By Sophie Cooper, Managing Director of Harley Street Skin Clinic.
Bone broth might not sound like the most glamorous beauty product, but this humble kitchen staple has had quite a makeover recently. Alongside collagen powders, capsules and ready-to-drink beauty drinks, it has become a talking point for anyone interested in healthy skin and ageing well.
But can drinking bone broth really help your skin? And with so many products promising to boost collagen, where is your money best spent?
Having worked in skincare and aesthetics for many years, I know we can do a great deal to support our skin as we age. However, the trick is knowing what is worth trying, what suits your needs and what might be clever marketing.
Bone Broth: Beauty in a Mug?
Bone broth is made by simmering animal bones and connective tissue in water. It contains collagen-derived proteins, including gelatin, and amino acids, although its nutritional content varies depending on how it’s made.
It sounds promising, doesn’t it? But eating collagen doesn’t mean it travels straight to your face and fills in fine lines. During digestion, it breaks down into smaller peptides and amino acids, which the body uses in different ways.
While bone broth can be a nutritious addition to your diet, there is limited direct evidence that drinking it specifically improves skin firmness or reduces wrinkles.
My advice? Enjoy it if you like it, because it can be good for your health, but don’t expect it to work miracles for your skin!
Collagen Supplements: Do They Work?
Collagen supplements have become big business, and you can now find them in all sorts of forms, from powders and capsules to ready-to-drink beauty drinks. But are they worth the money?
The research is interesting, although the findings are mixed. Some studies suggest hydrolysed collagen peptides may improve skin hydration and elasticity, and possibly soften the appearance of fine lines. However, a review published in 2025 found that these benefits were no longer significant when researchers focused only on higher-quality studies and those without pharmaceutical-industry funding.
Does that mean you should rule them out? Not necessarily.
If you’re tempted to give them a try, do your homework first. Check the ingredients, look for a reputable manufacturer and be wary of products making extravagant promises. Supplements come in different forms and at very different prices, but an expensive powder or beautifully packaged drink isn’t automatically more effective than a cheaper one.
I believe in looking after your skin consistently and over time. That’s where collagen banking comes in.
What is Collagen Banking?
Collagen is a protein that gives our skin much of its structure, strength and firmness. Our bodies produce it naturally, but production gradually declines as we age. Sun exposure, smoking and other lifestyle factors can also contribute to its breakdown.
As we get older, our skin can become thinner, less elastic and more prone to fine lines. Genetics and hormonal changes play a part too, which is why we don’t all age in the same way.
Collagen banking is about being proactive rather than waiting until changes become more noticeable. It means supporting your skin’s health through good skincare, healthy habits and, when appropriate, opting for supplements and professional treatments.
It’s not about stopping the clock or achieving perfect skin. Think of it as giving your skin a little extra care now to help maintain its quality over time.
Can Professional Treatments Help Support Collagen?
Certain professional treatments are really worth exploring. Some are designed to stimulate the skin’s natural repair processes or encourage collagen remodelling, potentially improving texture, firmness and the appearance of fine lines.
Microneedling creates tiny, controlled channels in the skin, triggering its natural repair response. Radiofrequency uses heat to encourage collagen remodelling and may help improve mild skin laxity. Certain laser treatments can help improve texture, fine lines and sun damage, while ultrasound skin-tightening treatments may offer improvements in firmness for suitable patients.
What About Injectable Collagen Stimulators?
This is another area attracting considerable interest in aesthetic medicine.
Unlike conventional hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, which primarily add volume, certain injectable biostimulators are designed to encourage the body’s own collagen production. Over time, they may help improve aspects of skin quality, firmness and facial volume.
Some use materials such as poly-L-lactic acid or calcium hydroxylapatite. These treatments aren’t interchangeable, and the results depend on the product, how it is used and the individual receiving treatment.
Polynucleotides and exosome-based products are also attracting attention for their potential regenerative effects. This is an evolving area, and the evidence and regulatory position vary between products.
The encouraging news is that aesthetic medicine continues to develop, giving suitable patients more options to discuss with an experienced practitioner. It is important to understand what a particular treatment is designed to do, what evidence supports it and whether it is appropriate for you. Asking questions is a positive step towards making an informed choice, not a sign that you’re being difficult!
Your Collagen Banking Guide: What to do at Every Age
You don’t need a complicated routine or a bathroom cabinet full of expensive products to look after your skin. A few sensible habits, started early and maintained consistently, can help support its health and appearance.
In Your Twenties: Protect What You Have
Your twenties are a brilliant time to establish good skincare habits. You may not see many signs of ageing yet, but protecting your skin now is one of the best investments you can make.
