Not All Collagen Supplements Are Created Equal: Here’s What You Need to Know

Collagen supplements have become one of the most talked-about additions to health and wellness routines. And for good reason. They promise to support skin, joints, bones, and even hair and nails when consumed consistently.

But with so many products on the market, how do you know which ones work? 

We know it can get confusing, and to be honest, not all collagen supplements are created equal. The type of collagen, how it’s processed, and what else has been added to the formula can make a big difference in how well your body can absorb and use it.

Let’s break it down and explore what makes a collagen supplement stand out from all the rest. 

What Exactly Does a Collagen Supplement Do?

Collagen is the body’s most abundant protein, giving structure to skin, joints, and connective tissue. It acts like the scaffolding that holds everything together. But it starts to decline in your mid-20s, and while you probably won’t notice this decline for many years, a reduction in collagen eventually leads to wrinkles, joint stiffness, slower healing, weaker nails and thinning hair. 

For women, the decline becomes particularly prevalent in the years leading up to menopause, and it’s a steep decline in post-menopause. 

Collagen supplements help by supplying key amino acids — such as glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline — that support your body’s natural collagen-building efforts. While they don’t replace lost collagen directly, they provide the raw materials your body needs to produce more from the inside out.

The Importance of Bioavailability in Collagen Supplements

Not all collagen is absorbed equally. To be effective, collagen must be broken down into smaller fragments that your digestive system can actually absorb — a process called hydrolysis. 

This is how hydrolysed collagen peptides are created and these smaller peptides can cross the gut barrier more easily and circulate through the bloodstream. Studies have shown that some peptides act like messengers, stimulating your body’s own collagen production in areas like the skin, joints, and bones.

Importantly, research also shows that these peptides tend to accumulate in collagen-rich tissues, meaning they don’t just get used as a supply of protein, but actually go to work where they’re needed most.

Why Choose Hydrolysed Collagen Peptides?

Let’s put it simply: native collagen is too big to be absorbed. Gelatin — like the type you find in bone broth or jelly — is partially broken down, but still not optimal for absorption.

Hydrolysed collagen peptides are fully broken into short chains, making them much more bioavailable. These peptides not only supply the building blocks for new collagen, but also help “switch on” collagen-producing cells in the skin and connective tissue.

This dual action — supplying building blocks and triggering collagen production — makes hydrolysed collagen uniquely effective.

Key Benefits of Hydrolysed Collagen Peptides

Skin Health and Anti-Ageing 

Clinical trials have shown that daily collagen supplementation can significantly improve skin hydration, elasticity, and overall texture. Some studies also report a reduction in wrinkle depth and visible signs of ageing.

Joint and Bone Support 

Collagen is a key component of cartilage. As it declines, so can joint comfort and mobility. Supplementing with hydrolysed collagen has been shown to support joint integrity and reduce stiffness, especially helpful for those with osteoarthritis or age-related joint concerns.

Hair and Nail Strength 

Regular intake of collagen peptides can lead to stronger nails and less breakage, along with improved hair texture and resilience. This is likely due to their role in supporting keratin production, the primary protein in hair and nails.

Selecting the Best Collagen Supplement

Source of Collagen – Bovine vs Marine 

Bovine collagen, derived from grass-fed cattle, provides both Type I and Type III collagen — ideal for skin and connective tissue. Marine collagen offers primarily Type I and is often marketed for skin benefits, but may not be suitable for everyone due to allergens or sustainability concerns.

Hydrolysed Collagen Peptides vs. Gelatin 

While both come from collagen-rich sources, gelatin is only partially broken down, making it less absorbable than hydrolysed collagen peptides. Hydrolysed peptides are broken into smaller chains that your body can absorb more efficiently, giving them an edge when delivering visible results.

The Power of the ‘C’ in ProCollagen-C 

Vitamin C isn’t just a nice-to-have — it’s essential. Your body can’t produce or stabilise collagen effectively without it, which is why it’s a key part of the ProCollagen-C formula. Paired with Hyaluronic Acid for added hydration and elasticity, these ingredients help deliver visible, skin-loving results.

Synternals ProCollagen-C delivers a smart combination of clinically researched ingredients: 5g of VERISOL® Bioactive Collagen Peptides (a proven form of hydrolysed bovine collagen), Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) to drive collagen production, and Hyaluronic Acid to support skin hydration. 

Together, these ingredients form a powerful trio to support collagen formation and visible results.

Why We Love and Recommend ProCollagen-C

If you’re going to invest in collagen, make it one that’s clinically supported, truly bioavailable, and designed to reach where it’s needed most — your skin, joints, hair and nails.

ProCollagen-C is a smart, science-led formula made in Australia, combining bioavailable hydrolysed collagen peptides with essential cofactors like Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid.

It’s a clean, research-backed supplement that delivers visible, feel-good benefits — not just marketing hype. For skin that glows, joints that move freely, and stronger hair and nails, ProCollagen-C is our trusted go-to.

If you’d like to know more, you can reach us at (02) 8034 2140, drop by the clinic, or contact us here; we’re always happy to help.

See you soon,

Mel x