Collagen supplements: why everyone's talking about them RN, plus 11 celeb-backed products

As Khloe Kardashian launches her own range and Jennifer Aniston joins Vital Proteins as their chief creative officer.

From the ever-evolving world of celebrity workouts, to the 4:3 diet (yep, it really is a thing), it's hard to keep up with how the A-list are staying healthy. But Hollywood's latest obsession with collagen supplements (backed by none other than Khloe Kardashian and Jennifer Aniston) is one we can get on board with.

A bit like probiotics for women, collagen seems to be everywhere at the moment - even Gemma Collins has her own range of products. 

But, question. What actually is collagen, what does it do, and why is it so talked about at the moment? We've asked two medical experts for their take on collagen supplements and included all the latest for you to *add to basket*, if you decide it's for you.

Plus, scroll to the bottom to find out which supplement wins the Dose and Co vs Vital proteins standoff.

Your guide to collagen supplements (plus a decider on Dose and Co vs Vital Proteins) 

So, what is collagen?

According to doctor Omar Tillo, plastic surgeon at Rejuv Lab London, collagen is one of the main proteins providing strength and structure for human tissue. "When we talk about ageing and skin, the term collagen always comes into play. It glues together skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments, and makes up about 25% of your total bodily protein content," he explains.

So, what is collagen responsible for, other than, ahem, glueing together human tissue? Well, primarily, skin strength and elasticity. "We often call it the scaffolding of our skin and body," shares Tillo. "As you start ageing, your breakdown of natural collagen will surpass the rate of production in your tissues, leading to wrinkles, loss of skin volume, and dry skin," he shares. Which is why having the best moisturiser for dry skin in your arsenal becomes ever more important as you age.

And what is a collagen supplement? 

In short, collagen supplements come in both powder and pill form, and the majority are one of five types:

• Type I collagen: the one you have most frequently in your body.
• Type II collagen: the one you'll find most frequently in supplement form.
• Type III collagen: the one you'll find most frequently in your muscle structure.
• Type IV and type V: the ones you'll find most frequently in the layers of your skin.

"Collagen supplements may be available in several different forms, but their purpose is the same: to support our natural collagen production," Perry explains.

Some studies suggest that taking capsule or powdered collagen supplements can increase muscle mass and bone strength, and result in thicker hair, stronger nails and better skin, the expert adds. However, he points out that the studies do currently vary and are relatively small.

Pros of taking a collagen supplement

• Improvement in skin’s elasticity
• Healthier, thicker hair
• Stronger nails
• Clearer skin
• Better muscle mass
• Less joint pain.

Do note here: Tillo points out that consuming collagen supplements seems to be a more effective option than using topical collagen products. "This is because the collagen exists in deep dermal layers of our skin - just make sure you look for a trusted manufacture to ensure the quality of the product and the source of the ingredients and its formula," he advises.

Cons of taking a collagen supplement

• Could be a placebo effect.
• Not enough research is done into guaranteeing results.
• Not suitable for those pregnant or breastfeeding.

Should I take collagen supplements? 

Short answer - it's up to you. Doctor Tillo reckons maybe, although he shares that other treatments could be more immediately effective. "Treatments that use radio-frequency energy enable skin tightening by reactivating collagen production in your skin layers. Thermage FLX, an FDA approved treatment, contracts and tightens for a healthier, more contour skin with just one session," he shares.

Doctor Petty, on the other hand, doesn't believe so. "The overall feeling is taking collagen in either form isn’t really going to work, as it’s difficult to digest," he shares. "It just isn’t built to survive in the gut. You can't deny its an ever growing trend - just be careful with what you see promoted online, and make sure you double check any health claims against scientific evidence," he warns.

Keen to try for yourself? Keep scrolling for a round-up of our favourite brands, plus a decider on whether Dose and Co vs Vital Proteins comes out tops. (And don't miss our guides to the best protein powders, while you're here).

11 celeb-backed collagen supplements, plus a decider on Dose and Co vs Vital Proteins