Gut Health

    Is Collagen Worth the Hype?

    Written By: Steve Collins
    Published at: 09/01/2025
    Updated at: 09/01/2025

    Gut Smarter

    If you’ve scrolled wellness TikTok or Instagram lately, chances are collagen has popped up all over your feed. From glowing skin and hair, to stronger joints and gut health, it’s being touted as the supplement that does it all.

    But is collagen really worth the hype? Let’s break down what it is, how it works in your body, and whether adding it to your daily routine makes sense for you.

    So, what is collagen?

    Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. Think of it as your body’s natural scaffolding — giving structure to your skin, strength to your bones, and flexibility to your joints.

    It makes up roughly a third of all protein in the human body and plays a role in almost every system: skin, hair, nails, joints, tendons, ligaments, muscles, bones, even your gut lining.

    Collagen’s structure is made up of long chains of amino acids, (glycine, proline and hydroxyproline) arranged in a unique triple-helix. This shape makes it strong, stretchy, and versatile — exactly what your body needs to keep tissues firm yet flexible.

    Fig: collagen internal structure.

    Breaking down the different collagen "types"

    There are 3 different types: 

    • Type I → The most abundant. Found in skin, bones, and tendons. Supports firm, resilient skin and strong connective tissue.
    • Type II → The main collagen in cartilage, helping your joints move smoothly and stay cushioned.
    • Type III → Often works alongside Type I. Found in skin, blood vessels, and connective tissue, helping maintain elasticity.

    These three types make up the majority of collagen in your body, each playing a slightly different role in keeping you strong, supported, and moving well.

    Why collagen matters 

    Well, from our mid-20s, our bodies begin producing less collagen — around 1% less each year. This decline can accelerate after 40, particularly during perimenopause.

    Although this decline is natural aging process, it can be accelerated by lifestyle factors like:

    • Oxidative stress (from poor diet, lifestyle, pollution, or UV exposure)
    • Inflammation (often driven by stress, alcohol, or highly processed foods).

    This decline can show up as:

    • Dry, sagging skin 
    • Loss of skin elasticity 
    • Fine lines and wrinkles
    • Weak, brittle nails 
    • Thinning hair
    • Stiff and achy joints
    • Digestive issues such as gas and bloating 
    • Slow wound healing.

    Fig: Average collagen loss over lifetime.

    What can we do about collagen loss?

    While collagen naturally declines with age, supporting your body’s production is possible through both lifestyle and supplementation. Eating a nutrient-rich diet, managing stress, prioritising sleep, and protecting your skin all help.

    If you want to support your body directly, collagen supplements can be a powerful addition — but it’s important to choose wisely, as not all collagen powders are created equally.

    Here’s what makes a difference:

    • Hydrolysed collagen peptides – smaller amino acids are easier for your body to absorb and use.

    • Transparent sourcing – high-quality, ethically sourced collagen (like grass-finished) ensures purity and effectiveness.

    • Added supportive nutrients – ingredients like zinc, silica, or prebiotics can amplify benefits for skin, hair, nails, and gut health.

    • Clinically studied ingredients – look for evidence-backed additions like prebiotics or minerals that support your gut and skin.

    Does it actually work?

    Research shows that hydrolysed collagen — broken down into smaller, easy-to-absorb peptides — can support skin elasticity, joint comfort, and even gut lining health. 

    Clinical studies have found:

    • Skin benefits: Daily supplementation (10g a day) of collagen peptides can increase skin hydration, elasticity, and density, and reduce wrinkle depth over 4–12 weeks.

    • Gut support: Amino acids in collagen help maintain the gut lining (intestinal mucosa), which can reduce digestive discomfort and support overall gut integrity.

    • Synergistic effects: When combined with other nutrients like zinc, silica, or prebiotics, collagen’s effectiveness for skin, hair, nails, and gut health can be amplified.

    • Joint health: Collagen peptides have been shown to reduce joint pain in athletes and adults with osteoarthritis, improving mobility and comfort.

    The effects aren’t overnight, but consistent use alongside a nourishing lifestyle can make a noticeable difference over time.

    Debunking the collagen myths

    Plenty of people have an opinion on collagen and its effectiveness. Let's take a look at the most common myths to see if there's any truth to them:

    • Collagen can't be absorbed: not all collagen powders have been created equal so quality really matters here. The process of hydrolysing breaks the collagen down into tiny particles to aid absorption, so ensure to look for hydrolysed collagen peptides to boost effectiveness.

    • Collagen is just a beauty product: while fantastic for skin health (elasticity, hydration, plumpness), being the connective tissue throughout your body, collagen is also vital to the health and integrity of your hair, nails, joints and gut wall too.

    • Any collagen product will achieve the same benefits: wildly untrue and again quality matters when it comes to effective results. This is why we recommend paying particular attention to the quality, sourcing and dosing of ingredients.
    Collagen Restore™

    A high-tech collagen formula to restore plump skin + improve gut health

    How our collagen is different

    Collagen Restore is a high-tech formula with evidence-based ingredients designed to restore, plump your whole body in mind — not just your skin. It combines:

    • Australian grass-finished collagen peptides, type I and III peptides - for skin, joint, and gut support.
    • Bimuno® prebiotic – clinically shown to improve bloating, digestion, and gut health in just 7 days.
    • Organic bamboo silica & zinc glycinate – supporting hair, nails, strong bones, and connective tissue.

    Together, these ingredients work in harmony to nourish from the inside out — supporting not only collagen in your body, but also the gut, immune system, and overall wellbeing.

    So, is collagen worth the hype?

    We say yes! And judging by the reviews from our customers below, it seems they do too.

    Supporting your body’s collagen through quality supplementation can make a noticeable difference over time, from skin hydration and elasticity to joint comfort and gut health.

    Collagen Restore is designed to do more than just boost collagen. With grass-fed peptides, Bimuno® prebiotic, and essential minerals like zinc and silica, it nourishes your skin, hair, nails, joints, and gut from the inside out.

    If you’re looking for a simple, evidence-backed way to support your body as it naturally changes with age, collagen can absolutely be worth it — especially when you choose a formula that’s thoughtfully crafted for whole-body wellbeing.

    Collagen Restore™

    A high-tech collagen formula that works to restore plump, firm, bouncy skin and improve gut health and function. 

    Get Yours

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    My Way Up® has strict sourcing guidelines to ensure our content is accurate and current. We rely on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.

    This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment.