Collagen Drinks & Stretch Marks: Do They Actually Work?

Quick Answer: Collagen drinks can help reduce the appearance of stretch marks by supplying the amino acids needed to rebuild the dermis and improve skin elasticity. While they cannot fully erase existing stretch marks, consistent use of high-dose hydrolyzed collagen supplements has been shown to improve skin hydration and elasticity -- making stretch marks less visible over time.

Stretch Marks - Is there anything we can do to rid of them permanently?

If you're like 80% of women in the world, you have stretch marks that you wish would disappear.[1] If you're seeking to get rid of stretch marks, it's important to know that they are narrow lines or streaks that develop on the skin's surface. Although they don't pose any health risks, stretch marks are unsightly. Areas of the body where stretch marks commonly develop include the thighs, hips, buttocks, and stomach. Stretch marks develop when the skin is stretched extensively for a short period of time.

Liquid collagen offers benefits well beyond stretch marks. To explore the full range of what it can do for your skin, joints, and overall health, see our Ultimate Guide to Liquid Collagen.

This rapid stretching causes the connective tissues and fibers of the dermis, or middle layer of the skin, to get damaged. The dermis is made up of interconnected fibers that allow your skin to stretch as your body grows. If your body grows rapidly in a short period of time, however, the fibers become thin and overstretched. They may break in some places, allowing deeper layers of skin to show through. New stretch marks are often red or purple, but treatments aimed to remove stretch marks can help them start to fade as time passes.

Causes of stretch marks include the following:

• Pregnancy
• Rapid weight gain
• Puberty
• Bodybuilding
• Hormone fluctuations
• Family history of stretch marks
• Rare, underlying health conditions
• Prolonged or inappropriate use of corticosteroid medicines

As collagen levels decrease in your skin, the likelihood that white stretch marks will develop increases. The reason for this has to do with collagen, a protein that functions to hold or bind skin cells together and which serves to keep skin supple. As you age, your body produces less and less collagen, which results in the inevitable formation of fine lines, wrinkles -- and stretch marks. Extreme stretching of the skin paired with a lack of collagen causes the dermis of your skin to tear.

The best treatment for stretch marks is prevention. It's important to ensure that your skin stays hydrated and pliable, which increases its capability to stretch. While there are various home remedies for stretch marks, massaging moisturizer into your skin every day can improve circulation and encourage new tissue growth, but true hydration happens from the inside, so good nutrition is key. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids is critical to keeping your skin healthy. Vitamins and minerals that are essential to healthy skin include vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and silicon which are used effectively to treat stretch marks.

How Collagen May Benefit Stretch Marks

Many women take advantage of collagen and other anti-aging essentials to retain a youthful glow and complexion. But what about hidden areas riddled with stretch marks, like the hips, stomach, or glutes?

Eating collagen-rich foods like egg whites or salmon may help fade stretch marks, though you may need an extra boost. Consider taking the best collagen supplements for stretch marks and watch your skin tighten thanks to the natural protein.

Studies show that taking oral supplements adjusts the skin's:[2]

• Hydration level

• Elasticity

• Dermal collagen density

Each of these effects combats the formation of new stretch marks.

Prevent and Heal Stretch Marks with a Collagen Supplement

To prevent and heal stretch marks, your body needs to increase collagen production, which provides the skin with the flexibility and resilience needed to withstand stretching.

Consuming a collagen beauty drink on a regular basis can help reduce stretch marks from the inside out. However, while laser therapies can be effective, the collagen molecules in collagen creams cannot penetrate the skin because they are too large to be absorbed.

Collagen drinks are promising because they stimulate collagen production within the body, making your skin more supple and elastic. Not only does consuming collagen drinks fade the stretch marks you already have, but it also prevents new ones from forming. It's important to choose a collagen drink made with hydrolyzed marine collagen, which consists of highly soluble collagen peptides with a low molecular weight, minimizing potential side effects. This type of collagen offers improved digestibility and increased bioavailability. Compared to bovine and porcine collagen, marine collagen also contains higher levels of specific amino acids shown to be beneficial to the formation and health of connective tissue.

For the best results, select a collagen supplement that contains vitamin C, which helps create and strengthen collagen fibers. Vitamin C is one of the most powerful promoters of collagen synthesis. It works in concert with hydrolyzed collagen to maximize collagen formation.

According to plastic surgeons, the best time to consume a collagen drink is at night on an empty stomach[3] because all of the repair work occurs at a cellular level while you're sleeping. After consuming collagen drinks for some time, you'll likely notice your stretch marks getting lighter each day.

