If you’ve been in the Lipedema community for a while, you’ve probably seen collagen supplements mentioned by ‘influencers’. It’s one of those topics that comes up again and again. Lipedema is classified as a connective tissue disorder, and collagen is the main building block of connective tissue throughout the body.
I’ve been taking collagen supplements daily for years, and I genuinely believe they’ve made a difference – mainly for my hair, skin, nails, and overall wellbeing. Since having Lipedema Reduction Surgery in 2023, I’ve become even more intentional about supporting my body’s collagen production to help with skin tightening and recovery.
In this blog, I want to dive deeper into the connection between collagen and Lipedema, share the science behind why it might help us, and tell you a bit about my own experience – including the brand new collagen powder I’ve just started using.
What is Collagen and Why Does It Matter?
Collagen is the most commonly found protein in your body. Think of it as the ‘scaffolding’ that holds everything together. It provides structure and support to your skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and crucially for us, your connective tissue.
There are actually 28 different types of collagen, but the most relevant for Lipedema are Type I (found in the skin, bones, and tendons), Type II (found in cartilage), and Type III (found in the skin and blood vessels). Type I and Type III are particularly important for skin health and elasticity.
Luckily, our bodies naturally produce collagen. Unluckily, production starts to decline as early as our twenties, dropping by roughly 1% per year. By the time we reach our forties and fifties, this decline becomes much more noticeable in the form of wrinkles, sagging skin, joint stiffness, and reduced tissue elasticity.
Many external factors play a role. Sun exposure, smoking, poor diet, lack of sleep, and chronic inflammation can all accelerate collagen breakdown. And here’s where it gets particularly relevant for us: inflammation is a key symptom of Lipedema.
The Connection Between Collagen and Lipedema
You’ll have probably heard of Lipedema described as a ‘loose connective tissue disorder.’ Research shows that women with Lipedema have structural changes in their subcutaneous tissue, including increased space between collagen fibres in the skin. One study found that women with stage 2 and stage 3 Lipedema had significantly greater spacing between collagen fibres in the thigh area compared to women without the condition.
This matters because collagen fibres keep tissue firm and organised. When there’s more space between these fibres, fluid can accumulate more easily, contributing to the swelling and tissue changes we experience with Lipedema.
Research has also shown that as Lipedema progresses, there’s increased collagen accumulation (fibrosis) in the affected tissue. While this might sound like a good thing, it’s actually part of a problematic remodelling process where the tissue becomes very fibrous and hard – something referred to as nodular and develops over time.
So the relationship between collagen and Lipedema is complicated. On one hand, we have changes in collagen structure and increased spacing. On the other, we have fibrotic remodelling. The goal with collagen supplementation isn’t to add more fibrosis, but to support healthy connective tissue maintenance and potentially improve skin quality, especially after Lipedema surgery.
Margarita Correa-Perez MD, CLT
What Does the Research Say About Collagen Supplements?
While there aren’t any studies yet specifically looking at collagen supplementation in women with Lipedema, there’s growing research on the general benefits of collagen for skin and connective tissue health.
A systematic review of 26 randomised controlled trials found that hydrolysed collagen supplementation significantly improved skin hydration and elasticity compared to placebo groups. Multiple studies have reported improvements in skin moisture, reduced wrinkle formation, and increased skin firmness after 8-12 weeks of daily collagen supplementation.
It seems to work in two ways. First, when you consume hydrolysed collagen (broken down into smaller peptides), your body absorbs these amino acids and uses them as building blocks to produce new collagen. Second, research suggests that collagen peptides may actually stimulate your body’s own collagen-producing cells to ramp up production. Win win!
For women with Lipedema, the potential benefits extend beyond just skin appearance. Better connective tissue support could theoretically help with tissue integrity, skin retraction after surgery, and overall tissue health. However, just to be clear: collagen supplements are not a cure for Lipedema, and more specific research is definitely needed.
Supporting Collagen Production Naturally
Beyond supplements, there are several ways to support your body’s natural collagen production through diet and lifestyle:
Vitamin C: This is absolutely essential for collagen synthesis, your body literally cannot produce collagen without it. Vitamin C has also been highlighted in research as having a ‘double positive action’ for Lipedema due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory properties AND its role in collagen production. This is why I take vitamin C supplements alongside my collagen every day. Foods rich in vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, peppers, and leafy greens.
Protein: Collagen is made from amino acids, so eating enough protein daily is crucial. Good sources include lean meats, fish, eggs, and legumes. Following an anti-inflammatory diet for Lipedema that’s rich in quality protein can support collagen production while also helping to manage inflammation.
Bone broth: This is a natural source of collagen and has become increasingly popular in the health and wellness space. While the collagen in bone broth is broken down during digestion just like any other protein, it does provide the amino acids needed for collagen synthesis.
