Whether it’s when you’re slipping into swimwear or simply sitting out in the summer sun, we all have those moments where we notice changes in our skin. And not all of them are so welcome.
In particular, it’s those dimples on thighs, hips, or bums – the ones commonly known as cellulite – that can leave people feeling self-conscious. But is there anything you can do for this skin condition? And is taking collagen for cellulite a viable option?
In this article, we’ll explore what cellulite actually is, how collagen supports overall skin health, and whether collagen helps with cellulite.
*This article was reviewed by our senior scientist, Dr Dave Reilly, in June 2025
What is cellulite?
Cellulite is an incredibly common skin condition, which affects approximately 80-90% of women at some point in their lives.
It’s completely normal and harmless – though it does leave a dimpled appearance that many want to minimise. These dimples are caused by fat deposits pushing through the connective tissue beneath the skin, commonly appearing on thighs, bums, hips, and stomach.
There’s no exact cause of cellulite (it isn’t a sign of poor health and it certainly doesn’t mean there’s anything wrong with your body), but you may notice it becoming more visible as you get older. That’s because skin loses its natural firmness and elasticity due to collagen levels decreasing (more on that in a moment), which makes the fat deposits underneath more visible.
But is there anything we can do to reduce the appearance of this skin condition? Do collagen supplements have a role to play? Let’s find out…
Why is collagen so important for skin?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, helping to not only maintain the structure of connective tissues, joints, and ligaments, but also support your skin.
However, as we age, our natural collagen levels begin to decline – typically from the age of 25. This leads to a loss of skin elasticity and firmness, which is why you might start to notice wrinkles and fine lines or sagging skin as you get older.
It’s not all bad news though. With our marine collagen supplements, you can give your natural collagen production a boost, helping to address those visible signs of ageing and support your overall skin health.
In our clinical study that measured the effectiveness of our supplements, 100% of participants saw an improvement in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while 90% agreed their skin felt replenished and restored. Hard evidence that collagen really does support better skin health!
Can I take collagen for cellulite?
While it’s not a cure per se, collagen can help reduce the appearance of cellulite by improving skin elasticity and hydration. That’s because when your skin is stronger and firmer, it can help smooth out the uneven texture caused by underlying fat deposits.
So, collagen does help with cellulite – but it doesn’t eliminate it altogether. Collagen supplements are not proven to directly target fat cells, they simply improve overall skin health.
Can I take collagen for stretch marks?
Appearing in similar places and under similar circumstances, it’s easy to confuse stretch marks and cellulite. However, they’re slightly different in how they form.
Stretch marks appear when the skin stretches rapidly (such as during pregnancy or weight gain), which effects the collagen and elastin fibres in the skin. This leaves behind those thin, scar-like lines that can vary in colour and texture.
But can you take collagen for stretch marks and remove them from your skin? Not exactly – but they can help.
Similar to taking collagen for cellulite, supplements can improve overall skin health and elasticity, which helps to reduce the appearance of stretch marks over time. By ensuring your skin is supported from within, it’s better equipped to handle those rapid changes in shape and size that leave those thin lines on your skin.
Ready to start your Absolute Collagen journey today? Browse our liquid collagen and collagen powder products in our collagen supplements collection. And don’t forget, our Deep Lift skincare collection is packed with nourishing, collagen-boosting ingredients too – helping to support your skin from both the inside and the out.
You can also head over to our Collagen Lab for the answers to all your questions, such as whether you can take collagen with medication or if collagen helps with skin conditions.
