The History of Collagen - From Ancient Traditions to Modern Wellness Staple
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Collagen might feel like a modern “trend”, but the truth is — collagen has been part of human health, beauty and nourishment for thousands of years. Long before powders, peptides and supplements existed, people intuitively understood the benefits of collagen-rich foods.
Today, we finally have the science to explain what ancient cultures already knew: collagen plays a powerful role in skin, joints, hair, nails, gut health and overall wellbeing.
Here’s the full story of how collagen evolved from ancient healing food to the modern, high-quality supplement you know today.
✨ Ancient Civilisations: The Beginning of Collagen
Collagen’s story starts thousands of years ago.
Early civilizations regularly consumed collagen-rich foods such as:
- slow-cooked broths
- bones and connective tissues
- skin, cartilage and tougher cuts of meat
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, collagen-rich foods were used to support skin elasticity, healthy ageing and joint strength. They saw collagen as a nourishing “yin tonic” long before the science existed.
This was collagen in its most natural form — whole food, slow-cooked, deeply nourishing.
✨ 1800s: When Collagen Turned Into Gelatin
Collagen was first isolated in the early 19th century. Scientists discovered that when collagen is heated, it turns into a versatile substance known as gelatin.
Gelatin quickly became a staple for:
- cooking
- food preservation
- early skincare
- medical dressings and wound treatments
This was collagen’s first official appearance in science and industry.
✨ Early 1900s: Collagen Becomes Scientific
As research advanced, scientists uncovered something fascinating — collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. They realised it forms the structure of:
- skin
- bones
- joints
- ligaments
- hair
- nails
- connective tissue throughout the body
This discovery sparked huge interest in collagen’s potential for health and medical use.
✨ 1950s: The Triple Helix Breakthrough
One of the biggest milestones in collagen history came with the discovery of its triple-helix structure. This unique structure is what makes collagen incredibly strong, flexible and durable.
It’s also why collagen is so essential for firm, plump, resilient skin — and why its natural decline affects ageing, recovery and joint comfort.
The 1950s cemented collagen as a key structural protein, not just a cooking ingredient.
✨ 1980s–2000s: Collagen Enters Medicine and Beauty
By the late 20th century, collagen was widely used in:
- wound healing technology
- medical implants
- surgical treatments
- dermatology
- cosmetic procedures
- skincare products
It was recognised as safe, biocompatible and incredibly useful.
But supplements still weren’t widely used — because collagen molecules were too large for effective absorption.
✨ 2010s: Hydrolysed Collagen Changes Everything
The introduction of hydrolysed collagen peptides transformed collagen forever.
Hydrolysis breaks collagen down into small, easily absorbed peptides — meaning the body can actually use them.
This discovery triggered the global collagen boom.
Suddenly, people were experiencing real benefits such as:
- improved skin elasticity
- stronger hair and nails
- better joint comfort
- enhanced recovery
- healthier ageing
Collagen officially moved from kitchen to supplement shelf — backed by research, not hype.
✨ Today: A New Era of Clean, High-Quality Collagen
Modern collagen is smarter, cleaner and better designed than ever before.
But not all collagen is created equal.
At Vigor, we choose a premium blend of wild-caught marine and grass-fed bovine collagen — combining type 1 and type 3 support for skin, joints and connective tissue. Our collagen is:
- highly soluble
- neutral in taste
- free from fillers, flavours and additives
- easy to digest
- simple to add to hot or cold drinks
- made in the UK
- flexible in dosing
It’s collagen done properly — the way it should be.
✨ From Ancient Pots to Modern Powders
Collagen has travelled an incredible journey:
from slow-simmered broths,
to 19th-century gelatin,
to 20th-century medical innovation,
to today’s clean, powerful collagen peptides.
What hasn’t changed is its purpose, to support the structure, strength and vitality of the human body.
And we’re proud to carry that tradition forward with a formula made honestly, backed by science and designed for women who want to feel their best every day 💗