Make broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 part of your daily routine, even when it’s cloudy. Keep things simple with a gentle cleanser and a moisturiser suited to your skin. Eating well, getting enough sleep and avoiding smoking are important, too. You don’t need to start every treatment under the sun; consistency is your friend.
In Your Thirties: Build on the Basics
This is often when people begin noticing the first fine lines, changes in texture or uneven pigmentation. It’s a good time to review your routine rather than automatically adding more products.
Vitamin C can help provide antioxidant protection, while retinoids have evidence supporting their use for certain signs of photoageing. Moisturisers containing hyaluronic acid and ceramides can help maintain hydration and support the skin barrier. If you’re curious about professional treatments such as chemical peels or microneedling, seek advice tailored to your skin.
In Your Forties: Adapt to Changing Skin
Hormonal changes can start to affect the skin during midlife. You might notice increased dryness, sensitivity or a loss of firmness, while pigmentation and breakouts can also become concerns.
Keep cleansing gently, moisturise regularly and use sunscreen. Depending on your skin and its needs, retinoids or professional treatments such as radiofrequency and certain lasers may be worth considering. If injectable collagen stimulators interest you, discuss the benefits and risks with a suitably qualified practitioner before making a decision.
In Your Fifties and Beyond: Comfort, Hydration and Confidence
Ageing skin isn’t a problem to be fixed. It is simply skin that may need a slightly different approach.
As skin becomes drier or more delicate, protecting the skin barrier and maintaining hydration become especially important. Choose products and treatments that suit your skin now, rather than following your age-old routine. If you’re considering aesthetic treatments, find a practitioner who listens to your concerns and explains the benefits, limitations and risks. The aim is to help you feel comfortable and confident in your skin.
And remember, it’s never too late to start looking after your skin.
Five top tips for supporting your skin’s collagen
1. Protect your collagen every day.
UV exposure contributes to collagen breakdown and premature skin ageing. Make broad-spectrum SPF 30–50 part of your daily routine, even on cloudy days, and reapply as directed. It’s one of the simplest and most useful things you can do for your skin.
2. Eat enough protein.
Your body needs amino acids to make collagen, so include good sources of protein such as eggs, fish, lean meat, dairy, beans and lentils as part of a balanced diet. Bone broth can contribute to your protein intake, but it isn’t a magic ingredient for firmer skin.
3. Give vitamin C a place on your plate.
Vitamin C is essential for collagen formation. Berries, citrus fruits, kiwi, peppers and broccoli are all good options. A varied diet is generally the best starting point for getting the nutrients your skin needs.
4. Explore supplements and treatments that support collagen.
Hydrolysed collagen supplements may improve skin hydration and elasticity, while treatments such as microneedling, radiofrequency and collagen-stimulating injectables can support collagen production. The key is finding what works for you. Choose reputable supplements, explore treatments with a qualified practitioner and remember that the best results come from informed choices and realistic expectations.
5. Choose skincare that supports your skin.
Daily sunscreen helps prevent UV-related collagen damage, while retinoids can improve certain signs of photoageing. Vitamin C may offer antioxidant benefits, and moisturisers containing hyaluronic acid and ceramides help keep skin hydrated and support its barrier. Choose products that suit your skin and introduce active ingredients gradually rather than trying everything at once.
Bone broth is a healthy addition to your diet if you enjoy it, but it will not prevent collagen loss or smooth away your fine lines. The key is to understand what really helps your skin, from a balanced diet, healthy lifestyle and good skincare to evidence-based collagen supplements and treatments that support collagen production. By focusing on what works, rather than following every new trend, you can make informed choices to help keep your skin healthy, resilient and glowing as you age.
About the expert
At just 34, Sophie Cooper, Managing Director of Harley Street Skin, a leading London clinic specialising in dermatology, skin health, non-surgical aesthetics and surgical procedures, represents the next generation of leadership in aesthetics and skincare. Having been part of the business since 2009, Sophie has worked across virtually every aspect of the clinic, from patient care and treatments to operations and product development, playing an important role in its growth, its numerous awards and the development of a client base of more than 65,000, including celebrities and high-profile clients.
Sophie began her career at Brush Strokes Makeup School at Shepperton Studios, where she trained in make-up artistry, before completing beauty therapist training in nails and facials and progressing to advanced aesthetic procedures. Her specialist training includes fibroblast, semi-permanent scalp micropigmentation (SMP), radiofrequency facial and body treatments, eyelash lifts and injectables.
Alongside her leadership role, Sophie has been instrumental in developing the Harley Street Skin and Rosinas skincare collections and introducing new non-surgical procedures. In addition to her work in aesthetics and skincare, Sophie is a magazine columnist and co-host of the Next in Line and Skin & Tell beauty podcasts.
