During perimenopause and menopause, declining oestrogen levels contribute to skin changes including dryness, reduced elasticity and loss of skin collagen. Marine collagen is often marketed as an answer to these changes, but it is important to separate what it may do for the skin from what it does not treat.
Why does skin change during menopause?
Oestrogen plays an important role in skin physiology. Its decline is associated with collagen loss, drier skin and reduced elasticity. These changes still vary widely from one woman to another.
Can marine collagen help the skin?
Oral collagen peptides have mainly been studied for hydration and elasticity. Some studies and meta-analyses report improvements in these outcomes, but the results are not consistent enough to present collagen as a guaranteed solution.
Does collagen treat menopausal symptoms?
No. A collagen supplement does not treat hot flushes, sleep disturbances, genitourinary symptoms, mood changes or other menopausal symptoms. It also does not replace medical care when that is needed.
What about joints or muscle?
Different collagen peptides have been researched in the joint-health field, but their relevance depends on the formulation and context. It is too simplistic to explain every menopausal joint pain as a “collagen deficiency” or promise that a supplement will make it disappear.
What about hair?
Menopause can be accompanied by hair changes, but evidence does not support presenting marine collagen as a treatment for hair loss or as a proven hair-growth stimulant. Marked thinning should be assessed separately.
How can you include collagen in a beauty routine after 45?
- treat it as a supplement, not as hormonal or medical treatment;
- choose a formula that clearly states its dose and peptide type;
- focus on consistency rather than stacking multiple supplements;
- keep sunscreen, moisturising care and a balanced diet as the foundations of skin care.
Day+ options available at Browlab
Day+ Collagen & Vitamins+ Powder contains Peptan® marine collagen peptides, vitamin C and vitamin B3. Day+ Collagen & Spirulina+ Stick also includes spirulina, hyaluronic acid, pomegranate and zinc.
For a broader overview, read our guide to marine collagen.
