Ageing is inevitable, but its effects on your skin can be minimised through simple changes to your lifestyle, diet, and skin care routine.
Supplements can also play a big role, with collagen often considered one of the most effective options. A nutritionist explained how it works, noting that results are best when it is taken alongside vitamin C.
Chief product officer and nutritionist at Protein Works, Kyle Crowley, said: "Taking collagen supplements is a simple way to support your skin’s health.
"Natural collagen production begins to decline around age 25, which can weaken the skin’s structure and lead to greater signs of visible ageing.
Collagen can slow down the visible signs of ageing
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“Collagen peptides are a great supplement for supporting healthy-looking skin and natural collagen production for a balanced lifestyle.
"Supplementing with collagen peptides can support your skin's health by helping to prompt cells to produce more collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.
"These are essential components for keeping skin hydrated and healthy-looking, contributing to a more radiant complexion."
Collagen is a protein naturally produced by the body, though production declines with age. It can help reduce visible signs of ageing by supporting skin hydration and elasticity, and is available in forms such as powders, gels, tablets, and creams.
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While there are plenty of options on the market, the supplement can be more beneficial when paired with vitamin C, like in Marine Collagen Peptides 360 by Protein Works.
Crowley explained: “It is worth noting that combining collagen with vitamin C is essential to complete stable collagen synthesis, strengthen the connective tissue and maximise skin health, whether this be through diet or supplementation."
Indeed, a small study published in the National Library of Medicine looked at the effects of taking vitamin C with collagen on 87 women aged between 40 and 65.
The 16-week study found improved skin density, texture and wrinkle appearance when taking the two together. While results are not guaranteed for everyone, multiple studies have shown the supplement can make a visible difference.
A study showed the supplement gives the best results when paired with vitamin C
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A 2025 breakthrough study from the University of Otago, Faculty of Medicine, found similar results. The research, published in the International Journal of Investigative Dermatology, showed collagen production and skin renewal respond directly to vitamin C consumption.
Crawley added: "The reason this collagen supplement contains your daily required intake of 80 mg of Vitamin C is because it is crucial in supporting your body's natural production of collagen.
"Supplementing collagen without consuming enough vitamin C may not give the best desired results."
Popular forms include marine collagen, derived from fish, and bovine collagen, sourced from cows. For best results, choosing hydrolysed collagen alongside adequate vitamin C is the most important, as the differences between marine and bovine sources are relatively small.
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