Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that is essential to maintaining the structure of many parts of the body, including our connective tissues, bones, cartilage, tendons, and – you guessed it – skin. By providing strength and support throughout the body, collagen (and elastin, another fiber that forms the extracellular matrix) keeps us functioning healthily and looking as youthful as possible.

However, as we get older, our body's natural collagen production slows. Lower levels of collagen have a visible effect on the skin, leading to notable signs of aging such as sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, and overall thinning. Indeed, if you're already experiencing these symptoms, it's likely they are signs of collagen deficiency. It is estimated that our bodies stop producing collagen at the same rate by our early 30s. 

Fortunately, if your body is beginning to produce less collagen on its own, supplements can help restore collagen in your body to its ideal levels. Beyond boosting collagen levels artificially, these supplements have been shown to help our bodies produce collagen naturally, reversing the aging process and contributing to a revitalized appearance.

In particular, supplemental collagen in hydrolyzed form – also commonly known as marine collagen peptides – offer a pared-down form of the substance that delivers the most direct benefits to the body possible. Indeed, these provide the best form of collagen you can consume. For this reason, if you are preparing to select a product for regular use, marine collagen supplements are the most effective option around.

Most people who take collagen begin to do so when their levels are already visibly depleted, which typically happens when we're in our 30s. However, as preventive care is becoming a more standard part of a well-rounded beauty regimen, more and more people are beginning to supplement with collagen before they even begin to see the effects of collagen loss. 

What does this do? To put it simply, it reduces the risk of experiencing major loss of collagen later in life. By reinforcing your reserves of collagen, you're less likely to see the telltale signs of skin aging that so many start experiencing as they get older. Since artificial collagen helps support our body's collagen production naturally, you are not just introducing a synthetic substance into the body – you're helping it maintain its peak functions.

For this reason, skincare experts now recommend that people begin using supplemental collagen around the age of 25. The earlier you begin, the more likely you are to have clean, healthy, fortified skin in the long run. Indeed, by initiating our collagen journey in our 20s, we are investing in our skin health down the line. 

Beyond aging, there are other key lifestyle factors that can contribute to an early breakdown of collagen. If you engage in any of these habits, you are likely already in need of a collagen boost:

- Unhealthy eating, in particular sugar and refined carbohydrates

- Smoking

- Drinking alcohol

- Prolonged sun exposure without proper protection

Similarly, certain foods, such as bone broth, skin-on chicken and fish, red peppers, and berries, contain collagen, meaning those whose diets contain a high amount of these foods may also be reinforcing their collagen intake already. However, it is difficult to consume quantities of these foods that will compare with the levels found in supplemental products. 

If you are beginning to incorporate supplemental collagen into your daily routine, there are a few rules of thumb that will help you get the most from your collagen. Here are a few tips and tricks:

2.5 grams to 15 grams is the magic number. How much collagen is effective is still being studied, but this range has been deemed safe. Opt for products that feature around 10 grams of collagen peptides, which will provide the appropriate amount of collagen to begin experiencing visible benefits.  

Choose marine collagen peptides, also known as hydrolyzed collagen. This "stripped down" form of collagen is designed for maximal absorption, meaning your body will get the very most from its benefits. If you are vegetarian or vegan, take note that these tend to be made from animal products, like cod skin. 

Collagen's effects will be maximized when used in combination with vitamin C. Vitamin C has been shown to improve natural collagen synthesis, meaning it may be an excellent complement to help increase collagen further.

Daily use will reveal results over time. You won't see the benefits of synthetic collagen right away. However, as weeks and months go on, you will begin to notice the skin-boosting effects of your supplements. With even more time (i.e., years and years), these benefits will really come into focus, as your face will look fresh and clear.

Looking to revive production of collagen in the body – or reinforce it before collagen levels start to decline? Look no further than Supermood's own collection of collagen supplements. Designed for a variety of beauty needs and concerns, these tasty, healthy products make collagen easier than ever to consume. Available in chewable and liquid form, they are easy for anyone to incorporate into their daily diet.

It's never too late to start a collagen regime – after all, it has been shown to be helpful at any time in life. However, starting before collagen production declines will give you the most benefits possible. In other words, the earlier you start, the better. This is why it's recommended to commence with your collagen regimen between 20 and 30.

Are you ready to combat collagen degradation and boost new collagen naturally? Kick off your regimen now – even many years from now, your skin will thank you.