Two months ago I added collagen into my daily routine. At the time I was recovering from carpal tunnel surgery and my focus was firmly on healing but my left hand wasn’t playing ball. A colleague with a medical background asked if I had ever considered taking collagen and whilst I had seen people on social media talking about the benefits for hair and skin I hadnt seen talk of it used for anything else. I wanted to give my body the best support I could, particularly for muscle repair and tissue recovery because, to put it mildly, my left hand is not doing what it should post surgery and I was at the point of considering anything and everything.
I tried it in tea first thing in the morning but people who say it is odourless and colourless are lying. In tea it smells like wet dog. In orange juice it looks like lumps of flour have fallen in it. I am not a smoothie person as I dont have time so I decided to create a ritual with having hot chocolate first thing.
At first it felt like a small step, just stirring a scoop into my morning hot chocolate, but over time I began to notice changes I wasn’t expecting.
How collagen works
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies. It is a key part of connective tissue, helping to keep skin firm, muscles strong, and joints cushioned. As we age, our natural collagen production slows down. That is when fine lines, stiffness, and slower recovery tend to creep in. Taking a supplement provides the body with collagen peptides, which are broken down into amino acids. These amino acids are then used where they are most needed, whether that is repairing muscles after exercise or supporting skin elasticity.
What I’ve noticed
The first change I saw was in my skin. It looks fresher, as though I’ve been sleeping better. I wasn’t expecting any cosmetic benefit despite people talking about it online so this was a lovely surprise. Now firmly in my mid fifties it certainly doesnt hurt to give my skin all the help it can get.
My nails have also strengthened. I have a manicure every two weeks and always wear gel polish, so I rarely see my nails bare, but underneath I can feel the difference. They are not as bendy or fragile when the polish comes off, which makes them much easier to maintain and stops any panicked calls between appointments.
My hair has picked up a shine and feels slightly fuller at the roots. Again not the reason I started collagen, but a welcome bonus.
The most valuable shift though has been in my joints. I often had stiffness in my hands and knees, especially first thing in the morning. Over the past few weeks that discomfort has eased. It is subtle, but it makes daily life feel that bit easier. I dont get out of bed and walk like a woman in her nineties might. My knees dont click as I walk down the stairs anymore and whilst my left hand is still being a piglet that is needing physiotherapy I am sure the addition of collagen wont be hurting.
The role of peptides
Many collagen supplements are made up of something called hydrolysed collagen peptides. Hydrolysed simply means the protein has been broken down into smaller, more easily absorbed pieces. These peptides can pass through the gut barrier and enter the bloodstream more efficiently, where the body can use them to repair and rebuild. For me this felt important, as I wanted the collagen to actually reach the areas that needed support after surgery. So if you are faced with an array to choose from when starting out, look for that on the label.
Vegan vs bovine or marine
Not all collagen is the same. Traditional collagen usually comes from bovine (cow) or marine (fish) sources. Both provide the same types of peptides, though marine collagen is often thought to be slightly more bioavailable, meaning the body can absorb it more easily.
For anyone who prefers not to use animal products, there are now vegan collagen options on the market. These are usually made from fermented yeast or bacteria and are designed to mimic the amino acid profile of collagen. They do not contain “true” collagen, but instead help the body boost its own natural collagen production.
I chose a bovine version simply because it was readily available and recommended for recovery, but it is nice to know there are different options depending on lifestyle and values.
My morning ritual
I take my collagen with a sachet of hot chocolate every morning. It dissolves easily and makes the drink taste richer without being noticeable. What has surprised me most though is how much I enjoy the pause it gives me. Sitting down with that warm mug before the day properly begins has become almost meditative. It is five minutes of calm, a moment just for me, and now I look forward to it as much as the benefits themselves.
Looking ahead
Collagen was something I began purely as support for healing after surgery. Two months later I can see that it has offered far more than I imagined. From stronger nails to smoother skin and easier mornings with less stiffness, the benefits have gone beyond my original goal. I do not see it as a magic solution but as a steady, gentle way of giving my body what it needs.
Is it all in my head, who knows? My approach to supplements is always that if it makes you feel better then that is all that matters.