Have you heard that collagen dietary supplements are currently the most popular 'wellness’ supplement in the UK? Recent research conducted by YouGov shows 10% of adults have used them, with most people saying they take collagen for glowing skin, strong nails and shiny hair. But that's not all collagen could offer you… From better joint and gut health, to improving your sleep – there's new research emerging that suggests collagen is so much more than just a beauty booster. So, what else could collagen help to support, and how does it work? And why is a patch (browse our full range of collagen patches here) the smart solution to boosting your levels?
What exactly are collagen dietary supplements and why do we need them?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body and acts like scaffolding that holds your skin, joints, bones and connective tissues together. As you age, natural collagen production slows down; on average around 1% a year, as you reach your mid to late 20s. Add in lifestyle factors like stress, sun exposure and diet, which can speed the process up, and your skin could start to show signs of ageing. There's no way to reverse this, but there is evidence that suggests supplementing with collagen dietary supplements could help to slow the process down.
How does collagen help to improve your skin:
One of the best known benefits of using collagen dietary supplements is skin health – and there's been lots of research conducted that backs this up. A 2025 review published in Frontiers in Nutrition found that collagen supplementation may help improve skin elasticity, hydration and firmness over time. The research suggests that collagen helps skin hold on to moisture better and maintain its structure, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and dullness.
Want to improve your hair health too? Collagen has also increasingly been linked to stronger nails and healthier hair. Something scientists attribute to the fact that collagen contains amino acids such as proline and glycine, which support keratin production; the protein that makes up hair and nails.
Still not convinced? If sciencey studies aren't your thing, we've got the customer feedback to back this up too. Look at these glowing reviews from fans of our Collagen Plus patch: “My lashes, my hair, my complexion, my joints – everything just seems better with these patches.”
“I don’t like the powders so was happy to find these as an alternative. I really think they’re helping — my nails are stronger and my skin feels firmer.”
The lesser-known benefits of collagen dietary supplements:
1. Joint & muscle health, strength & recovery:
While often marketed for beauty, joint support is one of the most underrated benefits of collagen dietary supplements. The same Frontiers in Nutrition review highlighted collagen’s role in supporting cartilage and connective tissue, which can help improve joint comfort and mobility over time. Whether you’re looking to speed up exercise recovery, or reduce age-related stiffness, collagen could help keep your joints cushioned and flexible; something many users in the review noticed after consistent use.
If you’re using collagen alongside taking regular exercise you could see some really impressive benefits for your muscles and tendons too – high five! A recent meta-analysis of 19 clinical trials indicates using collagen long term (8+ weeks) combined with physical training is associated with building more fat-free mass, improved tendon health, better muscle architecture, AND quicker recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage.
Type II collagen in particular, which you’ll find on both our Collagen Plus and Advanced Collagen patch, was also associated with reducing joint inflammation – making it a must if creaky, sore joints are the bane of your life.
2. Improved gut health:
An even more surprising finding in recent collagen research is its potential role in gut health. Collagen contains amino acids that help support the gut lining, which can contribute to better digestion and gut comfort, making it a go-to if you’re living with IBS or other tummy troubles. A study revealed that taking collagen over 8 weeks reduced bloating and mild digestive symptoms in healthy adult women.
Collagen dietary supplements could also help you maintain a healthy gut barrier – something that’s increasingly linked to overall wellbeing, and better immune system function. For more tips on improving your gut health, read our blog with 5 handy tips here.
3. Superior sleep:
Yes, that’s right – collagen dietary supplements could also help you get a better nights sleep according to research. A study found collagen supplementation reduced the number of nighttime awakenings with regular use – thought to be due to collagen’s glycine content, which plays a role in relaxation.
Even better, it also modestly improved certain aspects of cognitive performance the next day. So your collagen could also help you sleep better and banish the brain fog – who knew?!
And that's not everything! Collagen is also excellent for supporting wound healing, making it a fab choice before and after surgical procedures. Is there anything collagen can’t help with?!
Wondering which type of collagen is best? Read part two of the blog to discover why patches could be the most superior way to top up your collagen levels and which of our two collagen patches is best to support your needs. Want more of a deep dive into the beauty side of collagen? Read: Are Collagen Supplements the Ultimate Beauty Booster.