Best Collagen for Skin: These 3 Types Of People Should Take It Daily

You have fine lines

A telltale sign you should start using collagen? Fine lines, especially etchings that don't go away after pinching your skin. "Fine lines are often considered to be baby wrinkles," board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., previously told mbg. Those fainter folds can mature into deeper wrinkles later on, which is why it's essential to catch them early.

Enter, collagen peptides: Research shows these are able to support skin elasticity and dermal collagen density1. They do this by promoting the body's natural production of collagen2 and other molecules that make up the skin, like elastin and fibrillin; and these skin-critical proteins are inherent in skin's elasticity and smoothness. Studies have also shown they can even promote the skin's hydration levels—which is crucial, considering dehydrated skin can also reveal fine lines.

You're in menopause

Technically, anyone at any age can start taking collagen (your natural production declines by an average of 1% each year2 once you hit your mid-20s, so many would consider that their starting point).

But people who experience menopause see a dramatic drop (about 30%) in collagen production during that time, which is why many start to see major skin shifts (like fine lines and sagging) during that time. So, they might be more interested in taking collagen to support their natural levels.

Skin benefits aside, taking collagen is also great for joint comfort, and according to functional medicine practitioner Bindiya Gandhi, M.D., joints naturally lose laxity as we age. It holds true for everyone, but people tend to experience it more during menopause3, according to research. Bonus points if your collagen powder also includes hyaluronic acid, as it plays a key role in helping joints feel lubricated4.

You desire plump, hydrated skin

Finally, if you want firm, bouncy, hydrated skin (I'm assuming that's everyone here), then you should certainly consider taking collagen. In fact, consuming collagen is crucial for achieving "Jello skin," a concept that went viral after content creator Ava Lee (otherwise known as Glow With Ava) posted a video of herself mid-facial.

When her facialist pinches her cheek, it immediately holds its shape. "That just shows you have enough of a support cushion underneath," her facialist explains. "The way that it bounces… It's the perfect consistency of Jell-O. That's a perfect sign that you have a beautiful level of collagen in the skin."

And while you can load up on collagen-rich foods (bone broth, egg whites, etc.), you can get way more bang for your buck by using high-quality collagen supplements. Lee personally loves a collagen matcha latte in the morning, in which she swirls collagen and matcha powder together before pouring over plant-based milk. You can find a host of other easy recipes here if matcha isn't your cup of tea.