Why “It’s Not Your Mother’s Collagen” matters more than you might think.
Collagen has become a bit of a buzzword, and it’s something I get asked about all the time, so let’s chat and clear a few things up!
You’ll find collagen in powders, drinks, capsules, gummies and beauty supplements everywhere you look.
But here’s something I wish more women knew:
Collagen isn’t just collagen.
And if you’re thinking about taking collagen—or you’re already taking it—there are a few things worth knowing before you simply pick the biggest tub or the highest number on the label.
Because 10,000 mg of collagen isn’t automatically better than 2,500 mg.
It’s what’s behind the number that matters.
Let’s go back to the beginning…
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies and an important part of our skin’s structure.
It helps give our skin its strength, firmness and resilience.
But our production doesn’t stay the same forever.
From around our mid-20s, we gradually produce less collagen—around 1% less each year.
And then we reach menopause.
During the first five years after menopause, women can lose up to 30% of their skin’s collagen.
That can contribute to the changes so many of us notice:
Less firmness.
Less elasticity.
More visible fine lines.
Drier-looking skin.
And that feeling that our skin has somehow changed almost overnight.
So yes, collagen becomes a very interesting conversation in midlife.
But here’s where it gets important…
Not all collagen is the same
If you’ve ever stood looking at a shelf full of collagen products wondering which one to choose, you’re not alone.
The number on the front of the tub can be misleading.
You need to look at what kind of collagen you’re actually getting.
- What’s the source?
Collagen can come from different sources, including marine and bovine sources.
The source tells you something about the collagen, but it isn’t the only thing that determines whether a product is a good choice.
So don’t stop at:
“Marine collagen.”
or
“Bovine collagen.”
There’s more you need to know.
- Is it hydrolysed?
Hydrolysed collagen has been broken down into smaller peptides.
Why does that matter?
Because breaking collagen down into smaller peptides makes it easier for your body to digest and absorb.
But even “hydrolysed” isn’t the whole story.
- What are the peptides?
This is the bit I think gets overlooked.
Collagen isn’t one single substance.
Different collagen products can contain different peptide profiles, and those peptides can have different biological effects.
Some specific bioactive collagen peptides have been clinically studied for skin health, including their effects on skin elasticity, hydration and the appearance of wrinkles.
So rather than asking only:
“How many grams of collagen does this contain?”
I’d ask:
“Which collagen peptides does it contain, and what research has been done on those specific peptides?”
Now that is a much more useful question.
But collagen isn’t the whole story…
Because healthy-looking skin isn’t just about what’s underneath.
Your skin also needs a healthy moisture barrier.
Think of your skin barrier as your skin’s protective outer layer. It helps keep moisture in while helping keep unwanted irritants out.
One of the important components of that barrier is ceramides.
And just like collagen, our natural ceramide levels can change as we age.
That’s where phytoceramides come into the conversation.
Phytoceramides are plant-derived ceramides.
In Beauty Focus Collagen+, they’re sourced from wheat lipid extract and are similar to ceramides naturally found in the skin.
Their role is different from collagen.
Collagen supports the structure.
Ceramides support the barrier.
And that’s why I find the combination so interesting.
Because supporting your skin from within isn’t just about thinking:
“How do I support collagen?”
It’s also:
“How do I help my skin retain the hydration it needs?”
And then there’s protection…
Our skin is exposed to oxidative stress every single day, from environmental factors, UV exposure and other everyday stressors.
That’s where antioxidants come in.
Beauty Focus Collagen+ also contains lutein from marigold flowers.
Lutein is a carotenoid with antioxidant properties and helps protect against oxidative stress, including stress associated with blue light.
So when you’re looking at a beauty supplement, I think it’s worth looking beyond the headline ingredient.
Don’t just look at the word COLLAGEN in big letters on the front.
Look at the whole formula.
Ask yourself:
What am I actually getting?
Why are these ingredients here?
Is there research behind them?
Are the ingredients working in complementary ways?
That’s a much more intelligent way to approach supplementation than simply choosing the product with the biggest number on the front.
So, what should you look for?
If you’re considering a collagen supplement, I’d start with these questions:
✔️ Is the collagen hydrolysed?
✔️ What is the source?
✔️ What type of collagen peptides does it contain?
✔️ Are those specific peptides clinically studied?
✔️ What evidence supports the claims being made?
✔️ Does the formula support more than one aspect of skin health?
✔️ Is the product transparent about its ingredients and amounts?
Because the biggest number isn’t necessarily the best product.
And the most expensive one isn’t necessarily the best either.
It’s about understanding what you’re taking and why.
That’s the conversation I want more women to have.
Not:
“Which collagen has the most grams?”
But:
“Which collagen has the right science behind it for what I’m trying to achieve?”
That’s a very different question.
And once you understand what to look for, you can make a much more informed decision for yourself.
Whether you choose Beauty Focus Collagen+ or another product, read the label, ask questions and look beyond the marketing.
Your skin is worth understanding.
And now, have a listen to the man himself…
I’ve talked a lot here about why not all collagen is created equal, the source, the hydrolysation, the peptide profile and, importantly, the research behind those peptides.
But rather than me telling you all about how collagen has evolved, I thought I’d let you hear it from someone who knows the science inside out.
Joe Chang, Chief Scientific Officer at Nu Skin, puts it beautifully:
“It’s not your mother’s collagen.”
Have a listen to what he has to say in the video below.
https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1DVi7aG3GC
I think you’ll find it really interesting, and it might just change the way you look at collagen.
And afterwards, go back to those questions above and have another look at the collagen you’re taking.
Because once you know what to look for, you can make a much more informed choice.
Your skin is worth understanding. 🩷
Hx