“I’ve been taking collagen for my skin, but I’m not sure if it’s actually making a difference.”
It’s a concern Dr Ivona Paravic hears increasingly often from women navigating perimenopause and menopause. As collagen supplements surge in popularity, many are asking the same question: can drinking collagen really restore youthful skin?
According to Dr Ivona, the answer is more nuanced than social media trends suggest.

Why Collagen Matters More During Menopause

Collagen is the main structural protein in the skin, responsible for its firmness, elasticity and overall support. Type I and Type III collagen form the framework of the dermis, helping skin maintain its strength and resilience.

From our mid-20s we lose roughly 1% of collagen each year, with a more rapid decline during perimenopause and menopause – as much as 30% in the first 5 years of menopause due to hormonal changes.”

This accelerated loss is one of the key reasons many women start to see more noticeable changes in their skin during this stage of life, often referred to as menopause-related skin ageing.

Can Drinking Collagen Make a Difference?

Collagen supplements and drinks have become a global wellness trend, often marketed as a simple solution to ageing skin. However, the science behind how they work is often misunderstood.

“When collagen is consumed, it does not travel directly to the skin,” says Dr Ivona.  “During digestion it’s broken down into small peptides and amino acids, which are  then absorbed into the bloodstream and can be used by the body wherever collagen is needed.”

Some of these collagen-derived peptides may act as biological signals, stimulating fibroblasts (the cells responsible for producing collagen) and encouraging the skin to increase its own collagen production.

“There is some scientific evidence supporting this,” she adds. “Studies suggest that taking hydrolysed collagen for around 8 to 12 weeks may improve skin hydration, elasticity and the appearance of fine lines. But the effects are generally modest and vary significantly between individuals.”

Why Supplements Alone Are Not Enough

While collagen drinks may offer some support, Dr Ivona emphasises that they are not a standalone solution, particularly for menopausal skin.

“Maintaining healthy collagen levels is rarely about a single product,” she explains. “It requires a broader approach that supports the skin’s regenerative processes both internally and externally.”

Lifestyle factors such as ensuring an adequate protein and vitamin C intake, supporting metabolic health and getting serious about sun protection all play an important role. However, when it comes to meaningful, visible change, in-clinic treatments remain the gold standard.

The More Effective Route: Stimulating Your Own Collagen

“From a clinical perspective, the most reliable way to stimulate collagen remains treatments that activate the skin’s natural repair processes such as fractional lasers, microneedling and biostimulatory injectables.”

Regenerative treatments, including injectable skin-boosting approaches such as hyaluronic acid (HA), PLLA, amino acid complexes (including glycine, proline, lysine and leucine), polynucleotides and calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA), can further support tissue repair, hydration and elasticity. These in-clinic treatments work synergistically with good nutrition. Eating sufficient protein, including healthy fats, protecting the skin with antioxidants and supporting overall skin function with essential minerals all contribute to improved outcomes. Together, this approach offers a more comprehensive and longer-lasting strategy than supplements alone.

For menopausal women in particular, where collagen loss is rapid and hormonally driven, these treatments can make a significant difference.

Supporting Skin Through Change

Rather than chasing quick fixes, Dr Ivona encourages women to view collagen support as part of a bigger picture.

“The goal isn’t to rely on a single trend or product,” she says. “It’s to support the skin’s biology in a way that is consistent, evidence-based and tailored to each stage of life.”

While collagen drinks may have a role to play, true skin rejuvenation lies in combining internal support with targeted, clinically proven treatments.

“The aim is not to turn back time,” she adds. “It’s to help women feel confident in their skin as it evolves, with the right support in place.”