Should I be taking collagen? Asking for my inner glow

The other day, I went to grab a smoothie — just a simple green juice to trick myself into feeling like a wellness queen — and the barista hit me with, “Do you want to add a scoop of collagen?” I blinked at her, utterly confused. Was this code for “you look tired”? I stammered something about “just keeping it regular,” but by the time I left, I was spiraling.

Was everyone adding collagen to their smoothies except me? Was this why my skin wasn’t glowing like a glazed donut? Suddenly, every influencer on my grid — Huda Kattan, Aaina Pahwa, Twinkle Stanly, you know the ones — started popping into my mind, eating collagen gel, adding collagen powder to their coffee and claiming it changed their lives.

So, naturally, I decided to investigate. Is collagen worth the hype, or am I being peer-pressured by Instagram?

Let’s dive in.

Collagen: The TLDR

For the uninitiated (or anyone who hasn’t been listening to their dermatologist), collagen is a protein your body naturally produces. Think of it as the duct tape holding your skin, joints, and hair together. The bad news? That duct tape starts peeling around your mid-20s, which is why things like wrinkles, achy knees, and "Why is my hairline doing this to me?!" moments exist.

Enter collagen supplements. They promise to swoop in like the protagonist of a feel-good rom-com and save your skin (literally), along with your hair, nails, and maybe even your digestive system.

The aesthetic appeal of these influencers — flawless skin and enviable hair — makes a compelling argument. But while their testimonials are tempting, it’s essential to separate anecdotal evidence from scientific research.

What does science say?

Here’s what influencers might not tell you: ingesting collagen — whether in your morning matcha or as a supplement—isn’t exactly a direct route to youthful skin or bouncy hair. According to Harvard Health’s experts, when you consume collagen, your body breaks it down into amino acids. These amino acids don’t have GPS — there’s no guarantee they’ll rebuild your cheeks or smooth out that frown line from yesterday’s stressful Zoom call. Instead, they go wherever your body needs them most. It could be your hair, but it could also be your big toe.

Additionally, not all collagen is created equal. Hydrolyzed collagen (collagen peptides) is easier for your body to absorb. You’ll also find collagen from different sources, like bovine, marine, or even vegan-friendly alternatives (though vegan versions mimic collagen rather than provide it).

Look for products tested for purity, free from fillers, and sourced responsibly.

That said, the science isn’t entirely dismissive.

Research does suggest that collagen supplementation might have some benefits:

1. Skin health: Studies show that collagen can improve skin elasticity, hydration, and overall appearance, especially in women over 35.
2. Hair and nails: Collagen may strengthen brittle nails and promote hair growth.
3. Joint pain relief: Some studies indicate that collagen can reduce joint pain and improve mobility, particularly for athletes and those with arthritis.
4. Gut health: While less researched, collagen is believed to support gut lining integrity.

And when you do see a difference, the results are often gradual and depend on consistent use over several weeks or months.

The irony, of course, is that Dubai loves a quick fix. Efficiency is practically the city’s love language. Why cook when you can Deliveroo? Why drive when Careem’s VIP Tesla option exists? And why wait for collagen to work its slow magic when injectable treatments can give you results by tonight?

Still, collagen’s allure persists, largely thanks to its versatility. Dubai’s cafes now offer collagen-boosted lattes alongside their oat milk flat whites. High-end gyms like Crank and Barry’s stock collagen powders that promise to elevate your protein shake to an elixir of youth. And for the discerning gourmand, collagen gummies and gels are popping up on Instagram feeds everywhere.

So...should you be taking collagen?

It depends. If you’re getting plenty of protein from your diet (like fish, eggs, or bone broth), your body might already have what it needs to produce collagen naturally. At the same time, if you’re concerned about aging skin, weak nails, or joint pain, collagen could be a useful addition to your wellness routine. But don’t expect overnight transformations.

Also, let’s be real: collagen isn’t going to fix your life. You still need to sleep, hydrate, and stop doom-scrolling at 1 AM.