A new study found the key protein has ‘meaningful’ benefits for your skin, bones and muscles
A recent study revealed the wide-reaching effects of a single supplement which could help your skin, bones and muscle health. However, experts at Boots warned people may need to be taking this supplement for a long time before reaping the benefits.
Collagen is a key protein found in many bodily functions. While we do naturally produce our own collagen stores, production levels tend to slow down as we get older causing a range of potential aesthetic and functional issues. Vicky Pennington, nutritionist at Boots, explained: “Collagen is one of the human body’s most abundant proteins and it’s essential for building muscle and cell repair.”
Popularity of collagen supplements is growing on social media but the nutritionist urged people to look elsewhere first: “Before you think about taking collagen supplements, it’s important to ensure that you’re doing as much as you can naturally to maintain collagen levels.
“This means eating a healthy diet including a mixture of nuts and seeds, a variety of colourful fruits and veggies, fish and grass-fed protein. Marine collagen, from wild-caught fish such as salmon is absorbed up to 1.5x more efficiently than cow or pig sources, so opt for fish when you can.”
Collagen has been lauded by some on social media for its effect on the skin, and this may be worth the hype, as Vicky explained: “Collagen is essential for so much more than skin elasticity and hydration. It plays a key role in support for holistic skin maintenance, healthy bones and joints, muscle repair and protecting organs, including the gut.”
Another common misconception about collagen is when people should start taking it. Vicky continued: “Taking collagen won’t have an instant impact, but taking it consistently over a long period of time is shown to have the best effect.
“There is no perfect time to begin taking collagen. When you reach 40+, collagen production declines quicker so many choose to start taking collagen supplements in their 20s and 30s.”
Kirstie Thorley-Mitchell, head of wellness at Boots, revealed that people in their 20s seem to be on top of the trends: “Collagen supplements are more popular with younger generations, a recent survey by Boots revealed that half of Gen Z and millennials have tried collagen, compared to just 20% of people in their 60s.
“If you do want to supercharge your collagen intake to replace lost collagen or encourage your body to produce more of it, then collagen supplements might be for you.
“Collagen supplements come in multiple forms including tablets, powders, capsules, gummies and drinks, so there’s a way for everyone to incorporate it in their everyday routine.
“For anyone feeling overwhelmed with the choice of options available, Boots has introduced new wellness training to over 500 Health & Wellness Specialists in 140 stores nationwide.”
Some of Kirstie’s top collagen picks include Free Soul Collagen Gummies for £14.99, Absolute Collagen’s Liquid Marine Collagen sachets for £30 and Boots Marine Collagen tablets for £33.
NHS consultant’s perspective on collagen
One senior doctor spoke to the BBC about collagen supplements in 2025 but was more sceptical. Professor Faisal Ali, a consultant dermatologist at Mid Cheshire NHS Trust, said: “The best thing you can do for your skin is using decent sunblock. We know the sun has a huge impact on ageing our skin.
“Sun cream, healthy diet, and if you smoke, stop. These will have a far greater impact than collagen supplements.”
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