Your guide to all-things collagen

What collagen really does for skin, hair, joints, and more.

It’s likely that you’ve seen collagen marketed to you in the form of powders, creams, gummies, protein bars, teas, you name it. The buzz is loud! While it’s often touted as a skincare ingredient, this powerhouse protein actually contains multitudes.

The most abundant protein in the body, collagen helps support the structure of our skin, joints, hair, bones, and connective tissue. But starting in our mid-20s, our collagen production begins to slow down — and factors like stress, sugar, sun exposure, and environmental toxins can accelerate its breakdown.[1]

When we naturally lose collagen with age, we see the results in fine lines, brittle hair and nails, creakier joints, and slower exercise recovery. That’s where collagen supplements come in. Used correctly, they can become an everyday wellness staple for people looking to support their bodies from the inside out.

How to choose the right collagen supplement for you

With so many collagen formats and brands out there, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here’s what to consider when shopping around for your perfect fit:

- Sourcing matters. Look for collagen derived from grass-fed, pasture-raised bovine or sustainably sourced wild-caught fish. These sources are not only more ethical, but often higher in quality and purity.

- Hydrolyzed = more absorbable. Hydrolyzed collagen, also called collagen peptides, is broken down into smaller pieces so your body can absorb and use it more efficiently.[2]


- Pair with vitamin C. Your body needs vitamin C to produce collagen, so we like combo supplements that also include C. You can also try pairing your collagen with a C-rich supplement, food, or beverage to help you get more out of every dose.[3]

- Know your options if you’re vegetarian or vegan. While traditional collagen is animal-derived, there are now plant-based formulas that support your body’s own collagen production with ingredients like amino acids, silica, and antioxidants. So you can stay plant-based but still reap the benefits.

- Make it an everyday part of your routine, and be sure to choose a format you’ll actually use and enjoy. If you’re a smoothie lover, powders are a great option If you’re always on the go, try capsules. If you’re picky about flavors, try unflavored options that stir into basically anything. Consistency is key!

The Bottom Line

Supplemental collagen can make a big impact on your body.

When you get enough collagen, you help support everything from skin elasticity and joint health, to stronger hair, and glowier skin. Shop smartly at Grove, where we’ve curated a selection of high-quality, well-formulated additions to your wellness routine. So you know you’re getting a higher standard from head to toe.

Sources

  1. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. “Oral collagen supplementation: A systematic review of dermatological applications.” https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jocd.12407
  2. International Journal of Medical Sciences. “Collagen hydrolysate improves joint health and skin elasticity.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8824541/
  3. Nutrients Journal. “Collagen and the Role of Vitamin C in Its Synthesis.” https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6835901/