Collagen Peptides Improve Skin Health Through the Gut

2025 study published in Food & Function has uncovered a fascinating new mechanism for how collagen peptides improve skin health — by influencing the gut microbiome and activating the TGF-β pathway, a key regulator of collagen synthesis and tissue repair.

The Science Behind Collagen Peptides

Researchers from China found that hydroxyproline-rich collagen tripeptides (CTP) — the same bioactive compounds found in Wonder Foods Hydrolysed collagen peptide supplements — not only improve skin elasticity and hydration but also modulate gut bacteria to support collagen production from within.

In animal models, collagen peptide supplementation increased skin collagen levels by nearly 120% compared with controls. 

Transcriptomic data revealed that collagen peptides activate the TGF-β pathway, promoting new collagen formation while reducing inflammation-related collagen breakdown.

The Gut–Skin Connection

One of the most novel findings of this study is how collagen interacts with the gut microbiome. 

The researchers showed that collagen tripeptides reach the large intestine, where they:

  • Act like prebiotics, feeding beneficial bacteria such as Lachnoclostridium and Roseburia.
  • Increase the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), known to strengthen the gut barrier and regulate immune balance.
  • Stimulate TGF-β-producing immune cells, linking gut health directly to skin collagen synthesis.

In other words, collagen peptides don’t just provide building blocks for the skin — they help train the gut to support long-term skin health.

Why This Matters for Everyday Skin Health

The research confirms what many holistic practitioners already believe: radiant, youthful skin begins in the gut. 

Maintaining a balanced microbiome is just as important as applying topical skincare.

High-quality collagen peptide supplements can therefore support skin firmness, hydration, and elasticity from the inside out — working through both nutritional and microbiome-mediated pathways.

Choosing the Right Collagen Supplement

For those looking to benefit from these findings, Wonder Foods Hydrolysed Collagen Peptides provides a pure, unflavoured source of Type I and III collagen peptides. It’s hydrolysed for optimal absorption and supports both skin and joint health.

For a broader joint and anti-inflammatory formula, Wonder Foods Complete Joint Care combines hydrolysed collagen with glucosamine, chondroitin, MSM, turmeric (95% curcuminoids), and vitamin C to support cartilage repair, flexibility, and mobility.

The Takeaway

The 2025 Food & Function study adds powerful new evidence that collagen peptides support skin health not just by replacing what time erodes, but by activating the gut–skin axis and stimulating the body’s own regenerative pathways.

For anyone seeking natural, clinically supported ways to improve skin firmness and reduce signs of ageing, hydrolysed collagen peptides are emerging as one of the most effective and well-researched options available.

Disclaimer:
 Wonder Foods offers this post for educational purposes only. Please consult your health practitioner for personalised advice before making changes to your diet or supplement routine.