Collagen has become a staple in many wellness and beauty routines. It’s known for supporting skin elasticity, hair strength, nail resilience, and joint health. While there is no “best” time to take collagen, more people are exploring the benefits of taking collagen at night. This timing may align with the body’s natural repair processes and complement healthy sleep patterns, muscle recovery, and overnight skin and hair regeneration.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It acts as a structural component for skin, hair, nails, joints, and even the gut. It plays a vital role in skin structure, hair strength, nail resilience, joint function, and gut integrity 3. As we age, natural collagen production slows, which can lead to visible signs of ageing, reduced elasticity, fine lines, brittle nails, and thinning hair. For those with weak nails, combining your collagen with a fragile nails treatment routine may help amplify results 4.
Collagen supplementation can help counteract these changes by providing the necessary amino acids. Vida Glow Natural Marine Collagen is sourced from bioavailable marine collagen that’s efficiently absorbed to support visible improvements in skin, hair, and nails. For enhanced support, Pro Collagen+ combines marine collagen with clinically studied actives to target deep skin hydration, elasticity, and firmness.
Why night-time is ideal for collagen supplementation
The body operates on a circadian rhythm, with repair processes peaking during sleep. At night, skin cell turnover increases, muscle repair is heightened, and the body enters a natural restorative state.
Taking collagen at night may help support these biological rhythms by providing amino acids when they’re most needed, potentially amplifying the visible and functional benefits. Additionally, slower overnight digestion may allow for more gradual absorption of collagen peptides — offering a steady supply of nutrients to support skin and body recovery as you rest.
Glycine's role in promoting restful sleep
Collagen is rich in glycine, an amino acid that supports healthy sleep patterns. Glycine may help regulate core body temperature, a key factor in achieving restful sleep. It also supports the production of calming neurotransmitters. Studies suggest glycine can improve sleep quality 7, making collagen a simple, effective addition to your night routine that supports skin, hair, joints and restful sleep while you rest.
Supporting skin and hair regeneration overnight
Night-time is when the skin’s barrier function is at its lowest and repair mode is at its highest. Consuming collagen before bed fuels the body with peptides that help maintain skin hydration, elasticity, and resilience. This can help counter the effects of environmental stressors and UV exposure. The same applies to hair follicles — overnight collagen intake may support scalp health and promote stronger, healthier hair growth. This is especially beneficial when paired with hair growth supplements or anti-ageing supplements.
Enhancing muscle recovery and joint health
People with active lifestyles or joint discomfort may also benefit from taking collagen at night 5. During sleep, the body prioritises muscle and connective tissue repair. Collagen peptides contribute to this process by providing the building blocks for muscle fibres, tendons, and ligaments. Taking collagen before bed may also support joint comfort, flexibility, and overall movement. It’s a simple way to help your body feel more refreshed and mobile in the morning 2.
Tips for maximising collagen's night-time benefits
To get the most from your night-time collagen routine, consistency is key. Daily intake at the recommended collagen dosage supports sustained results. Pairing your collagen with a source of vitamin C can help stimulate collagen synthesis. Staying hydrated also helps collagen work more effectively across skin and joints. Collagen Liquid Advance offers a convenient, ready-to-drink option designed for fast absorption — ideal for easy night-time use.
Can collagen be taken in the morning?
While night-time aligns with the body’s natural repair cycle, consistency is ultimately more important than timing. Morning collagen intake still provides valuable benefits for skin, hair, nails, and joints. Whether you take it in the morning or evening, the key is finding a routine that works for you. You can learn more about how long collagen takes to work and why consistency delivers the best results.
Adding collagen to your evening routine supports overnight skin and hair regeneration. It also enhances muscle recovery and joint health 6, while promoting restful sleep. Glycine — a key amino acid in collagen — contributes to a calm, restorative night and complements the body’s peak repair processes.
However, consistency remains the most important factor. No matter when you take it, it’s your daily habits — not perfect timing — that drive visible, lasting results. Explore Vida Glow’s collagen range to find the right fit for your lifestyle, or learn more about the science behind marine collagen benefits.
Sources:
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Proksch, Ehrhardt, et al. "Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study." Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, vol. 27, no. 1, 2014, pp. 47–55. https://doi.org/10.1159/000351376
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Yazaki, Megumi, et al. "Oral ingestion of collagen hydrolysate leads to the transportation of highly concentrated Gly-Pro-Hyp and its hydrolyzed form of Pro-Hyp into the bloodstream and skin." Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, vol. 65, no. 11, 2017, pp. 2315–2322. https://doi.org/10.1021/acs.jafc.6b05679
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Zague, Viviane. "A new view concerning the effects of collagen hydrolysate intake on skin properties." Archives of Dermatological Research, vol. 300, no. 9, 2008, pp. 479–483. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-008-0888-4
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Hexsel, Doris, et al. "Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, vol. 16, no. 4, 2017, pp. 520–526. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12393
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Clark, Kristine L., et al. "24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain." Current Medical Research and Opinion, vol. 24, no. 5, 2008, pp. 1485–1496. https://doi.org/10.1185/030079908X291967
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König, D., et al. "Specific collagen peptides improve bone mineral density and bone markers in postmenopausal women—A randomized controlled study." Nutrients, vol. 10, no. 1, 2018, p. 97. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10010097
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Wang, Weiwei, et al. "Glycine metabolism in animals and humans: implications for nutrition and health." Amino Acids, vol. 45, no. 3, 2013, pp. 463–477. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00726-013-1493-1.ScienceDirect+6
