Collagen is more important than you think. In a nutshell, it’s the protein that holds everything together. It’s more complicated than that, though — from your skin and bones to your tendons, muscles, hair, and nails, collagen plays a major role in keeping you strong and healthy.
The only problem is that our collagen production naturally starts to slow down as we age. This decrease in collagen can lead to wrinkles, joint pain, brittle nails, and even weaker bones. So, what’s the solution? For many men (and women), collagen supplements are the answer.
With so many options out there, how are you supposed to know which collagen supplement to choose? That’s what we’re here for. Let’s talk about the benefits of collagen intake, and what to look for in a collagen supplement below. We’ll also be going over some of our favorite collagen supplement options.
Why Should Men Take Collagen Supplements?
You might be wondering, “Do I need to take collagen supplements?” The answer depends on your specific goals.
Whether you’re looking to improve your joint health, boost your skin’s elasticity, or simply add more protein to your diet, collagen can be hugely beneficial. Let’s take a closer look at the potential benefits of collagen supplements for men below:
Joint health
Have you ever experienced sore knees or achy shoulders after a workout? Some studies suggest that type II collagen can help reduce joint pain over time, especially when taken consistently for three to six months. This is a huge benefit to collagen supplementation.
Skin health
Men might not talk about skin health as much, but who doesn’t want to look their best? Collagen, particularly types I and III, can help minimize wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, and even boost hydration.
Muscle recovery
If you’re into fitness, collagen supplements might help with post-workout muscle soreness. They can even reduce joint discomfort from high-impact activities. It would be super easy to mix collagen powder into your morning smoothie or protein drink (works with cold liquid or a hot drink), so you might as well.
Hair and nail strength
While the research is still ongoing when it comes to these particular benefits, some studies have shown that collagen may support thicker hair and stronger nails. If you have weak hair or brittle nails, it’s worth considering collagen as a solution.
The Best Sources of Collagen
Collagen is typically found in bone broth, fish (this is known as “marine collagen”), and eggs. It’s a good idea to make these foods a regular part of your diet (assuming you’re not vegan — however, vegan collagen is also an option!)
Let’s face it, though: most of us aren’t whipping up bone broth every week. Taking collagen supplements is, admittedly, a much easier way to get all of the collagen you need. Again, rather than stuffing yourself with fish and bone broth, you can simply mix collagen powder into your morning smoothie.
What to Look for in a Collagen Supplement
It can be challenging to pick out the right collagen supplement, especially since there are so many options out there. There are a few things you’ll want to consider while shopping for collagen supplements. Let’s break it down below:
Collagen type
Collagen type matters because different types of collagen target different areas of the body. For example, type I collagen is great for your skin, hair, and nails. Type II collagen is perfect for joint health and cartilage. Meanwhile, type III collagen supports skin elasticity and gut health.
Additional ingredients
Some supplements come with added ingredients like vitamin C or hyaluronic acid, which can further support skin hydration and collagen synthesis. While these additional active ingredients aren’t always necessary, they can be a nice bonus.
Avoid allergens
If you’re allergic to fish or eggs, steer clear of marine or egg-based collagen supplements. Thankfully, there are plenty of collagen supplements out there that are made using grass-fed collagen peptides from cows.
Sweeteners and flavors
Some collagen powders contain added flavors or sweeteners. This isn’t the worst thing in the world, but if artificial sweeteners and artificial flavors are something you want to avoid, make sure to check the product label.
How Much Collagen Do You Need?
Experts recommend taking 2.5 to 15 grams of collagen daily. The amount you should take will mainly depend on your goals (e.g. skin health, muscle repair, etc. — collagen can help with these things and more!). Most products will have dosage instructions on the label, so stick to those instructions for best results.
The Best Collagen Supplements for Men
Now that you know what to look for in a bioactive collagen peptide supplement, let’s explore some of the best collagen supplement options for men below:
Skin Vitals Full Spectrum Collagen Capsules
If you’re looking for a “do-it-all” collagen supplement in pill form, Skin Vitals Full Spectrum Capsules from DermForge might be the answer you’ve been looking for.
These capsules combine five types of collagen — including types I, II, and III — and are designed to provide comprehensive support for your skin, joints, hair, and nails. Here’s what you can expect from these capsules:
- Improves skin texture and hydration
- Supports joint and bone health with types II and X collagen
- Promotes stronger hair follicles and nails with type V collagen
- Capsule form makes it easy to take on the go — no mixing or measuring out a dose of collagen required
Skin Rehab High Dose Collagen Powder
For those who prefer collagen powders, DermForge’s Skin Rehab High Dose Collagen is a great choice because it contains a hefty 10 grams of collagen per serving.
This product focuses on collagen types I and III, so it’s ideal for skin health and recovery after procedures like microneedling or laser treatments. Here’s what makes this collagen powder stand out:
- It’s packed with types I and III collagen for skin elasticity and hydration
- Bovine collagen (sourced from grass-fed cows), so it's free from antibiotics or hormones
- Easy to mix into your morning coffee or smoothie (cold or hot liquid)
How to Maximize Collagen Benefits
Do you want to get the most out of your collagen supplement? Of course, you do. Here are some tips you can follow to make your collagen supplementation even more effective:
Pair it with vitamin C
Your body needs vitamin C to produce appropriate collagen levels, so make sure you’re getting enough through your diet or supplements. Great sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits (like oranges and orange juice).
Peppers, especially red and green peppers, are also packed with this important vitamin. Strawberries and blackcurrants are excellent choices, too, and you can’t go wrong with vegetables like broccoli and Brussels sprouts, either.
Be consistent
Like any supplement, collagen works best when you take it regularly. Try to incorporate it into your daily routine if possible. We’d recommend taking it in the morning (no matter which form of collagen you decide to take).
Thankfully, collagen is pretty easy to incorporate into drinks (if it’s powder) and your body will be able to absorb it more effectively if you have an empty stomach. The absorption factor is particularly important if you’re taking collagen in capsule form.
Combine with a healthy lifestyle
Collagen products can’t do all the work on their own. Staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, and maintaining a good skincare routine will amplify your results when it comes to improved skin elasticity, bone health, digestive health, hair growth, energy levels, muscle mass, and more.
You can further enhance your skin health by doing light therapy treatments with an LED mask at home! Red light helps a lot with skin rejuvenation and blue light is especially effective at fighting acne-causing bacteria.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need collagen if I already eat a high-protein diet?
While eating a protein-rich diet is great for your health and muscles, collagen is a specific type of abundant protein that’s rich in amino acids like glycine and proline, which you won’t get as much of from sources like chicken or whey protein. Remember, some natural sources of collagen are fish, bone broth, and eggs.
Is collagen safe for everyone?
For most people, collagen is safe and well-tolerated. However, if you have allergies to fish, eggs, or shellfish, check the label carefully. Thankfully, there are vegan collagen options available for people who prefer not to eat animal products (or can’t eat animal products for health reasons).
Can collagen help with muscle mass?
Collagen alone won’t build your muscles (that’s going to require a lot of hard work on your part), but it can complement your protein intake and support joint health. This will help make you less sore and more comfortable during and after workouts.
Conclusion
Collagen supplements can be a simple yet effective way to support your overall health — whether you want healthy skin, stronger joints, or a recovery boost after workouts. By understanding the different types of collagen and choosing the right product for your needs, you’ll be well on your way to reaping the benefits.
So, which collagen supplement will you try first? Whether it’s capsules for convenience or a powder you can mix into cold water or hot drinks, the right choice is certainly within reach.
