By Leah Cooke, Advanced Nurse Practitioner & Director of Glowing by Leah, Stroud
Walk into any clinic, beauty shop or scroll through social media, and you will be met with the same promise: collagen supplements that claim to restore youthful skin, strengthen hair, and reverse the signs of ageing.
As an Advanced Nurse Practitioner working in medical aesthetics, I am asked about collagen powders and drinks almost daily and almost always the same question follows: do they really work? The truth, however, is far more nuanced than the marketing suggests.
What is collagen and why do we care about it?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It provides structure to our skin, joints, bones and connective tissue. As we age, our natural collagen production declines, contributing to fine lines, loss of elasticity, and joint stiffness. This decline fuels the demand for collagen supplementation but understanding how these supplements behave in the body is key.
How collagen supplements work (in theory)
Most supplements contain hydrolysed collagen, also known as collagen peptides, which are broken down into smaller amino acids to improve absorption. However, once ingested, collagen is not transported directly to the skin. Instead, it is digested like any other protein and broken down into amino acids, which the body then uses wherever it is needed, not specifically in the face. This is a crucial point that is often misunderstood.
What does the science actually say?
There is some evidence suggesting collagen supplements may offer modest benefits, including improvements in skin hydration and elasticity in some studies, and reduction in joint pain, particularly in osteoarthritis. However, many of these studies are small or include additional ingredients, making it difficult to isolate collagen’s true effect. More robust research paints a more cautious picture, with higher-quality studies showing far less convincing evidence for significant anti-ageing effects on the skin. This highlights an important issue in aesthetics: the difference between marketing claims and strong clinical evidence.
So, do collagen supplements help?
In my professional opinion, collagen supplements sit in a grey area. They are safe for most people, potentially helpful for joint health and overall protein intake, and possibly beneficial for skin but only subtly and inconsistently. They are not a replacement for medical-grade treatments, a quick fix for ageing, or guaranteed to produce noticeable results. In clinic, I explain to patients that any benefit is likely to be mild and gradual rather than transformative. More importantly, overall health plays a significant role in diet, exercise, sleep, and reducing factors such as smoking and excess alcohol all have a far greater impact on skin quality.
What actually makes a difference?
From both clinical experience and scientific evidence, the most effective ways to support collagen are daily SPF use, medical-grade skincare including retinoids and antioxidants, treatments that stimulate collagen production such as microneedling and biostimulators, and a balanced diet rich in protein and vitamin C. These approaches directly influence collagen production within the skin, rather than relying on supplementation alone.
My view as a practitioner
Collagen supplements are not inherently harmful, and for some patients they can be a useful addition to a wider health and skincare routine. However, I always encourage realistic expectations. If you choose to take them, think of collagen as a supportive supplement, not a solution. In aesthetics, we are moving towards subtle, regenerative results, which require evidence-based treatments, consistency, and a long-term approach, not just a scoop of powder in your morning coffee.
How we support collagen at Glowing by Leah, Stroud
At Glowing by Leah in Stroud, our approach to collagen is rooted in supporting the body to function optimally, rather than relying on quick fixes. While collagen supplements alone are unlikely to deliver dramatic results, there is growing clinical support for the role of high-quality, medical-grade supplementation as part of a wider, evidence-based strategy. In clinic, we work with carefully selected supplements that are clinically studied, formulated for optimal absorption and bioavailability, and free from unnecessary fillers or unregulated ingredients. These are not trend-driven, over-the-counter products, but formulations chosen to support skin health, collagen synthesis, and overall wellbeing. However, supplementation is only one part of the picture, the body must be functioning optimally for any intervention to be effective.
Supporting long-term skin health
In my clinical experience, the most effective results come from consistency and a long-term strategy, rather than reliance on any single product or treatment. Patients are increasingly seeking subtle, healthy-looking results, and this requires a shift away from quick solutions towards regenerative, preventative care. At Glowing by Leah, our goal is to educate and guide patients through that process using treatments and supplementation supported by the best available clinical evidence, while always maintaining realistic expectations.
A balanced perspective
Collagen supplementation can play a role, but it should be viewed as part of a broader plan, not a standalone solution. By combining medical-grade supplementation, lifestyle optimisation, and targeted in-clinic treatments, we can support collagen production in a way that is both effective and sustainable.
Book a consultation
If you are considering collagen supplementation or would like a more personalised approach to supporting your skin, we offer in-depth consultations at Glowing by Leah in Stroud. During your consultation, we assess your skin, lifestyle, and overall health to create a tailored plan that may include medical-grade supplementation, skincare, and in-clinic treatments always guided by the latest clinical evidence.
Appointments can be booked online at www.glowingbyleah.co.uk.
