Written by the GLP1 Era editorial team — we compile real routines and products tried by our community of GLP-1 users. This is a personal-experience account, not medical advice.
Once I noticed my skin looking a bit less firm after losing weight on a GLP-1 medication, I went shopping for a collagen supplement — and quickly got overwhelmed by all the types on the market. After comparing my options, I settled on a hydrolyzed collagen peptide powder from Vital Proteins, and here’s everything I learned along the way.
Why I Looked Into Collagen
What people call “Ozempic face” comes from losing facial fat that used to support the skin from underneath — which can make lines, sagging, and hollow areas more noticeable, especially with faster weight loss. Collagen supplements are one of the nutritional strategies people talk about alongside a balanced diet during this process, so I figured it was worth understanding before buying anything.
The Types I Compared
- Type I collagen — the most abundant type in skin, and what most skin-focused products highlight
- Hydrolyzed collagen peptides — broken down into smaller pieces that are generally easier for the body to absorb; this is what I ended up choosing
- Marine collagen — from fish skin or scales, often marketed with smaller peptide sizes
- Bovine collagen — from cattle hide, one of the most common and well-studied forms
- Powder vs. capsules — I went with powder since it’s more concentrated per serving and mixes easily into my coffee
What I Checked Before Buying
- Vitamin C on the label, since it supports the body’s natural collagen production
- Third-party testing or quality certifications
- A short, simple ingredient list
- Dosage per serving compared to the amounts referenced in skin-related research (usually several grams a day)
The One I Landed On
I went with Vital Proteins — it’s a widely recognized brand that checked the boxes I cared about (hydrolyzed peptides, minimal additives, easy to mix), and it’s frequently mentioned specifically in the context of skin appearance during weight loss.
Other Habits I Added Alongside It
- Staying genuinely well hydrated, not just drinking water when I remembered
- Losing weight a bit more gradually where I could, to give my skin more time to adjust
- Adding resistance training, which I’ve also seen linked to skin and body composition outcomes during weight loss
Keeping My Expectations Realistic
I’ll be honest — the research on collagen and skin elasticity is mixed, with some studies showing modest improvement and others showing very little. Genetics, how much weight I’ve lost, my age, sun exposure, and overall nutrition all factor in too. I’ve come to see collagen as one small piece of a bigger approach, not a standalone fix — a dermatologist or dietitian can help set expectations suited to your own skin and history.
Questions People Ask Me
Do collagen supplements actually work? In my experience they’ve been a supportive nutritional habit, not a guaranteed fix — results really do vary person to person.
How long before I noticed anything? Most labels and studies reference eight to twelve weeks of consistent use before evaluating changes, which matched roughly what I experienced.
Marine or bovine — which is better? Honestly, both are well studied; I picked based on formulation and personal preference rather than one being clearly superior.
Is collagen safe alongside Ozempic or Wegovy? It’s generally considered food-based, but I’d still confirm with your prescribing doctor before adding any new supplement.
Does slower weight loss help with skin changes? That’s what I’ve read and noticed myself — it may give skin more time to adapt, though age, genetics, and total weight lost still play a big role.
This is my personal experience and what worked for me, not medical advice. Talk to your doctor or a dermatologist before adding any new supplement, especially while on a GLP-1 medication.