Recently, 'collagen water' has emerged as a new inner beauty routine among women in their 40s and 50s in the UK. The habit of drinking collagen beverages 'like water' is spreading like a trend for aging skin that is losing elasticity. Unlike traditional protein drinks, these high-functionality products target both skin and joint health and are rapidly gaining popularity on social media. Let's explore the collagen water trend, a skincare method that can be achieved with just one bottle a day.
Evolving from Protein Drinks to 'Skin Health'
Collagen water is a type of protein supplement drink, but it is a specialized product that directly targets the reduction of collagen in the skin and cartilage. Most contain low molecular weight collagen peptides, which have high absorption rates, and often include vitamin C or hyaluronic acid. According to related reports, the global collagen supplement market size grew to approximately $5.9 billion in 2023. From middle-aged beauty influencers in the UK to models in their 30s, they are leading the inner beauty trend by sharing their collagen routines that are as easy to drink as water.
Inner Beauty Routine for Skin and Joints? Middle-Aged Women's Strategy
Collagen decreases by 1-2% each year after the age of 25, and by the 40s, this reduction is felt in skin elasticity and joint pain. Experts say that consistently supplementing collagen in drink form is a realistic management method, as it is difficult to obtain enough through diet alone, emphasizing that regular intake is key. Especially for menopausal women, this can be a strategy that addresses skin, joint, and bone density management simultaneously. As the inner beauty industry expands beyond mere aesthetics to encompass overall women's health, drinkable collagen is expected to play the role of a 'multi-nutrient supplement you can drink.'
What’s the Difference Between Collagen Water and Regular Protein Drinks?
While traditional protein drinks focus on muscle supplementation, collagen water focuses on maintaining structural proteins in the skin. Additionally, it is characterized by low sugar and fat content, and it is made to be 'light like water' in texture and taste, often being transparent or flavored with fruit. Some products emphasize functionality by adding antioxidant ingredients or L-glutamine, which can aid in skin recovery, in addition to collagen.
In the US and Europe, these 'high-functionality inner beauty drinks' are sometimes classified as 'semi-functional foods' that consider beauty purposes beyond simple nutritional supplementation. They are also gaining attention as alternatives to sparkling water or mineral water, appealing to younger consumers because they can be consumed without burden during intermittent fasting.
How Should You Drink Collagen Beverages?
In South Korea, 'drinking collagen' products are consistently being released. They are mainly distributed in jelly or bottled drink forms and are classified more as health functional foods than as dedicated inner beauty drinks. According to a recent survey by a health functional food association, about 58% of domestic inner beauty product buyers prefer drinkable products for their 'ease of consumption.' However, collagen water has not yet established itself as a standalone beverage category like it has overseas. The demand for inner beauty products that can be consumed as easily as water is expected to diversify further.
