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Written by: Ashley Myrick (@thedigitalesthie)
Collagen supplements have been the talk of the town in the wellness and beauty space, and for good reason. As the most abundant protein in the body, collagen is essential for skin elasticity, hydration, joint support, and overall skin health. But here’s the key: collagen needs vitamin C to be properly absorbed and utilized by the body.
If you’re taking collagen powder but not pairing it with vitamin C, you might not be getting the full benefits. In this blog post, I’ll break down why collagen and vitamin C work together, how to optimize collagen absorption, and I’ll share my quick, easy collagen drink recipe that I absolutely love for glowing skin and strong hair & nails.
Why You Need Vitamin C for Collagen Absorption
Collagen is made up of amino acids like glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. But your body can’t just absorb these and magically create collagen—it needs vitamin C to stimulate collagen synthesis.
Here’s how it works:
- Vitamin C is required to convert proline into hydroxyproline, which strengthens the collagen structure in your skin, joints, and connective tissue.
- Vitamin C protects collagen from breaking down due to oxidative stress, environmental damage, and UV exposure.
- Without vitamin C, collagen synthesis is significantly reduced, meaning your supplement won’t be as effective.
Studies show that when collagen is taken with vitamin C, the body absorbs and uses it more efficiently, leading to better skin hydration, firmer texture, and stronger hair & nails [1].
The Best Way to Take Collagen + Vitamin C Together
To maximize collagen production, the best way to take it is with a high-quality, whole-food vitamin C source like acerola cherry powder, camu camu, or fresh citrus fruits.
Most vitamin C supplements on the market are synthetic ascorbic acid, which can be less bioavailable than natural sources. That’s why I personally use Perfect Supplements Acerola Powder, which is made from whole acerola cherries—one of the most vitamin C-rich foods on the planet [2].
Bonus tip: If you’re using a collagen supplement, look for one that’s hydrolyzed collagen peptides (like Perfect Supplements Hydrolyzed Collagen), which are broken down into smaller amino acids for better absorption.
My Quick Collagen Glow Drink Recipe
This is my go-to warm drink for collagen support and it's so easy to make. I love warm drinks, so I prepare mine like a tea, but you can also mix this into juice, smoothies, or plain water.
Ingredients:
- 8 oz warm water (or any tea, juice, or room temp water of choice)
- 1 scoop (11g) Perfect Supplements Hydrolyzed Collagen Powder
- ¼ tsp Perfect Supplements Acerola Powder (whole-food vitamin C)
- Fresh-squeezed lemon juice from 2 small lemons (or 1 large lemon)
- A leveled spoonful of raw honey (optional, for natural sweetness and skin benefits)
How to Make:
- Heat water until warm, but not boiling.
- Stir in collagen powder until fully dissolved.
- Add acerola powder and squeeze in fresh lemon juice.
- Stir in raw honey until dissolved.
- Enjoy as a warm, nourishing glow-boosting drink!
Tip: If you prefer a cold drink, you can shake this up in a mason jar with ice water, or mix it into your morning juice or smoothie.
Additional Ways to Boost Collagen Naturally
Along with taking a collagen + vitamin C supplement, you can also increase collagen production naturally through diet and lifestyle.
Collagen-Boosting Foods:
- Bone Broth – A natural source of collagen peptides & amino acids.
- Egg Whites – High in proline, one of the key amino acids in collagen.
- Wild-Caught Salmon – Rich in omega-3s to protect collagen from damage.
- Leafy Greens – Contain chlorophyll, which increases collagen production.
- Berries – High in antioxidants that protect collagen breakdown.
Lifestyle Tips for Preserving Collagen:
- Wear SPF daily – UV rays break down collagen and cause premature aging.
- Stay hydrated – Skin needs water to maintain elasticity.
- Limit processed sugar & foods – Excess sugar leads to glycation, which damages collagen.
- Prioritize gut health – A healthy gut microbiome supports better collagen absorption.
In Conclusion, Collagen + Vitamin C = Skin, Hair & Nail Goals
If you’re investing in collagen supplements, pairing them with vitamin C is essential for seeing real results. Whether you make my quick collagen glow drink or simply add lemon juice to your collagen routine, this small habit can make a huge difference in your skin, hair, and overall health.
Want more skin-nourishing recipes & holistic wellness tips? Subscribe to my email list to get exclusive skincare & wellness guides delivered straight to your inbox!
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Sources
- Vitamin C and Skin Health: https://lpi.oregonstate.edu/mic/health-disease/skin-health/vitamin-C
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Acerola, an untapped functional superfruit: a review on latest frontiers: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6098779/
1 comment
very insightful!