Omega-3 fatty acids: These help protect existing collagen from inflammatory damage. Good sources include oily fish, walnuts, and flaxseeds. Omega-3s have also been specifically recommended for Lipedema management due to their anti-inflammatory effects.
Avoid collagen destroyers: Excessive sun exposure, smoking, high sugar intake, and chronic stress all accelerate collagen breakdown. Protecting your skin with SPF and managing inflammation through diet and lifestyle can help preserve the collagen you have.
My Personal Experience with Collagen and Lipedema
I started taking collagen supplements a few years ago, initially for general skin and hair health. But when I began researching Lipedema and learned about it being a connective tissue disorder, it made even more to use them.
Since having Lipedema Reduction Surgery on my lower legs, I’ve been particularly focused on supporting skin tightening and recovery. When you have several litres of diseased fat removed (5.8 in my case), your skin needs to retract and adapt to your new leg shape. Collagen plays a huge role in this process, it’s involved in tissue repair, skin elasticity, and the formation of new connective tissue.
I genuinely believe that taking collagen daily has helped my skin bounce back better than it might have otherwise. Of course, I can’t say for certain that it’s the collagen alone, I also wear my Lipedema compression garments religiously, have monthly MLD massages, stay hydrated, eat well, and use my vibration plate and rebounder regularly. But collagen is definitely part of my Lipedema management toolkit.
Beyond skin tightening, I’ve also noticed improvements in my hair and nails. My nails are stronger than they’ve ever been, and my hair feels thicker and healthier. These are the kinds of benefits that many women report when taking collagen consistently.
Why I’ve Switched to Wellgard Collagen Powder
I’ve recently made a switch from collagen capsules to Wellgard Pure Collagen Powder.
For a long time, I took collagen in tablet form because it was convenient, just pop a capsule with my morning supplements and I was done. But I kept reading that collagen in powder form, particularly hydrolysed collagen peptides, may be absorbed more easily by the body because the collagen has already been broken down into smaller molecules.
Wellgard caught my attention because it’s a high quality hydrolysed collagen powder that dissolves easily into drinks. I’ve been adding it to my morning coffee or electrolytes, and honestly I can’t taste it at all. It’s become a really easy part of my routine!
I’m still in the early days of using Wellgard, but so far I’m really happy with the switch. If you’re considering trying collagen powder, look for one that’s hydrolysed (meaning the collagen has been broken down into peptides for better absorption), ideally from a quality source like grass-fed bovine or marine collagen.
Types of Collagen Supplements and What to Look For
If you’re thinking about trying collagen, here’s a quick guide to the different forms available:
Hydrolysed collagen (collagen peptides): This is collagen that’s been broken down into smaller peptides, making it easier for your body to absorb. It’s the most common form in supplements and comes in both powder and capsule form. Most of the positive research on collagen uses this type.
Undenatured collagen (UC-II): This is a different form that hasn’t been broken down. It’s often used specifically for joint health, particularly Type II collagen for cartilage support.
Collagen from different sources: Bovine (cow) collagen is rich in Types I and III, which are great for skin. Marine (fish) collagen is also high in Type I and may be absorbed more efficiently due to its smaller particle size. There are also vegan ‘collagen boosters’ that contain nutrients to support your body’s own collagen production, though they don’t actually contain collagen itself.
Powder vs capsules: Powders offer flexibility and may provide better absorption since you can mix them into liquids. Capsules are more convenient for on-the-go. The most important thing is choosing a form you’ll actually take consistently and build into your routine.
Final Thoughts on Collagen and Lipedema
Collagen supplements won’t cure Lipedema – let’s be clear about that. But given that Lipedema is fundamentally a connective tissue disorder, and collagen is the foundation of healthy connective tissue, it makes sense to support your body’s collagen production as part your conservative measures for Lipedema.
For me, collagen has become a non-negotiable part of my daily routine, especially since having Lipedema Reduction Surgery with Lipemedical. The potential benefits for skin elasticity, tissue repair, and overall skin health make it worth including in my Lipedema treatment at home.
If you’re thinking about trying collagen, I’d suggest starting with a hydrolysed collagen powder that you can easily add to your morning drink. Be consistent – most studies show benefits after 8-12 weeks of daily use. So be patient. And don’t forget to pair it with vitamin C to support your body’s ability to actually use the collagen.
As always, please consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking medication.
Have you tried collagen for your Lipedema? I’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below!
Disclaimer: My blogs talk about Lipedema, diet, surgery and much more. I’m talking from my point of view to help women, and remind them they are not alone. I am not a medical professional, so the content above is from my own perspective with research I have done into the topic. It’s not meant as medical advice, you should always consult your doctor or a specialist for both your diagnosis, and a treatment plan.
