Collagen might be trending, but this isn’t just a beauty buzzword. If you’re on a mission to heal your skin from the inside out, collagen deserves a permanent spot in your daily routine.

It’s not just about glowing skin (although, yes please). Collagen supports your gut, brain, heart, and overall skin health, making it one of the most underrated acne-healing tools out there.

So if you’re thinking about boosting your collagen levels, you’ve got two options: either take a high-quality collagen supplement (like a powder or capsule), or eat collagen-rich foods and support your body’s natural ability to make collagen (more on that below).

Either way, you’re giving your skin the building blocks it needs to heal from the inside out.

This post will walk you through everything you need to know—including the different types of collagen, the health benefits of collagen, how it plays a role in your skincare routine, and what you can do daily to prevent collagen loss and keep that glow going strong.

Let’s break it down!

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Collagen Benefits: More Than Just Pretty Skin

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It’s basically the scaffolding that holds everything together—your skin, joints, hair, nails, bones, and gut lining all rely on it.

When it comes to clear skin, here’s why collagen is a major player:

• Supports a healthy gut lining, which means fewer toxins and inflammatory triggers leaking into your bloodstream
• Reduces inflammation – chronic inflammation = chronic breakouts
• Strengthens skin barrier – leading to better hydration, less flakiness, and fewer flare-ups
• Improves skin elasticity + texture – yes to smoother, more resilient skin
• Helps fade scars + rebuild tissue – especially helpful for post-acne marks or pitted scarring

Bonus: Collagen also supports hormonal balance and tissue repair—two biggies in acne recovery.

How to Use Collagen (and What to Mix It In)

The easiest way to get your daily dose of collagen? A scoop of grass-fed collagen peptides or gelatin in your favorite drink.

Here are a few collagen-packed combos that work beautifully with your acne-healing routine:

• Morning mineral mocktail – Add collagen to warm lemon water, adrenal cocktails, or your morning mineral drink.
• Coffee or matcha – Collagen dissolves easily in warm liquids and won’t change the taste.
• Smoothies – Blend into your Clear Skin Smoothie with frozen fruit, protein, and good fats.
• Evening hot chocolate – Use collagen-rich gelatin in warm raw milk or coconut milk with a pinch of cinnamon and sea salt.

Want my go-to? I mix Perfect Supplements Grass-Fed Gelatin into my bedtime tonic—it’s calming, gut-healing, and gives my skin that overnight boost.

Collagen-Rich Foods to Prioritize for Clear Skin

While supplements are convenient, real food sources of collagen are just as important, especially for gut health.

Add these to your weekly lineup:

• Bone broth or meat stock– Simmered for hours, it’s packed with collagen, minerals, and amino acids
• Slow-cooked meats – Think: shredded chicken thighs, pot roast, oxtail, or short ribs
• Skin-on chicken – Don’t toss the skin! It’s a natural source of collagen
• Sardines (with skin + bones) – Yes, they’re a superfood. No, you don’t need to love them
• Eggs (especially yolks + membranes) – Not high in collagen, but rich in nutrients that help your body make collagen

Collagen forms best when your body has the right co-factors too—vitamin C, zinc, copper, and amino acids. That’s why a well-rounded, nutrient-dense diet matters.

Not All Collagen Is Created Equal

Before you grab a tub of the cheapest collagen from Costco, let’s talk quality.

Many brands are filled with junk fillers, poor-quality protein sources, or haven’t been tested for contaminants. And if your gut is sensitive (hi, acne-prone girlies), low-quality collagen can actually cause more inflammation.

Here’s what to look for:

• Grass-fed + pasture-raised sourcing
• Third-party tested for purity + heavy metals
• No added sweeteners, flavors, or junk ingredients

I only recommend what I trust, and Perfect Supplements Gelatin checks every box. It’s one of the cleanest, most effective gut-healing collagens out there.

Final Thoughts: Collagen = Skin + Gut Glow-Up

If you’re serious about healing acne from the root, adding collagen is one of the simplest and most effective daily habits you can start. It supports your skin, your gut, your hormones, and just makes you feel better.

This isn’t about quick fixes. It’s about building a routine that actually supports your body. Collagen does exactly that.

Want more guidance on how to use collagen and other nutrient-rich foods to heal your skin? You’ll find tons of product recs, recipes, and gut support inside my online course Root Cause Radiance.

Rooting for you always,

Ally