Collagen 101: Everything You Need to Know About One the Biggest Supplement Trends(from a former skeptic)
Collagen 101: Everything You Need to Know About One the Biggest Supplement Trends(from a former skeptic)
Why I Was Skeptical About Collagen (And What Changed My Mind)
I’ll be straight with you - I gave collagen a try because my company started selling it, and they have an excellent track record.
I’d heard about the benefits, but given that I was already faithful with protein, was using a serious cellular repair product and anti-aging skin care, I didn’t see how much of a difference it would make. Still, I was excited to try it because, who knows? I may benefit, and I wanted to see how it worked for my clients and team’s sake.
I trust my brand partner, and knew that if they brought it out, it was after extended due diligence and strong backing for its effectiveness.
So I started taking it and did some digging. (No, not chat GPT!) I read the medical articles – nerd alert! The more I learned, the more consistent I became in using it.
Which brings me to a key point about collagen: it needs to be used daily, and the results come over time. They are not immediate.
The Different Types of Collagen (And Why It Matters)
Your body was created to take the nutrients, enzymes and amino acids from your diet, and synthesize (make) everything it needs from that. That’s why the anti-supplement crowd says you only need nutritious food, not supplements.
The same is true for collagen. Your body will synthesize collagen from the amino acids from the protein in your diet.
In a perfectly clean organic world, with perfectly functioning bodies, and no stress or health challenges, that may be true.
But we’re not there, are we?
As we age, our body’s ability to synthesize protein from our diet declines. So does our collagen. Our body is 30% collagen! 75% of our skin is made of collagen! So clearly, we have a high need for collagen in our diet.
While our bodies have 28 forms of collagen, the focus is on 5 main types:
Type I. This type makes up 90% of your body’s collagen. Type I is densely packed and used to provide structure to your skin, bones, tendons and ligaments.
Type II. This type is found in elastic cartilage, which provides joint support.
Type III. This type is found in muscles, arteries and organs.
Type IV. This type is found in the layers of your skin.
Type V. This type is found in the cornea of your eyes, some layers of skin, hair and tissue of the placenta.
One more thing, while collagen comes from amino acids, it is NOT a complete protein by itself.
Collagen Benefits: More Than Just Beauty
There are published studies showing that hydrolyzed collagen peptides can improve skin hydration and elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and even support joint health. . A meta-analysis of 19 studies with over 1,200 individuals shows that collagen is effective. Personally, I believe that it is one of those supplements that needs to be in everyone's daily regimen.
A few of the improvements reported by collagen users who take it regularly:
Healthier gums
Stronger nails – less brittle, no peeling, smoother
Healthier hair - less breaking, stronger
Hair growth including eye lashes and eye brows
Improvements in skin texture - smoother, less rough, more hydrated
Firmer skin, fewer wrinkles, better skin tone
Healthier gut – since collagen supports intestinal integrity
Increased joint comfort and mobility
Improvement in the appearance of varicose veins
Enhance muscle recovery
Support wound healing
As you can see collagen is far more than beauty, it’s an integral part of our body’s structure and function. Better hair skin and nails are a side benefit!
Sooooo, how do you know which one to buy? Choosing a quality collagen supplement
The biggest regret of consumers of collagen supplements?
Lack of product efficacy, and contamination and taste. Let’s look at good criteria for choosing a collagen supplement.
In order to work, collagen supplements must be made in such a way that your body can break it down and then utilize it.
Collagen sourcing: Bovine (cow) , Porcine (pig), chicken, and marine (fish). If you have allergies or religious beliefs around certain animal sources, make sure you check the collagen you’re using.
Tested for clean: Clean is critically important since centralized meat production is not healthy or clean. Oceans and fish farming are often polluted risking contamination of marine collagen. Grass fed, pasture raised animals will be cleaner and a better source. Collagen that is inexpensive is likely sourced from centralized animal feeding operation (CAFO) facilities.
Hydrolyzed collagen: Collagen is a strong fiber which is how it supports the structure in our body. However, to be utilized in our diets, it must go through hydrolysis. Broadly speaking, hydrolysis is a process of using enzymes to break collagen down into smaller peptide chains for quicker absorption in the body. Any collagen you buy, liquid or powder must be hydrolyzed. If not, move on!
