5 Unusual Signs You Might Be Lacking Collagen

In the area of wellness, collagen has become a trending topic of conversation, but it is so much more than that. Despite often only being highlighted as pertaining to youthful skin, collagen is an important structural protein, which is critical for the body. From your skin to your joints, hair and nails, and even the gut lining, collagen holds everything together—literally!

So, when do you know when your body is running low on collagen? Most people will reference signs like wrinkles, but, in fact, your body may be signalling to you in much more subtle ways, which can easily be missed. In this article, we're going to expose five peculiar signs of collagen deficiency, and the benefits of marine collagen, and explain why Viking Remedies high-quality marine collagen is quickly becomming the 'go-to' solution for people in the UK!

Why Collagen Matters: More Than Just Skin Deep

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, comprising nearly one-third of its total protein content. It acts as a biological scaffold, providing structure, elasticity, and strength. It’s the main component of connective tissues and is vital for:

• Skin elasticity and hydration

• Joint flexibility and cushioning

• Hair and nail growth

• Bone density

• Gut barrier integrity

Unfortunately, from the age of 25 onwards, collagen production begins to decline—dropping by around 1.5% per year. This decrease can accelerate with stress, poor diet, sun exposure, smoking, or even a sedentary lifestyle. While topical products may help temporarily, they do not address the internal collagen loss that can lead to physical and aesthetic issues alike.

5 Surprising Signs You Might Be Lacking Collagen

Let’s explore some of the less obvious ways your body might be signalling that it’s time to replenish its collagen reserves.

1. Slow Wound Healing or Persistent Acne Scars

If you’ve noticed that small cuts, scrapes, or acne marks are taking longer than usual to heal, collagen deficiency may be to blame. Collagen is integral to the wound-healing process; it supports tissue regeneration and helps to rebuild skin barriers. Inadequate collagen can result in lingering pigmentation or deeper scarring, especially in individuals prone to acne.

2. Joint Popping and Morning Stiffness

Do your knees crack when you stand up? Or perhaps your shoulders feel stiff when you wake in the morning? These could be early signs of collagen depletion in your cartilage—the cushioning material between joints. Without enough collagen, joints become less lubricated and more prone to friction, leading to discomfort, reduced mobility, and eventually long-term damage such as osteoarthritis.

This symptom is especially common among active adults, gym-goers, or those in midlife, who may attribute these changes to “just ageing” without realising that collagen support could ease the problem significantly.

3. Peeling, Brittle Nails Despite a Healthy Diet

Your nails can be a strong indicator of internal health. If they’re constantly splitting, cracking, or feel thin despite eating a balanced diet, this may suggest insufficient collagen in the nail bed and surrounding connective tissues. A deficiency can prevent nails from growing properly and make them more vulnerable to environmental damage.

Marine collagen has been shown to support nail thickness, reduce brittleness, and improve overall nail health within 8–12 weeks of consistent supplementation.

4. Crepey or Thinning Skin on the Hands and Neck

While facial skincare often gets the spotlight, areas like the hands and neck are typically where collagen loss shows first. If the skin in these regions appears thin, crepey (paper-like), or more translucent than usual, it could indicate a breakdown in collagen fibres. These areas have fewer oil glands, which means they rely more heavily on structural proteins like collagen to maintain firmness and hydration.

Unlike typical wrinkles, crepey skin tends to form a crinkled texture and can make your skin feel fragile to the touch.

5. Increased Hair Shedding or Dull, Lifeless Strands

Though often attributed to stress or hormones, collagen deficiency can also be a root cause of hair loss and poor hair quality. Collagen surrounds and protects hair follicles while contributing to the strength of the dermis (the skin layer where hair grows). Low collagen levels may lead to:

• More hair in the shower drain or hairbrush

• Hair thinning around the temples or crown

• Dullness and a lack of shine

Marine collagen can help restore hair vibrancy and thickness by improving circulation to the scalp and fortifying the hair root.

Why Marine Collagen? Superior Absorption and Sustainability

Among the various types of collagen supplements available, marine collagen—typically derived from the skin of wild-caught fish—offers several unique benefits, particularly for UK health-conscious consumers.

1. High Bioavailability

Marine collagen is made up of smaller peptides, which are more easily absorbed and utilised by the body. This means you need less product for greater results, compared to bovine or porcine collagen.

2. Sustainability

Marine collagen production often uses parts of the fish that would otherwise be discarded, reducing waste. For eco-conscious buyers in the UK, this makes it a more environmentally friendly choice.

3. Pescatarian-Friendly

As dietary needs evolve, marine collagen provides a viable alternative for those who avoid beef or pork products for religious, ethical, or health reasons.

Who Should Consider Supplementation in the UK?

Collagen deficiency can affect a wide range of individuals, but certain groups are more prone to faster collagen loss:

• Adults over 30 years old

• Post-menopausal women, who experience a sharp decline due to oestrogen drop

• Athletes and gym enthusiasts, who put added stress on joints

• People with digestive issues, affecting nutrient absorption

• Smokers or those exposed to high levels of pollution or UV radiation

For those looking to start or maintain a collagen routine, Viking Remedies offers one of the most trusted marine collagen formulas in the UK.

Why Choose Viking Remedies Marine Collagen?

At only £21.99, Viking Remedies provides premium marine collagen in both liquid and powder form—sourced sustainably and formulated for maximum absorption. Whether you prefer adding a scoop to your smoothie or taking a ready-to-drink dose, their products support:

• Smoother, firmer skin

• Stronger nails

• Joint comfort and mobility

• Healthier hair

• Overall vitality

Backed by thousands of happy UK customers, Viking Remedies is rapidly becoming the go-to brand for those who want real results backed by science.

Takeaway: Your Body Might Be Whispering for Collagen Support

The signs of collagen deficiency aren't always loud and obvious. Often, it starts with small changes—fragile nails, a bit more joint stiffness, a loss of skin volume around the neck. But if left unaddressed, these early whispers can evolve into more persistent health concerns.

By choosing a high-quality supplement like Viking Remedies Marine Collagen, you can take a proactive step toward restoring your skin, strengthening your joints, and feeling more youthful from the inside out.

Listen to your body—it might just be asking for collagen.