, you might notice your skin glows a little more and your hair feels stronger—subtle signs that your body appreciates the extra attention.