Do Collagen Supplements Actually Work? Here’s What the Research Says

Do Collagen Supplements Actually Work? Here’s What the Research Says

Hillary Lin, MD

By 

Hillary Lin, MD

Published 

June 19, 2025

Is that expensive collagen powder actually working, or are you paying premium prices for glorified protein powder? As a Stanford-trained longevity physician, I break down the real science behind collagen supplements and reveal what your body actually needs for healthy skin.In this episode, I dive deep into:

• Why that $360 marine collagen might not do what you think it does

• The fascinating truth about protein digestion and collagen peptides

• What your body REALLY needs for optimal collagen production (hint: it's not mega-doses)

• The surprising gut-skin connection that changes everything

• Evidence-based protocols that cost virtually nothing

• When collagen supplements actually "work" (but not for the reasons you'd expect)

Key Takeaways:

✓ Your body produces 3g of collagen daily—more than most supplement servings

✓ Only specific peptide sequences (PRO-HIP, HYP-GLY) may survive digestion

✓ Vitamin C, zinc, and copper are the real collagen production MVPs

✓ Your gut microbiome orchestrates skin health from the inside out

✓ Stress and blood sugar destroy collagen faster than aging alone

Whether you're in your 20s just thinking about skin aging or in your 50s looking for what actually works, this episode will completely transform how you think about collagen and skin health. I'll give you scientifically-backed, practical protocols you can start today—many of which cost virtually nothing.

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