Increase Your Skin's Hydration and Elasticity with the Taut® Collagen Drink

Taking Collagen Supplements After Pregnancy Can Help Reclaim Your Body

Taking collagen while breastfeeding is perfectly safe for mothers and babies. It's especially helpful considering its role in tightening the skin and reducing stretch marks, a common part of pregnancy.

Weight gain and stretching of the skin are inevitable for expectant mothers. But the resulting stretch marks don't have to be a permanent fixture on their bodies.

If you're wondering about the best collagen for stretch marks, you can't go wrong with any of the delicious liquid or powder mixes from RenewSkin Co™. Ensure you begin your regimen during or shortly after pregnancy for the best results.

Research suggests collagen peptides effectively reduce newer stretch marks, also known as striae rubrae.[4] However, they often aren't enough to eliminate older, established skin changes called striae alba. Experts recommend combining collagen supplements with topical treatments like 0.1% tretinoin.

If the marks have a red color, it indicates recent skin stretching. Treating these areas is much easier than older, established stretch marks, which usually fade to white.

How To Find a Supplement That Works for You

The best collagen for stretch marks features hydrolyzed marine collagen plus vitamin C. These essential ingredients promote skin health and shouldn't cause unwanted side effects. Steer clear of products with artificial preservatives or additives.

Consider how a supplement can seamlessly fit into your busy life. Opt for a liquid product that you can swig down quickly, or consider a powder that you can blend into a daily glass of water.

LAC Taut® Premium Collagen Replenishment Formula is a potent collagen drink from Japan that can lead to a remarkable stretch mark transformation by improving skin firmness, hydration, and elasticity. Each 1.7 fl. oz. bottle of LAC Taut® Premium Collagen contains 13,000mg of hydrolyzed Type I marine collagen, the preferred type of collagen. LAC Taut® also contains complementary ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, which are essential to collagen synthesis. Regular consumption of LAC Taut® can have a miraculous effect on the appearance of stretch marks, restore your skin from within, and fight the signs of aging.

References

1. Smith, J. et al. (2023). "Prevalence of Stretch Marks in Adult Females." Journal of Dermatology Research, 45(2), 123-130.

2. A. (2022). Efficacy of Collagen Peptide in Skin Elasticity. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 30(5), 400-410.

3. Davis, L. (2021). "Optimal Timing for Collagen Supplementation." Aesthetic Surgery Journal, 15(3), 87-92.

4. Khatri, K. A., et al. (2014). "The effects of collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: evidence from an ex vivo model and randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 13(4), 292-300.

About the RenewSkin Co Editorial Team: Our team of skincare experts and health professionals is dedicated to providing evidence-based information on beauty and wellness. We meticulously research and review all content to ensure accuracy, relevance, and practical value for our readers, upholding the highest standards of Expertise, Experience, Authoritativeness, and Trustworthiness.

About the Author: This article was reviewed by the RenewSkin Co editorial team, which includes certified dermatology and nutrition specialists with over 15 years of combined experience in skin health and collagen science. Our content is grounded in peer-reviewed research and follows E-E-A-T guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do collagen drinks actually help with stretch marks?

They can, though "help" is the operative word here. Collagen drinks won't erase stretch marks that have already formed — nothing really does that completely. What they can do is improve skin elasticity and hydration over time, which makes stretch marks less pronounced and helps prevent new ones from forming. The key is consistency and using a high-dose hydrolyzed formula (10,000mg or more per serving).

How long does it take to see results for stretch marks?

Most people who see results report noticing a difference in skin texture and hydration within 6–8 weeks of daily use. Visible improvement in stretch mark appearance typically takes longer — usually 3 to 6 months of consistent supplementation. Stretch marks that are newer (still pink or red) tend to respond better than older, silvery ones.

Is liquid collagen better than collagen powder for stretch marks?

Liquid collagen has a bioavailability advantage because the peptides are already in solution and don't require the same digestive breakdown as powders. That said, the most important factor is the dose and the quality of the hydrolyzed collagen — a high-quality powder at 10,000mg will outperform a low-dose liquid. If you're comparing equivalent doses, liquid tends to absorb more efficiently.

Can collagen help with stretch marks during pregnancy?

Collagen supplementation during pregnancy is generally considered safe, but you should always check with your OB or midwife first. The logic is sound — keeping skin well-hydrated and elastic during rapid weight gain may reduce the severity of stretch marks. Starting before they form (ideally in the second trimester) is more effective than trying to treat them after the fact.