What is Collagen? How To Get More Collagen

Hello from Collagen. You’ve probably heard about it in some trendy skincare ad. It’s usually pitched as the magical unicorn ingredient for plump, wrinkle-free skin. (Cue the sparkly visuals of someone looking 25 forever.) But as someone who’s been knee-deep in nutrition science for years, I’m here to tell you that collagen isn’t just a beauty buzzword. It’s the real deal—for your skin, yes, but also your joints, bones, and even your gut. Let’s break it down.

Collagen 101: The “Glue” That Holds Us Together

Collagen is a protein—actually, the most abundant protein in your body. Think of it like the duct tape of your body’s tissues: it keeps things sturdy and elastic. Your skin, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage are all packed with collagen, working overtime to keep you moving and grooving without falling apart.

The catch? When you hit your mid-20s (yes, 20s! Let’s collectively groan), your body starts to pump the brakes on collagen production. Fast forward a couple of decades, and you’re dealing with fine lines, achy knees, and maybe a snap-crackle-pop every time you get out of bed. Fun times, right?

How Does Collagen Work?

Imagine your skin like a well-made mattress—firm and bouncy because of all that supportive collagen. When collagen starts to break down, that mattress? It’s more like one of those lumpy, saggy ones you’d find in a college dorm. No one wants that.

But collagen isn’t just about aesthetics. It also strengthens your bones, cushions your joints, and keeps your gut lining intact (shoutout to my fellow IBS warriors). So yeah, collagen’s kind of a big deal.

How to Get More Collagen in Your Life

Let’s get one thing straight: your body doesn’t just absorb collagen straight from foods and slap it onto your face. It’s more of a process. When you eat collagen-rich or collagen-boosting foods, your body breaks them down into amino acids and then uses those building blocks to make collagen. (It’s giving Pinterest DIY vibes but on a molecular level.)

Here are a few ways to level up your collagen game:

1. Bone Broth

Ah, bone broth—the OG collagen booster. Made by simmering animal bones for hours, it’s packed with collagen, minerals, and a savoury flavour that screams “health guru.” Sip it as a warm drink or use it as a base for soups. Bonus: It makes you feel fancy, even if you’re just drinking it in sweatpants.

1. Collagen Supplements

Okay, I’ll admit I was sceptical of collagen powders at first. But science backs them up—they’re hydrolyzed (fancy word for broken down), making them easier for your body to use. Mix it into your morning coffee, smoothie, or even pancake batter. Pro tip: look for one that’s third-party tested, so you know it’s legit.

1. Vitamin C-Rich Foods

Here’s a twist: your body needs vitamin C to make collagen. It’s like the hype man in a rap battle—essential for the whole process. Load up on citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries, and leafy greens. My fave? A big, juicy orange. It’s a simple win.

1. Egg Whites

Egg whites are loaded with proline, one of the key amino acids your body uses to build collagen. Plus, they’re a breakfast MVP. Scramble ‘em, fry ‘em, or throw them into a frittata. Maybe skip the raw egg white face mask trend. (Please.)

1. Fish and Shellfish

If you’ve ever felt squeamish about eating fish skin, here’s your motivation: it’s a collagen goldmine. Salmon skin, in particular, is packed with the good stuff. Don’t let that crispy deliciousness go to waste.

1. Gelatin

Ever had Jell-O and wondered why it’s so wiggly? That’s gelatin, which comes from collagen. While Jell-O isn’t a health food (hi, sugar overload), unflavored gelatin can be a great addition to soups, desserts, or even homemade gummy snacks.

Collagen Killers: What to Avoid

Here’s the thing—it’s not just about eating more collagen. You’ve also got to protect the collagen you already have. And, spoiler alert, some of our favourite habits are not exactly collagen-friendly:

• Smoking: If the health risks haven’t convinced you yet, here’s another reason to quit. Smoking destroys collagen and elastin (aka the stuff that keeps your skin firm and bouncy).
• Too Much Sugar: Glycation (a science word for sugar attaching to proteins) weakens collagen. Translation: that extra cookie might cost you in wrinkles down the road. 😔
• Excess Sun Exposure: UV rays are collagen’s worst enemy. Sunscreen isn’t just for beach days, my friends. Slather it on like your future depends on it—because it does.

My Collagen Journey (With a Side of Real Talk)

I started paying attention to collagen a few years ago when I noticed my knees sounding like a bag of microwave popcorn every time I crouched. (Not cute.) I’ll admit, at first, I bought into every collagen supplement I saw on Instagram. Did I waste money? Absolutely. Eventually, I found a groove: bone broth during cold months, collagen powder in my smoothies, and many vitamin C-packed snacks.

The verdict? My skin feels more hydrated, my joints are less creaky, and I’m no longer side-eyeing the stairs like they’re Mount Everest.

Final Thoughts

Collagen isn’t a magic bullet but a solid player in your health and wellness toolkit. Whether you’re here for the glow-up, the joint support, or just a cool science fact to drop at dinner, collagen’s worth the hype.

So, grab that bone broth, sprinkle some collagen powder in your coffee, and don’t forget your vitamin C. Your body (and maybe your future self) will thank you. Cheers to feeling strong, glowing, and perhaps just a bit bougie.