Collagen: The Inside-Out Secret to Stronger Skin, Joints + Gut Health
By Joe Jackson, Founder + Nutritionist at Apothecary 27When we talk about beauty and wellbeing, collagen deserves its moment in the spotlight. It’s the body’s most abundant protein — a kind of natural scaffolding that keeps our skin firm, joints mobile, gut lining healthy and hair strong.
But as we age, our collagen levels naturally decline. From our late 20s onwards, production starts to slow, and the visible signs creep in: skin feels thinner, joints may get a little creaky, recovery takes longer, and our once-resilient energy can dip.
That’s where collagen supplements come in — but here’s the catch: not all collagen is created equal.
There are dozens of products on the market, some beautifully made and others that are, frankly, filler-heavy and poorly sourced. So, let’s break it down clearly — what the different types actually do, how to spot a quality supplement, and how to make it a seamless part of your daily ritual.
Bovine vs Marine Collagen - What’s the Difference?
Most collagen supplements come from one of two sources: bovine (from cows) or marine (from fish). Both offer benefits, but they serve slightly different purposes depending on your goals.
Bovine Collagen
Bovine collagen is derived from grass-fed cows and is naturally rich in Type I and Type III collagen — the same types found in your skin, bones, muscles, tendons, and gut.
That makes it a great all-rounder. It helps maintain supple joints, supports the gut lining, improves muscle recovery, and promotes firmer, more elastic skin from within.
Best for:
Joint and bone strength
Gut repair and digestive health
Overall tissue regeneration
Skin elasticity and tone
Because it’s so comprehensive, bovine collagen tends to be the go-to for anyone looking for full-body support — not just beauty benefits.
Marine Collagen
Marine collagen is sourced from fish skin and scales and is almost purely Type I collagen — the main form found in skin, hair and nails. The peptides are smaller, meaning they can absorb more quickly into the bloodstream.
Best for:
Fine lines and skin elasticity
Hair and nail growth
A lighter, beauty-focused supplement option
Marine collagen can also be ideal for anyone avoiding red meat or looking for a more sustainable, pescatarian-friendly option. It’s often praised for its skin-enhancing benefits and its “clean” feel — though it usually comes with a higher price tag due to its sourcing and refinement process.
The Science - Why Collagen Works
Collagen is made up of amino acids like glycine, proline and hydroxyproline — the building blocks your body uses to repair and strengthen connective tissue. When you take hydrolysed collagen peptides, these amino acids are absorbed and signal your body to ramp up its own collagen production.
That means it doesn’t just “replace” collagen — it encourages your body to make more of it.
This process can help:
Reduce joint discomfort and stiffness
Improve skin hydration and elasticity
Strengthen hair and nails
Support gut integrity and digestion
Consistency matters most. You won’t see results overnight, but with daily use over a few weeks, customers often report smoother skin, better joint comfort and an overall feeling of vitality.
Quality Over Hype - What to Look For
The collagen market is enormous, but sadly, many products are bulked out with fillers, sweeteners or low-grade material from questionable sources.
Here’s what truly sets a good collagen apart:
Ethical sourcing – Grass-fed, high-welfare or wild-caught origins ensure better purity and nutritional integrity.
Hydrolysed peptides – The collagen should be “hydrolysed” into tiny peptides for better absorption.
Independent testing – Look for brands that test for heavy metals, contaminants and verify purity.
Transparency – You should know exactly where it comes from and how it’s processed.
At Apothecary 27, we’re incredibly selective. We only stock collagen that meets our standards for purity, traceability and ethical sourcing. You may notice your favourite celebrity endorsing particular brands in beautiful packaging - but if we don’t think the quality is there, we won’t keep it on our shelves.
Why We Stock Living Planet Collagen
After testing and comparing many brands — including some of the most famous names — we chose to stock Living Planet Collagen because it aligns with everything we value.
High-welfare, grass-fed cattle raised on open pastures.
Clean and pure — free from artificial flavours, sweeteners and fillers.
Minimal processing and fully hydrolysed for superior absorption.
UK-made and transparently sourced, so you know exactly what you’re putting in your body.
It’s a product that performs beautifully, blends effortlessly, and feels good to use — in every sense.
How I Use Collagen (and Why You’ll Hardly Notice It)
As someone who doesn’t actually eat meat, I still find collagen an easy, guilt-free way to support my body. It’s completely flavourless and dissolves invisibly — you’d never know it’s there.
Here are a few of my favourite ways to take it:
Morning coffee – it adds a lovely smoothness and a small protein boost.
Smoothies or shakes – blends seamlessly without changing the taste.
Soups or stews – stir in just before serving for an easy daily dose.
Think of it as the simplest self-care upgrade — a spoonful a day that quietly supports your body’s structure from the inside out.
The Bottom Line
Whether you choose marine collagen for its skin and beauty benefits or bovine collagen for full-body support, what truly matters is quality and consistency.
Collagen isn’t a quick fix — it’s a slow, steady investment in the body you live in.
At Apothecary 27, we believe that’s the best kind of wellness: gentle, natural, and rooted in science.
Disclaimer:
This article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult your GP or healthcare professional before starting new supplements, especially if you are undergoing medical treatment or taking prescribed medication.