As a dermatologist, collagen comes up in my exam room constantly. Patients ask if it actually works, whether it causes weight gain, or if it’s just another beauty trend that’ll fade in a year. I get it, there’s a lot of misinformation out there.
So today, I want to clear the air. Let’s walk through the most common collagen myths I hear, and what the science (and my clinical experience) actually tells us.
Myth #1: Collagen supplements aren’t effective.
The issue isn’t whether collagen works (because it does), but whether it’s taken in a form your body can actually use. Research shows that hydrolyzed collagen peptides, like those used by Live Conscious, can improve skin firmness, hydration, and the appearance of wrinkles when taken consistently.
Unlike generic collagen powders, hydrolyzed peptides are already broken down into smaller, bioavailable forms. That means they survive digestion and actively signal skin cells to support collagen production. In simple terms: collagen only works when your body recognizes it as collagen and that comes down to quality and consistency.
Myth #2: Collagen causes weight gain.
Let me be very clear: collagen is not secretly sabotaging your jeans.
Your body doesn’t store collagen as fat. Instead, it either uses those amino acids to support collagen production throughout the body or metabolizes them like any other protein. Live Conscious Collagen Peptides, for example, contain just 40 calories per serving, making them an easy addition to daily routines without affecting appetite or energy intake.
If anything, collagen is one of the lowest-impact supplements you can add nutritionally.
Myth #3: All collagen supplements are the same.
This one couldn’t be further from the truth.
As physicians, we’re trained to look beyond labels. When I evaluate collagen supplements, I look for products that are:
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Hydrolyzed for absorption
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Third-party tested
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Ethically sourced
- Free from unnecessary fillers or artificial sweeteners
One reason I appreciate Live Conscious is their commitment to high-quality standards. Every production lot undergoes third-party testing for heavy metals—such as cadmium, arsenic, mercury, and lead—as well as bacteria like Salmonella, E. coli, and yeast and mold. They also verify physical characteristics like powder color, smell, taste, and capsule weight.
In addition to testing, the most effective collagen supplements include:
- Hydrolyzed collagen peptides
- Type I & III collagen (the primary types found in skin)
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Clean sourcing (non-GMO, hormone-free, pasture-raised when possible)
These details aren’t just nice to have—they directly affect how well the supplement works.
Myth #4: Collagen only supports beauty (skin, hair, and nails).
While collagen is best known for its skin benefits, its role in the body goes far beyond appearance.
Collagen is a structural protein found throughout the body, which means collagen peptides also support joint comfort, mobility, and recovery. I often recommend collagen to patients dealing with everyday stiffness or the physical impact of workouts—not just those focused on beauty or aging.
I also see benefits in recovery after cosmetic procedures, such as lasers or microneedling, when the skin is actively rebuilding. Patients who take collagen consistently often report improvements beyond the mirror: easier movement, faster bounce-back, stronger nails, and healthier hair.
Collagen isn’t just a beauty supplement—it’s a whole-body routine.
Myth #5: Young people don’t need collagen.
I like to say it’s never too late for collagen, but by the time most people start thinking about it, they’ve already been losing it for years.
Collagen production begins declining in the mid-twenties for both men and women and drops more sharply during menopause for women. On top of that, everyday habits—sun exposure, chronic stress, alcohol, poor sleep, and diet—quietly accelerate collagen breakdown.
The real opportunity with collagen isn’t reversal. It’s preservation. Starting earlier helps support what your body already has, rather than trying to play catch-up later.
The Takeaway
Collagen isn’t hype—it’s biology. But like anything in medicine, how you use it matters. Quality, form, consistency, and sourcing all determine whether collagen actually delivers benefits.
When patients ask me if collagen is “worth it,” my answer is simple: when you choose the right kind and use it consistently, collagen can be one of the most foundational supplements for both skin health and overall wellness.
— Dr. Aivaz
