As a beauty editor, I adore how wide-reaching and varied the industry is. I'll often find myself dissecting a nail microtrend or writing about a viral mascara in the morning, then testing an innovative hair treatment or breaking down the case studies behind a new skincare launch after lunch. But whilst I love researching and writing about almost every beauty category, I've always been a little sceptical when it comes to supplements.
Sure, I've tried plenty during my time in the industry, but all too often I find the data behind their claims somewhat confusing, and I'm left unsure about what they're promising to do. So, as a busy mum who's often juggling intensely condensed work days with the needs of two young children, I'd pretty much written off supplements entirely. After all, like most of us, I just don't have time to waste trying products that don't deliver. But there's one brand that's changed all that for me: Gold Collagen.
The first supplement of its kind to be introduced to the UK way back in 2011, Gold Collagen is an established and trusted skincare supplement brand backed by research. Not only does Gold Collagen work with an extensive network of collaborators that includes experts in the fields of nutrition, dermatology, science, clinical trials and beyond, but these are the only collagen products supported by four patents and 13 clinical studies.
The supplements are beyond tried and tested; they're extensively researched, painstakingly developed and rigorously put through their paces before coming to market. Science aside, Gold Collagen comes with glowing celebrity endorsements too—model Yasmin Le Bon is a huge fan of the Forte Ageless range, which she has used for years.
The thing that really convinced me to give them a go, though? The liquid supplements couldn't be any easier to use. Perfectly portioned, handbag-sized and ready to drink, slotting them into my (often chaotic) morning routine has been utterly seamless. And whilst I can't control whether my 2-year-old will eat their breakfast that morning or how many emails I'll have in my inbox after the school run, I can at least feel confident that I will have treated my skin, hair and body to a collagen boost each day. Plus, they get bonus points for the taste. This is an addition to my routine that I'll happily commit to long-term.
Now that I'm 35, I've noticed that my skin is really starting to change. Whilst I still get hormonal spots, my preference for products that reduce oil and minimise acne is starting to shift. Instead, I now find myself looking towards a routine focused more on supporting hydration, boosting elasticity and adding glow. That's why I selected Gold Collagen Forte Ageless. There's no doubt that some of that natural plumpness and bounce that my skin had during my 20s is beginning to diminish, and rather than daily breakouts, I'm now noticing things like pigmentation and fine lines starting to emerge. Since taking the collagen supplements, I've noticed an improvement in all these concerns—and more besides.
However, Gold Collagen actually offers a whole array of supplements for different ages, lifestyles and skin needs, so if Forte Ageless doesn't sound quite right for you then you're bound to find a formula that will. From the glow-boosting Pure Plus range to the Active supplements to support joint health, there's a collagen drink to fit every lifestyle.
Before we get into how Gold Collagen has become a long-term addition to my daily routine, I'd like to take a moment to geek out over the science of these supplements. Firstly, what is collagen and why is it so important for us as we age? Simply put, collagen is a protein found naturally in our bodies. It's known to be one of the skin's building blocks and gives it elasticity and firmness. However, as we grow older, its natural production starts to decrease. In fact, once we hit our mid-20s, it's believed that we lose around 1.5% of our natural collagen every year.
With that drop in production comes some of those skin concerns I was noticing, like fine lines and loss of elasticity; but hair, nails and joints can also be affected. However, taking a collagen supplement that works can support your body's collagen regeneration and counteract some of those complaints. That means healthier skin, thicker hair and a body that feels less stiff and tired. Gold Collagen Forte Ageless tackles all this by delivering 12,000mg of marine collagen in one delicious daily supplement.
There are many collagen supplements on the market, but there are a few things that set this one apart. Not only is the liquid formulation easy and practical to take each day, but the patented formulation offers a faster and more effective absorption rate, which means you'll start seeing results fast—in just three weeks, in fact. Plus, the formulas are packed with so much more besides that hydrolysed collagen. Forte Ageless also contains ceramides, elastin and pro-retinol to support your skin's hydration and elasticity, alongside vitamin C, zinc and biotin for stronger skin, nails and hair. Essentially, it's a bit of an all-rounder.
In the past, I've really struggled to remember to take supplements. On a typical morning, I've got myself and two children to get up and dressed, skincare and makeup products to test for upcoming features, bags to be packed and breakfast to make for everyone before we head out on the school run. The fact that Forte Ageless can be taken on an empty stomach is perfect for me, as it means that after getting myself up and ready, I can run down to the kitchen and enjoy one of the ready-to-drink bottles before having to think about anything else. Plus, if I'm really running behind schedule, I can just grab the bottle and pop it in my handbag to drink once I'm settled at my desk later in the morning because it doesn't have to be refrigerated. I was sceptical about the peach, mango and lychee flavour because I've tried so many collagen supplements that have tasted rather unpleasant (even if they've claimed to be flavourless), but this one really does taste lovely.
Most of my daily exercise comes from power walking between home, school and nursery, dashing to the train for work meetings and events, then running to the nearest coffee shop to set up a laptop station for writing. Combined with the fact that it's not unusual for me to piggyback my son to a playdate or spend a night curled up on the floor next to my daughter's cot, it figures that my muscles definitely aren't feeling as limber as they were in my 20s. Gold Collagen actually supports body mobility via its marine collagen, and Forte Ageless also contains hyaluronic acid, which not only helps keep skin well-moisturised but can aid joints and muscles to move smoothly.
Admittedly, it's not a replacement for the gym class I never make it to, but it's nice to know that I'm taking something that will help keep my body moving with a little more ease.
Skincare benefits aside, one of the biggest appeals of Gold Collagen's Forte Ageless supplement for me was its contribution to emotional balance. If I could describe myself in one word it would be frazzled. Whilst some people thrive juggling work, life and kids, I'm the kind of person who needs alone time to recharge—something that's in very short supply these days. So when I'm busy, sleeping badly and addicted to checking my work emails, I can always feel my mood plummeting.
Forte Ageless contains saffron extract, a natural relaxation aid, alongside biotin and vitamin B6 which help contribute to the functioning of your nervous system, red blood cell formation and the regulation of hormonal activity. And as someone with anaemia and moods that are intensely affected by my hormone cycle, knowing that I'm taking a collagen supplement that can also support my well-being is a mood boost in itself.
After taking Gold Collagen Forte Ageless every day for a month, I'm blown away by the results. The texture and overall appearance of my skin were my main concerns when I started taking these collagen supplements, and I'm incredibly impressed by how much healthier it already looks. Although those fine lines and texture irregularities are still visible (the studies suggest you'll see a change in signs of ageing and elasticity within six to nine weeks), the overall clarity of my skin is brighter and more even, which means I've been skipping concealer entirely and shaving time off my morning makeup routine. My hair also feels in better condition, and after suffering major postpartum hair loss, I feel that some of its natural thickness and volume are starting to improve.
For me though, the biggest change might be how I feel on the inside. Gold Collagen might be incredibly easy to use—it literally takes a minute each morning to unscrew the bottle and drink it—but knowing that I've taken that time to do something purely for myself has been something of a game changer. There's no denying that it gives me a spring in my step each morning and I feel internally brighter and sunnier whilst my skin and hair enjoy that extra glow.
*Price per 10-box bottles.
**Use code WWW10 for £10 off on Gold Collagen and Boots.
