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The Truth About Collagen: All you need to know.

  • Writer: Lilia Vlaici
    Lilia Vlaici
  • May 12
  • 4 min read

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You’ve probably heard the word collagen a thousand times — in ads, skincare routines, and maybe even your protein bar.

But do you really know what it does… and why almost every adult should be taking it daily?

Let’s break it down. No fluff. No hype. Just what you need to know to support your skin, joints, gut, and overall youth — from the inside out.



💡 What Is Collagen, Really?


Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body — it’s the “glue” that holds your skin, joints, muscles, gut lining, and connective tissues together.

As we age, we naturally lose collagen — starting as early as our 20s.

  • After age 25, collagen production drops by 1% each year.

  • By the time you're 40, you may have lost up to 30% of your collagen.And by 60? You could be missing up to half of your collagen reserves. Postpartum and perimenopause can accelerate that loss even more.

    Stress, poor sleep, processed foods, and sun exposure?They speed up collagen breakdown too.

    That’s why:

    • Skin starts to sag

    • Wrinkles become deeper

    • Joints ache

    • Muscles feel stiffer

    • Hair thins

    • Gut becomes more sensitive


    Collagen depletion affects your entire body — not just your beauty.




🔍 Why Food Isn’t Enough Anymore


Sure, collagen exists in foods — like:

  • Bone broth

  • Chicken skin

  • Fish skin

  • Egg whites

  • Gelatin (like jelly or gummies)

But here’s the truth: these natural sources are incomplete and inconsistent.

Gelatin, for example, is collagen that’s been cooked — but it doesn’t contain the same bioactive peptides or precise doses that your body actually uses for repair and regeneration.

And most of us aren’t eating cartilage and bone daily.

That’s why a good supplement isn’t a luxury — it’s a smart necessity.



🧬 Types of Collagen – And Why It Matters


🔍 Understanding the Different Types of Collagen

There are at least 28 known types of collagen, but when it comes to beauty, joint health, and gut support, five types really matter — especially Types I, II, III, V, and X.

Here’s how they’re different and why it matters:


🔹 Type I – Skin, Hair, Bones & Tendons

  • Most abundant collagen in the body

  • Gives skin its firmness, structure, and elasticity

  • Also strengthens bones, teeth, tendons, and ligaments

    🧖‍♀️ Great for: skin glow, anti-aging, hair growth, bone density.

    Found in bovine, marine, and eggshell collagen.


🔹 Type II – Cartilage & Joint Support

  • Makes up the cartilage in joints and spinal discs

  • Helps with joint flexibility, pain relief, and stiffness

  • Supports active lifestyles and aging joints.

    Found primarily in chicken collagen

    🏃‍♀️ Great for: athletes, postpartum recovery, arthritis, or active individuals.


🔹 Type III – Skin, Muscles, Gut

  • Found alongside Type I in skin and organs

  • Helps maintain the structure of blood vessels and gut lining

  • Supports gut healing and skin softness.

    Found in bovine and marine collagen.

    Great for: gut health, inflammation, skin texture, and elasticity


🔹 Type V – Hair, Placenta, and Cell Membranes

  • Helps form hair strands and placenta tissue

  • Important during pregnancy and postpartum

  • Often included in beauty blends for thicker hair and better skin hydration. Found in eggshell membrane


🔹 Type X – Bone & Cartilage Regeneration

  • Plays a role in new bone formation and cartilage repair

  • Supports joint health and long-term bone strength.

    Found in chicken and eggshell collagen



🐄 Animal vs 🐟 Marine Collagen

  • Bovine Collagen (from cows) – Rich in Types I & III. Best for skin, hair, nails, bones, and gut.

  • Marine Collagen (from fish) – Mostly Type I. Popular in beauty, but not ideal if you want full-body results.

  • Chicken Collagen – Contains mostly Type II, ideal for joints.



💥 Why Hydrolyzed Collagen (Peptides) = The Best Form

Hydrolyzed collagen (a.k.a. collagen peptides) means the collagen is broken down into smaller amino acids — making it easier to absorb (90% more than gelatine) and more bioavailable.

No bloating. No weird aftertaste.Just pure skin, joint, and gut magic ✨


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💅 Beauty Goals vs. 💪 Joint Support — What’s the Difference?

Not all collagen supplements are the same — especially when it comes to why you’re taking them. Here's what to look for:


If your goal is BEAUTY (skin, hair, nails, glow):

  • Look for:

    Type I & III collagen

    ✅ Added Vitamin C (to boost collagen synthesis)

    Antioxidants (like Lutein) to fight skin-aging from the inside

    Phytoceramides to improve hydration and barrier function


If your goal is JOINT SUPPORT (mobility, pain, stiffness):

  • Look for:

    Type II collagen

    ✅ Anti-inflammatory support (like Boswellia or Turmeric)

    ✅ Support for cartilage regeneration (like Glucosamine or Chondroitin)


⚠️ These joint-specific collagens are often separate formulas. That’s why it's key to choose based on your personal goals.



🧠 What Else Does It Help With?


  • Fine lines and wrinkles

  • Sagging skin

  • Brittle nails & thinning hair

  • Gut lining repair (leaky gut)

  • Muscle recovery

  • Skin post-pregnancy or weight loss



💊 Dosage & Best Practices

  • Daily dose: 2500–5000 mg

  • When: In the morning for energy and glow

  • Post-workout for recovery

  • Or before bed to support skin repair and relaxation

  • Consistency: Take daily for at least 4–6 weeks for clinical visible results

  • Tip: Pair with Vitamin C or drink with citrus water



🛑 Collagen Myths to Ignore

❌ “You don’t need it if you’re under 30” — Collagen loss starts at 25. Prevention = power.

❌ “Just eat gelatin” — Gelatin lacks the bioactive peptides and absorption your body needs.

❌ “All collagens are the same” — Nope. It’s about type, dose, bioavailability, and added ingredients.



🧡 My Honest Take as a Nutrition Coach


As someone who’s helped hundreds of women postpartum, with insulin resistance, hair loss, fatigue, and skin concerns…

I can tell you confidently: collagen makes a real difference — not just for beauty, but for health.

Not overnight. But steadily and powerfully — your skin glows, your joints move smoother, and your confidence climbs.



💬 Want to Try It?


I’ll send you the collagen I personally use, trust and recommend:

✅ Clean, potent, science-backed collagen.

✅ Clinically proven results.

✅ Bonus: Free Meal Plan + Beauty Reset Guide when you order through us

✅ Personal support if you have questions

📩 DM me “COLLAGEN” and I’ll send you my guide.


Your glow starts on the inside. And your body? It’s ready.

 
 
 

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