The Truth About Collagen: What Works and What Doesn't

Posted on November 25, 2025

Reading time: approximately 5 minutes

Collagen is one of the most talked-about topics in the wellness and beauty industries. From skincare products to supplements, collagen seems to be everywhere, promising youthful, glowing skin, stronger joints, and healthier hair. But is it truly as magical as it sounds? Or is collagen just another buzzword in the world of beauty and wellness?

At Eterna Sculpt and Wellness, located in Newport News, Virginia, we understand how important it is to make informed decisions when it comes to your wellness journey. In this blog post, we will break down the truth about collagen, what works, what doesn’t, and how you can use this powerful protein to benefit your skin, joints, and overall health.

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What is Collagen? A Vital Protein for Your Body

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It makes up about 30% of the protein in our body and plays a vital role in maintaining the structure of the skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Collagen is essentially the "glue" that holds everything together, providing strength, elasticity, and support to tissues.

There are several types of collagen, with Type I being the most abundant in the body and primarily found in the skin, tendons, and bones. Type II collagen is mainly found in cartilage, while Type III is found in skin, blood vessels, and organs.

As we age, collagen production naturally declines, leading to signs of aging such as wrinkles, sagging skin, joint pain, and thinning hair. This decline in collagen starts around the age of 25, and by the time we reach 40, the effects of reduced collagen production become more noticeable.

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Collagen Supplements: Do They Really Work?

Collagen supplements have gained significant popularity over the years, with companies offering everything from collagen powder to collagen-infused drinks. But the question remains—do these supplements actually work? The short answer is: it depends.

How Collagen Supplements Work

When you consume collagen in supplement form, your body breaks it down into amino acids, which are then used to rebuild collagen and other proteins in your body. The idea is that by supplying your body with more of the building blocks needed to make collagen, you can help replenish what’s lost over time and improve skin elasticity, joint health, and even gut health.

Some studies show that collagen peptides, the broken-down form of collagen, may help improve skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and support joint health. However, not all collagen supplements are created equal, and the effectiveness can vary based on the form, dosage, and type of collagen used.

What Works in Collagen Supplements

• Hydrolyzed collagen peptides: Studies suggest that hydrolyzed collagen, which is broken down into smaller particles, is more easily absorbed by the body and may provide benefits to skin health, joint pain, and hair thickness.
• Type I and Type III collagen: These types of collagen, found in skin, are the most beneficial for improving skin elasticity and reducing signs of aging.
• Joint health: Collagen supplements containing Type II collagen (found in cartilage) may support joint health and reduce pain related to osteoarthritis.

What Doesn’t Work

While collagen supplements can certainly offer benefits, they are not a magic fix. The body needs more than just collagen to maintain healthy skin, joints, and muscles. Proper hydration, balanced nutrition, and other lifestyle factors play a critical role in overall health and collagen synthesis.

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Collagen in Skincare: Can It Be Absorbed Through the Skin?

Collagen is often included in a wide range of topical skincare products like serums, creams, and masks, with promises to plump the skin and reduce wrinkles. But can collagen really penetrate the skin?

The Problem with Topical Collagen

The truth is that collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed through the skin effectively. Most topical collagen products only provide temporary hydration and may offer some plumping effect due to their moisturizing properties, but they don’t actually replace or rebuild collagen in the skin.

What Actually Works in Skincare

Instead of topical collagen, look for products that stimulate collagen production in your skin. Key ingredients that can help boost collagen production include:

• Vitamin C: A powerful antioxidant that helps in the synthesis of collagen and fights free radical damage.
• Retinoids: Vitamin A derivatives that promote cell turnover and stimulate collagen production.
• Peptides: Smaller proteins that can penetrate the skin more easily and help promote collagen synthesis.

At Eterna Sculpt and Wellness, we offer non-invasive treatments such as radiofrequency skin tightening and microneedling, which have been shown to stimulate collagen production in the skin, leading to firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

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Collagen-Rich Foods: Nourishing Your Body From the Inside Out

While collagen supplements can be beneficial, you can also support your body’s natural collagen production through your diet. Consuming foods that are rich in the building blocks of collagen—such as amino acids, vitamin C, and copper—can promote your body’s ability to produce collagen.

Top Collagen-Boosting Foods

• Bone Broth: Made by simmering animal bones, bone broth is rich in collagen and amino acids that support skin and joint health.
• Vitamin C-rich foods: Citrus fruits, berries, bell peppers, and leafy greens are all excellent sources of vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production.
• Copper-rich foods: Copper is important for collagen formation and can be found in foods like nuts, seeds, shellfish, and organ meats.
• Eggs and dairy: High-quality proteins like those found in eggs and dairy products provide amino acids needed for collagen synthesis.

Eating a balanced diet rich in these nutrients not only supports collagen production but also contributes to healthier skin, stronger bones, and better overall health.

The Role of Collagen in Joint Health

As collagen production decreases with age, it affects not only the appearance of our skin but also our joints. Collagen is a major component of cartilage, the tissue that cushions our joints. This is why joint pain and stiffness are common complaints as we age, and why collagen supplementation can be particularly beneficial for joint health.

Collagen’s Effect on Joint Health

Research suggests that collagen supplements can help reduce joint pain, improve mobility, and support overall joint health. Studies have shown that Type II collagen, which is found in cartilage, can improve symptoms of osteoarthritis and reduce joint pain over time.

How Collagen Works for Joints

When you take collagen supplements, your body uses the amino acids to support the regeneration of cartilage in the joints. Over time, this can lead to reduced inflammation, less pain, and improved flexibility. If you’re experiencing joint pain or stiffness, collagen supplementation may be a worthwhile addition to your wellness routine.

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Non-Invasive Treatments to Boost Collagen Production

In addition to supplements and skincare products, there are several non-invasive treatments that can help stimulate collagen production and rejuvenate the skin. At Eterna Sculpt and Wellness, we offer advanced treatments designed to promote collagen synthesis without the need for surgery.

Popular Collagen-Stimulating Treatments

• Radio Frequency Skin Tightening: This treatment uses radiofrequency energy to heat the skin’s deeper layers, stimulating collagen production and tightening the skin.
• Microneedling: By creating tiny micro-injuries in the skin, microneedling triggers the body’s natural healing process, encouraging the production of collagen and elastin.
• Ultrasound Cavitation: This non-invasive treatment targets stubborn fat and helps tighten skin, encouraging collagen regeneration.

These treatments are designed to enhance your skin’s elasticity, reduce signs of aging, and promote long-term skin health. By combining these treatments with proper skincare and a collagen-boosting diet, you can achieve firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

Collagen is a powerful protein that plays a crucial role in the health of your skin, joints, and overall well-being. While collagen supplements can offer benefits, they should be combined with a holistic approach that includes a balanced diet, skincare, and non-invasive treatments. Whether you’re looking to improve skin elasticity, reduce joint pain, or maintain your youthful glow, supporting collagen production is key.

At Eterna Sculpt and Wellness, we offer a range of treatments designed to support your body’s natural collagen production, including radiofrequency skin tightening, microneedling, and ultrasound cavitation. We’re here to help you feel and look your best from the inside out.

If you're ready to explore how collagen-boosting treatments can work for you, reach out to us today. Call us at (931) 305-1376 or email us at [email protected] for a personalized consultation.