Collagen expert urges beauty fans to follow one morning routine for radiant skin

Appearing everywhere from TV shows to Instagram and TikTok, collagen drinks have become the latest wellness trend many people are keen to try in a bid to delay signs of ageing. As we age, our collagen levels deplete every year and the beauty sphere has found an easy way to 'bank collagen' without splurging on expensive topical treatments.

Searches for "benefits of collagen coffee" have reportedly increased by 50% this year and some coffee shops are offering the option to upgrade their morning brew with a collagen shot, showing a rising interest among beauty fans to integrate the wonder ingredient into their morning routine. But Darcy Laceby, co-founder of Absolute Collagen, is urging people to invest in a long-term collagen routine rather than splashing out on the occasional beauty shot at coffee shops. A collagen supplement subscription plan would costas little as £1.99 a day.

While a one-off blueberry matcha latte with a shot of collagen powder may seem like the perfect treat for a tired Monday morning, experts are warning that neither your skin nor your bank account will reap the benefits. Darcy explained why the occasional collagen dose won't be effective: "Don't get us wrong, collagen supplements do work to improve your skin, hair and nails.

"Your collagen levels deplete from 25 years old onwards, meaning your skin loses its elasticity and you'll begin to see signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles. However, taking collagen only once or twice a week - such as with a coffee shop add-on - will not give you the results you are looking for.

"To really reap the benefits of radiant skin, shiny hair and stronger nails, collagen supplements should be taken every day. In fact, to see results, you'll need a daily dosage of collagen for at least 6 weeks, which allows your body to build up the proteins and tackle signs of ageing effectively."

Absolute Collagen offers a collagen subscription that shoppers can save 18% and receive either a bi-monthly or monthly subscription. Plus, first-time subscribers will receive afree gift worth £134 including six travel-size skincare products, a luxury travel bag and a satin eye mask.

A 14-day subscription costs £27.99, and a 28-day plan costs £55.98 - customers can pause, skip or cancel if they like. She added: "This will not only provide you with better results but also save you from wasting your money on one-off collagen add-ons. Collagen isn't a once-in-a-while treat. Taken every day, it is four times more effective at improving skin quality than taking it every other day."

Elsewhere on the market, Vida Glow's Pro Collagen+ sachets deliver faster result by addressing pronounced lines and diminishing wrinkle appearance by 42% in 21 days. Shoppers can save 15% on a monthy subscription and receive a free gift on the first order. Instead of £55 for one-time purchase, the subscription costs £46.75.

Vital Proteins, a brand endorsed by Jennifer Aniston, launched their Collagen Peptides Unflavoured in a canister that serves roughly 28 servings. With bovine collagen (sourced from cows) as the main ingredient, this could be a better option for those who worry about marine collagen powder "smelling fishy". It's stocked at Holland & Barrett for £37.49.

Absolute Collagen's Crystal Clarity Marine Collagen Powder Supplement comes in pre-measured sachets, it can be mixed into any food or drink. A shopper shared a before-and-after selfie to show off their results, detailing: "Can't believe what a difference it's actually made to my skin, hair and nails. Thank you Absolute Collagen, I feel so much more confident in my 41-year-old skin."

"I tried mine with my morning glass of water, no taste, no residue and no scent. Perfect for on the go or to take at home," a person commented.

Someone else wasn't too pleased with the texture and wrote: "Sadly the powder was not for me. Had a strong taste even when added to drinks and quite a gloopy texture."

Meanwhile, another shopper said they enjoyed taking the powder supplement more than the liquid version: "I'm usually a liquid collagen girl - but just tried the new powder alternative and I could become a convert. I mixed it in with my berry and almond milk shake (whilst in the blender) and it disappeared and was flavourless."

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