© Getty Images

It’s as natural as it gets -

Collagen is a naturally occurring and major protein in the connective tissues of the body that ensures the integrity, elasticity, and strength of skin, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and bones.

©

Shutterstock

Plump, hydrated, and tight skin cells -

The protein is trendy in skincare specifically because it’s responsible for the cohesion, elasticity, and regeneration of skin—all of which we call “youthful.”

©

Shutterstock

Relieving joint pain -

Collagen has also been shown to relieve joint pain and inflammation, so you can look younger but also feel it from the inside out.

©

Shutterstock

Boosting bone health -

Your bones are made mostly of collagen, which gives them structure and helps keep them strong. Some studies show that collagen supplements can help prevent bone disorders like osteoporosis.

©

Shutterstock

Increasing muscle mass -

According to Healthline, up to 10% of muscle tissue is composed of collagen, and research has suggested that supplements may help boost muscle mass in people with age-related muscle mass loss by stimulating muscle growth after exercise.

©

Shutterstock

Promoting heart health -

Collagen provides structure to your arteries—the blood vessels that carry blood from your heart to the rest of your body—and without enough collagen, arteries may become weak and fragile.

©

Shutterstock

Promoting heart health -

Collagen supplements may help reduce the risk factors associated with heart conditions such as atherosclerosis (which involves the narrowing of the arteries and may lead to heart attack or stroke).

©

Shutterstock

Great for hair -

Collagen is said to work wonders for hair, giving your locks that shampoo-commercial shine.

©

Shutterstock

And nails too -

If your nails are always breaking, collagen can help strengthen them and prevent brittleness, while also stimulating them to grow longer.

©

Shutterstock

Without collagen? -

There’s loosening of connective tissue, and with skin particularly the visual effects of aging become apparent, such as dull tones, fine lines, and wrinkles.

©

Shutterstock

Why don’t we have enough collagen? -

Our body’s natural collagen production starts to decline after our mid-20s.

©

Shutterstock

How can we get more? -

There are topical creams and injectables (which target only one area), but the hottest form right now is ingestible collagen supplements, like powders, capsules, and drinks, which provide an effective and non-invasive boost.

©

Shutterstock

Collagen supplements -

Most collagen supplements are hydrolyzed, which means the collagen has already been broken down and is then easier for you to absorb.

©

Shutterstock

Virtually tasteless -

Though some people contest this, and it depends on what brand you get, collagen is largely tasteless, making it suitable to add to coffee, tea, soups, stews, smoothies, or even just water.

©

Shutterstock

Why it’s not a fad -

Ingested supplements—not topically applied or injected—not only add collagen to your body, but they also stimulate your body to produce collagen on its own, and may promote the production of other proteins that help structure your skin, including elastin and fibrillin, Healthline reports.

©

Shutterstock

Giving your body the building blocks -

Instead of an artificial solution with an expiry date, ingesting hydrolyzed collagen increases the special amino acids your cells need to produce collagen.

©

Shutterstock

Jennifer Aniston -

The star famously revealed she takes collagen every morning in her cherry chocolate smoothie.

©

Shutterstock

Kate Hudson - The actress and founder of sportswear line Fabletics says she likes to make collagen smoothies for post-workout refreshments, to keep her hydrated and to support her joint and bone health.

© Getty Images

Kourtney Kardashian - The eldest Kardashian sibling has confessed to starting every day off with a dose of collagen, mixed into her morning water.

© Getty Images

Kelly Ripa - The TV star is another youthful-looking celeb who takes a collagen supplement, adding a packet of collagen peptides to her water every morning as well.

© Getty Images

Busy Philipps - In an interview with People, the star said she starts her days with a “bulletproof coffee,” which is a blend of ultra-pure coffee, unsalted grass-fed butter, and super-concentrated MCT oil, with added collagen protein powder and occasionally vanilla bean.

© Getty Images

Collagen also naturally occurs in foods -

Collagen is found in the connective tissues of animals, so foods like chicken skin, pork skin, beef, and fish are sources of collagen.

©

Shutterstock

Also gelatin -

Collagen can also be found in foods that contain gelatin, a protein substance derived from collagen after it has been cooked, such as bone broth.

©

Shutterstock

However, the science is not conclusive on foods -

More research is needed to determine whether eating collagen-rich foods helps increase collagen in your body, especially to the same degree as supplements, which don’t require your digestive enzymes to break down the collagen in food into peptides.

©

Shutterstock

Non-scientifically supported effects -

Some claim that collagen supplements help prevent acne and other skin conditions, but these are not supported by scientific evidence.

©

Shutterstock

Gut health -

Others promote the use of collagen supplements to treat intestinal permeability, though there is also no scientific evidence of this.

©

Shutterstock

Brain health -

While there haven't been studies on the role of collagen supplements in brain health, some say they improve mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety.

©

Shutterstock

Weight loss -

There are no studies to support the claim that collagen supplements may promote weight loss and a faster metabolism.

©

Shutterstock

Be careful if you have allergies -

Some supplements are made from common food allergens, such as fish, shellfish, and eggs. Read the labels!

See also: All the science on the latest skincare crazes.

©

Shutterstock