✨ Collagen and Skin Health: What the Latest Science Really Says

TL;DR: Collagen supplements aren’t hype. They're safe, affordable, and proven to improve skin health—and now we know that the source of collagen (fish, cow, pig, or chicken) might not matter as much as we thought.

🔍 What Is Collagen (and Why Should You Care)?

Collagen is like your body's natural scaffolding—it keeps your skin firm, elastic, and hydrated. But starting in early adulthood, we lose about 1–1.5% of collagen every year, which leads to wrinkles, sagging, and dryness.

👵 The Decline Is Real (and Preventable)

Collagen breakdown happens faster if you:

• Smoke

• Spend a lot of time in the sun

• Have poor nutrition or high stress

📈 New Research, Real Results

A new study found that supplementing with collagen peptides (the chopped-up form of collagen that your body can absorb) led to:

• 25% fewer wrinkles around the eyes in 8 weeks

• 9% increase in skin elasticity

• 26% more skin hydration

The supplement used bovine (cow) collagen, and still showed results comparable to studies using fish or pig sources.

🧬 What’s Happening Under the Skin?

Researchers looked at fibroblasts (skin cells that produce collagen and elastin) in the lab. When exposed to collagen peptides, these cells started producing:

• More collagen

• More elastin

• More proteoglycans (which hold moisture)

🧠 Common Myth: “Can’t I Just Eat More Protein?”

Collagen peptides are not the same as just eating more protein:

• They contain unique peptides that are absorbed directly into the bloodstream.

• A 2020 trial found collagen peptides outperformed regular protein in wound healing for burn patients.

🧪 Other Supplements That Help Skin

1. Hyaluronic Acid

• Can absorb 1.5 gallons of water per ¼ tsp

• Helps skin stay plump, hydrated, and smooth

• Studies show it reduces wrinkles and dryness significantly

2. Sun Protection

• UV rays break down collagen, damage DNA, and age the skin faster

• A daily sunscreen habit is critical for preventing skin damage

✅ ACTIONABLE TAKEAWAYS

• ☑️ Choose collagen peptides, not just any protein powder.

• ☑️ Don’t stress about the animal source—cow, fish, and pig all work.

• ☑️ Look for well-made collagen products (high quality processing matters).

• ☑️ Consider adding hyaluronic acid for an extra boost.

• ☑️ Wear broad-spectrum sunscreen daily—even when it’s cloudy.

Check out Dr. Brad Stanfield’s latest video where he breaks down the evidence and dives into the studies.