3 reasons collagen matters more than ever & simple ways to boost intake

Collagen is one of the most important proteins in the body, helping to support healthy skin, bones, joints, and connective tissues. However, as you age, your natural collagen production gradually declines. This can contribute to visible signs of ageing, such as wrinkles and loss of skin elasticity, as well as joint stiffness and reduced bone strength.

This is why many people choose collagen supplements to help support their body’s natural collagen levels and maintain healthy-looking skin throughout the year.

What is collagen & why is it important?

There are several different types of collagen, but Type 1 is the most abundant in the human body. It is found mainly in the skin, tendons, ligaments, and bones.

Type 1 collagen helps support:¹

Skin elasticity and firmness
Skin hydration and resilience
Healthy connective tissue
Bone structure and strength

Collagen also plays an important role in gut health. It contains amino acids such as glycine and proline, which help support the structure of the gut lining and normal digestive function. A healthy gut can contribute to overall wellbeing, immune function, and even healthier-looking skin.

Why collagen is especially important during summer?

Your body needs collagen all year round, but the summer months can place extra stress on your skin. Increased sun exposure, dehydration, heat, and environmental pollutants can all affect skin health.

Supporting your collagen levels can help maintain your skin’s natural structure and resilience, helping it better cope with seasonal challenges.

1. Sun exposure & collagen breakdown

Spending more time outdoors during summer has lots of benefits, including supporting vitamin D production. However, increased exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays can accelerate collagen breakdown in the skin.

UV damage can reduce collagen fibres, contributing to premature ageing signs such as fine lines, wrinkles, and reduced firmness. Collagen provides the structure and elasticity that help keep skin looking smooth and youthful.²

Maintaining healthy collagen levels helps support the skin’s natural repair processes and its ability to stay strong against everyday environmental stress.

2. Increased sweating & dehydration

Hot weather often = increased sweating, which can lead to dehydration if you are not replacing lost fluids. Dehydrated skin can appear dull, dry, and less resilient.

Collagen helps support the skin’s ability to retain moisture by maintaining its structure and elasticity. Combining adequate hydration with optimum collagen levels can help your skin stay plump, refreshed, and healthy throughout the summer months.³

3. Repairing skin damage

Summer activities often lead to various stresses on your skin, from minor cuts and scrapes to sunburns and irritation from chlorine or saltwater.

Collagen plays a big role in your skin’s natural healing process by supporting tissue repair and maintaining the skin barrier. Healthy collagen reserves means faster recovery and less visible scarring or pigmentation.⁴

Collagen also supports overall skin strength, helping it remain better equipped to deal with factors such as UV exposure, pollution, and heat.

How to boost your collagen levels

One of the easiest, most convenient ways to support your collagen intake is through a high-quality collagen supplement.

We recommend our Pure Fish Collagen, a Type 1 collagen supplement made without unnecessary additives or fillers, ensuring you’re getting the maximum benefits without any added gack!

You can also support collagen production through your diet by including collagen-rich foods and nutrients that help your body make collagen:

Salmon and cod are rich in collagen and healthy fats that keep your skin, joints, and gut healthy.
Bone broth is full of collagen and amino acids that help repair skin and gut lining.
Chicken, particularly the skin, contains collagen to support joint and tissue health.
Beef contains collagen as well as nutrients such as zinc and iron.
Plant-based foods such as chickpeas and lentils do not contain collagen, but provide amino acids, fibre, and antioxidants that help support your body’s natural collagen production.

Maximise protection

Collagen is just one part of maintaining healthy skin. For the best summer skin support, combine collagen intake with these healthy habits:

Use a suitable sunscreen to protect your skin from UV damage.
Seek shade during peak sun hours to minimize UV exposure.
Wear protective clothing, a hat, and sunglasses outdoors.
Keep yourself hydrated by drinking fluids throughout the day.
Eat a wide variety of fruits and vegetables for important vitamins and antioxidants.
Prioritise good quality sleep, as many repair processes occur during rest.
Cleanse your skin gently to remove pollutants and sweat buildup.

Summer can be a challenging time for your skin, but supporting your collagen levels can help maintain hydration, elasticity, and resilience. Giving your body the support it needs can help you enjoy healthier-looking skin all year round.

Looking for a refreshing way to enjoy collagen this summer? Check out 3 collagen ‘cocktails’ for a summer glow

Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.