Collagen & Your DNA: Why the Type You Choose Matters More Than You Think
A Conversation That Happens More Often Than You Think
Whilst in the hair salon recently, I overheard a conversation between a stylist and a client discussing collagen.
They had both tried the same supplement, hoping to improve their skin. One noticed a visible difference. The other saw no change at all.
It’s a situation I hear about often and it highlights something that isn’t usually explained clearly.
Collagen Isn’t the Whole Story
Collagen is one of the most talked‑about supplements for skin, joints, and overall vitality.
But what most people don’t realise is that taking collagen is only one part of the process.
What matters just as much is how your body is able to:
build collagen
maintain it
repair it
and protect it from breakdown
These processes are influenced by your individual biology including your DNA.
Why Do People Get Different Results?
Two people can follow the same approach…
take the same supplement…
eat similar foods…
…and still experience entirely different outcomes.
This isn’t about doing something wrong.
It’s because the body doesn’t respond in a universal way it responds based on how it is designed to function.
The Three Main Collagen Types
Understanding the different collagen types is helpful but it’s only the starting point.
Type I : Skin, Hair, Nails & Connective Tissue
The most abundant collagen in the body, supporting:
skin firmness and elasticity
hair and nail strength
connective tissue repair
Often marine‑based and highly absorbable.
Type II — Joints & Cartilage
Found in:
joint cartilage
cushioning structures
movement-supporting tissues
Typically chicken‑derived and used for joint support.
Type III — Skin Structure & Gut Lining
Works alongside Type I and supports:
skin elasticity
tissue repair
gut lining integrity
Often included in bovine collagen blends.
Where DNA Changes the Picture
Your DNA doesn’t tell you which collagen product to buy.
But it does show how your body behaves underneath:
how quickly collagen is broken down
how effectively it is repaired
how inflammation affects connective tissue
how well nutrients are absorbed and used
This is what shapes your response.
The Key Biological Pathways
1. Collagen Breakdown & Turnover
Some people naturally break collagen down more quickly.
For these individuals, supporting repair and structural stability becomes more important than simply adding more collagen.
2. Inflammation & Connective Tissue Response
Inflammation influences how collagen is maintained in joints and tissues.
When this pathway is more active, support may be needed at the level of structure and cushioning not just surface repair.
3. Skin Ageing & Glycation
Processes such as:
oxidative stress
sugar-related damage (glycation)
reduced collagen production
…all influence how skin ages over time.
4. Nutrient Utilisation
Collagen relies on nutrients such as:
vitamin A
vitamin C
zinc
vitamin E
Your DNA influences how effectively these are used and this can determine whether supplementation is truly effective.
5. Gut Lining & Tissue Integrity
Collagen also plays a role in the structure and repair of the gut lining.
In some people, supporting this area can be just as important as supporting skin or joints.
From Supplements to Strategy
This is where things begin to shift.
Collagen stops being a generic supplement…
and becomes part of a more personalised approach.
Instead of asking:
“What collagen should I take?”
The question becomes:
“What does my body need to maintain and support its own collagen?”
A More Personalised Approach
When we understand how your biology functions, we move away from:
❌ trying different products and hoping for results and towards:
✅ supporting the processes that actually drive change
Where This Can Lead
Understanding these patterns doesn’t just impact skin.
It connects to:
energy
hormonal balance
metabolism
long‑term health
Because these systems are all part of the same underlying biology.
A Natural Next Step
If you’re curious about how your own biology is shaping these patterns, this is exactly where DNA testing becomes so valuable allowing us to see not just what to take, but why your body responds the way it does.
Throughout June, I’m offering a complimentary Skin report when completing the full Health, Hormone & Methylation panel, helping us build a more personalised and precise approach from the outset.
If you’d like to explore this further or have any questions, you’re very welcome to get in touch.