Protein: Most consumers are surprised to discover that collagen supplements are not complete protein. Collagen on its own has 8 essential amino acids, not the 9 required to be a complete protein. The missing amino acid in collagen? Tryptophan.
Enhancements: Vitamin C, Biotin and hyaluronic acid are excellent enhancements to any collagen product. Vitamin C increases collagen synthesis ,and helps protect cells from free radical damage. Biotin (vitamin B7) gives extra support to hair, skin and nails as well as supports the metabolism of amino acids. Hyaluronic acid – supports moisture and joint lubrication from the inside out!
What to Expect: Results, Commitment, and Patience
Here’s where most people get tripped up: collagen isn’t a quick fix. Yes, our bodies naturally make some collagen, but production drops off as we age beginning in our 30’s.
Even with a great supplement, you need to take it daily and give it time. Research shows that people usually start seeing changes in skin, hair, or joints after about 30 to 90 days, although you may see it more quickly. Your body knows where the collagen needs to go first, and that’s one reason why it may take some time to see results externally.
I tell customers all the time: “If you want instant results, collagen isn’t a quick fix. But if you stick with it, you’ll thank yourself in three months.”
As someone that has used a collagen supplement for years, I was not prepared for hair loss and thin, brittle nails following the use of a medication. The collagen I was using did not appear to be helping my hair and nails. I received Collagen-9 as a gift when I became an Ambassador. and began stirring it into my morning coffee. By day 32 I was seeing a noticeable improvement in my nails and new hair was growing in around my face. As a naturopath, I understand the body heals itself from the inside out and top to bottom. I will continue using the Collagen 9 trusting that my body knows exactly what to do. Sharon F., Naturopath
Bottom line: be consistent, be patient, and focus on the long game. The changes are real, but you’ve got to give your body what it needs and enough time to do the work.
Decision time – Which one?
My recommendation is Collagen -9 or Up & Glowing from Shaklee. Collagen-9 is unflavored and versatile.
Both Collagen- 9 and Up & Glowing tick all the boxes*
✅Types I & III (Type II is available in BioCell)
✅Clean – Shaklee tests for 350 contaminants, no questionable sourcing
✅Sourcing – Shaklee uses only grass fed. pasture raised bovine. Non GMO
✅Complete protein – 10 grams of collagen in every serving
✅Enhanced with 500% Biotin and Vitamin C
✅Money back guarantee even if the bag is empty!
Collagen-9 is unflavored. I just mix it in my morning smoothie. I've also included it in pancakes, energy balls, & yogurt.
Up & Glowing Vanilla Chai Latte is unique. A delicious vanilla latte mix uniquely designed to deliver the essentials you need to boost your energy levels and your beauty routine. Contains all the necessary building blocks for protein (including collagen) synthesis: 10 g of collagen, all 9 essential amino acids, and 100% DV of vitamin C; with hyaluronic acid and biotin to support the healthy appearance of hair, skin, and nails; and 80 mg caffeine from natural green tea extract to help keep you going.
My favorite is Up & Glowing in warm milk (nut, plant, or dairy) sprinkled with cinnamon.
Ready to Try Collagen?
If you’re still on the fence about collagen, I get it. But after seeing the research and hearing the honest stories from my customers I’ve learned that the right collagen, taken consistently, really can make a difference. It’s about supporting your whole body as you move through life—stronger hair, happier joints, and the confidence that comes from feeling good in your own skin (No crepey skin is a nice benefit!).
The most important thing? Choose a clean, complete protein collagen you trust, stick with it daily, and give your body time to do its thing. Results aren’t instant, but they are real.
Curious which collagen is right for you? Feel free to send me a message or schedule a free Discovery call. If you’re ready to get started, you can check out both forms I offer—just pick what suits your taste and lifestyle. And if you’ve already tried collagen, I’d love to hear your story.
Here’s to future proofing your body and feeling stronger at any age!
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
This is an original article written by Karen Miner Hurd. Copyright 2025 Leadership Marketing Group, Inc. All rights reserved.
