Collagen is arguably one of the most talked-about ingredients in the wellness space. From powders and drinks to skincare and snacks, it’s everywhere, but with so much information available, it can be difficult to separate what’s genuinely useful from the hype.

So, what do you actually need to know?

With insight from Registered Naturopathic Nutritionist Jessica Shand, we’re breaking down some of the most common collagen myths, what the research actually tells us, and how we can support our body’s natural collagen production without making wellness more complicated than it needs to be.

MYTH: Collagen is just for your skin

FACT: Collagen does far more than support healthy skin

Most of us probably first came across collagen in the context of skin health, whether that was through skincare, supplements or promises of a healthier glow, but its role in the body goes far beyond skin deep.

Collagen is actually the most abundant protein in the human body and plays an important structural role across our skin, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and connective tissues. As Jessica explains, it’s “a structural protein that gives strength, elasticity and support to tissues throughout the body.”

So while skin health might be what first brings collagen onto your radar, it’s only one part of why this protein is so important to the body.

MYTH: Collagen is only something to consider as you age

FACT: Collagen production begins to decline from our mid-20s

Our bodies are pretty clever, producing collagen naturally using amino acids from the protein we eat, alongside key nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc and copper.

However, research suggests that from our mid-to-late twenties, collagen production gradually begins to decline, while factors such as UV exposure, smoking, stress, poor sleep and diet can also influence how collagen is produced and broken down over time.

Before you start questioning every life choice you’ve made since your 25th birthday, this isn’t something to panic about. Instead, it’s another reason to think about supporting your body for the long term, in the same way we might prioritise eating well, moving regularly and getting enough sleep.

It’s less about trying to turn back the clock and more about giving your body what it needs to feel its best as you move through each stage of life.

MYTH: I eat enough protein, so I don't need to take collagen

FACT: Not all protein provides the same amino acids

Protein is an important part of a balanced diet, giving the body the amino acids it needs to build and repair tissues, but different protein sources have different amino acid profiles.

Collagen is particularly rich in glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, which are found in much higher concentrations in collagen-rich foods. An ancestral diet would have included more of these through foods such as bone broth, skin and slow-cooked cuts of meat, whereas, as Jessica explains, modern diets tend to contain far less of these parts of the animal, even if we’re eating plenty of protein overall.

That doesn’t mean collagen needs to become another thing on your wellness to-do list. Instead, it helps explain why collagen-rich foods such as bone broth, or a high-quality source of collagen, can complement an already balanced, protein-rich diet.

MYTH: The more collagen you take, the better

FACT: When it comes to collagen, consistency matters more than quantity

It’s easy to assume that if something is good for us, more of it must be better, but that isn’t necessarily the case with collagen.

Jessica’s advice is refreshingly simple: “Consistency matters more than quantity.”

Rather than focusing on taking as much collagen as possible, it’s more helpful to think about how you can make it a natural part of the habits you already have. That could be your morning cacao, something you reach for after a workout or an afternoon snack you genuinely look forward to.

As with so many things in wellness, the best routine isn’t necessarily the most complicated one. It’s the one that feels good, fits into your life and is easy to maintain.

MYTH: Taking collagen is all you need to support your natural collagen

FACT: Your diet and lifestyle matter too

Collagen can be a valuable addition to your routine, but supporting your body’s natural collagen production goes beyond simply adding collagen to your diet. The body also needs nutrients including vitamin C, zinc and copper, alongside adequate protein and a varied, nutrient-rich diet.

What we do outside of our diet matters too. Sleep, stress, movement and gut health all play a role in supporting the body and creating the foundations for us to feel our best.

As Jessica puts it, “You can’t out-supplement a stressed body.”

Making Collagen Part of Your Everyday

It’s always been our mission to bring high-quality ingredients into your everyday, allowing you to enjoy the foods you love in a way that also supports your wellbeing.

Our cacao blends start with organic grass-fed bovine bone broth as the hero ingredient, naturally rich in collagen and paired with ceremonial cacao for a rich, chocolatey way to make bone broth part of your daily routine.

For on-the-go, our Collagen Bars were crafted with the same intention: to give you the freedom to enjoy something that tastes like a sweet treat, while nourishing your body with a meaningful amount of collagen and protein.

Whether it’s your morning cacao, a 3pm pick-me-up or the bar you keep in your bag, we believe looking after yourself should include things you genuinely enjoy, because wellness should taste as good as it makes you feel.

The Bigger Picture

For all the noise surrounding collagen, the reality is refreshingly simple. It isn’t a quick fix or something we need to become obsessive about, and its role in the body extends far beyond our skin.

Instead, collagen can form part of a much bigger approach to looking after ourselves, alongside eating well, getting enough protein, moving our bodies, prioritising sleep and finding ways to manage stress.

If collagen is something you choose to include, quality and consistency matter. Make it part of a ritual you genuinely enjoy, alongside the everyday habits that help you feel your best.