Collagen boom for beautiful skin – hype and science put to the test
A new beauty trend is taking over social media
"Collagen drinks" and collagen banking—the proactive "saving up" of collagen in one's younger years—are currently causing a stir. On TikTok and Instagram, influencers swear by daily collagen-rich shots to prevent skin aging. In fact, the skin's natural collagen breakdown begins earlier than many realize: from around age 25, collagen levels in the skin decrease by approximately 1.5% each year. By age 35, the average person has only about 80% of their original collagen content—which can manifest as reduced elasticity, the first signs of wrinkles, and drier skin. It's no wonder that prevention is becoming the motto of the beauty community: prevention rather than intervention.
Why is collagen so important for the skin?
Collagen is the structural protein that gives our skin firmness and elasticity. It acts like a framework in connective tissue. Less collagen means sagging skin and wrinkles. Lost collagen can only be replaced to a limited extent from the outside (e.g., through fillers) – therefore, new approaches aim to stimulate the body's own collagen production at an early age. Dermatologists confirm that this preventative approach makes sense: the more active collagen-producing cells (fibroblasts) you have in your youth, the better you can compensate for the decline. Procedures such as microneedling or special lasers have been stimulating skin cells to produce more collagen for years. Now, the idea of internal support – via diet and nutritional supplements – is being added.
Does the collagen hype hold up scientifically?
Numerous studies have investigated whether taking collagen peptides actually improves skin appearance and signs of aging. A much-discussed new meta-analysis from 2025 initially made headlines by claiming there was no reliable evidence for collagen in preventing skin aging. However, closer examination qualified this statement: The aggregated data did indeed show improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles, but primarily in studies funded by manufacturers. Critics noted that almost all available studies on collagen were supported by manufacturers and that the quality of many industry-funded studies was high. The bottom line remains: Hydrolyzed collagen taken orally can lead to measurable improvements in the skin. For example, a placebo-controlled study in 2014 showed that eight weeks of collagen supplementation in women (35–55 years) significantly increased skin elasticity and hydration and reduced wrinkle depth. Other studies also report small to moderate anti-aging effects—especially when combined with vitamin C to support collagen production.
Inner beauty – what does it really bring?
Collagen in drinkable or capsule form belongs to the growing category of "nutricosmetics," meaning cosmetics taken orally. Users report plumper skin and stronger nails; scientific studies have shown a particularly positive effect on skin hydration and the appearance of fine lines. The quality of the product is crucial: bioactive collagen peptides in sufficient doses, combined with skin-relevant micronutrients, appear to be the most effective. This is where Navimeso Collagen Beauty comes in – a drinkable collagen shot that delivers a high dose of marine collagen with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, zinc, biotin, and other beauty nutrients per serving. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation, while zinc and biotin support skin and hair. This synergy of collagen and co-factors provides multiple benefits for the skin from within.
Conclusion
The collagen boom is more than just a passing fad – it reflects the desire for healthy, aging skin without invasive procedures. Current research is encouraging, although further studies are still underway. Those who want to take early steps towards firmer skin can achieve a great deal with a healthy lifestyle (sun protection, diet, no smoking). Additional collagen supplements like Navimeso Collagen Beauty offer a convenient way to nourish the skin from within every day. While this won't completely stop the loss of elasticity, it can slow it down – resulting in a radiant complexion and strengthened skin that better withstands the aging process.