Why Collagen Matters More in Summer (And How to Get More of It)
Most people think of collagen as a winter wellness thing — something you sip when it's cold outside. But summer is actually when your body needs collagen support the most.
Here's why.
What Collagen Does
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It's the structural scaffolding for your skin, joints, tendons, ligaments, gut lining, and bones. Without adequate collagen, skin loses elasticity, joints become less cushioned, and recovery from physical activity slows down.
Your body produces collagen naturally — but production declines with age (starting in your mid-20s), and several environmental factors accelerate that decline.
Why Summer Depletes Collagen Faster
UV exposure is the biggest collagen disruptor. UV radiation from the sun breaks down collagen fibres in the skin and inhibits new collagen synthesis. The more time you spend outdoors — hiking, at the beach, working in the garden — the more collagen your skin is working to repair.
Increased physical activity in summer means more stress on joints, tendons, and connective tissue. Collagen is what keeps those structures resilient. Higher activity = higher collagen demand.
Heat and sweating increase oxidative stress, which damages collagen at the cellular level. Staying hydrated helps, but it doesn't replace the collagen your body is burning through.
Alcohol consumption — more common in summer social settings — directly inhibits collagen synthesis and depletes vitamin C, which is essential for collagen production.
How to Support Collagen Production
The most bioavailable dietary source of collagen is bone broth — specifically long-simmered broth made from grass-fed bones, which releases collagen, gelatin, and glycine in forms your body can absorb and use directly.
HOTRO bone broths are simmered for 48 hours from BC grass-fed and organic bones. Each cup delivers 9–12g of collagen-rich protein, along with minerals and amino acids that support skin repair, joint cushioning, and gut integrity.
Pair it with vitamin C-rich foods (bell peppers, citrus, berries) to maximize collagen synthesis — vitamin C is a required co-factor in the process.
The Summer Protocol
- 1 cup of bone broth daily (morning or with meals)
- Prioritize grass-fed meat and organ meats for zinc and copper — both collagen co-factors
- Stay hydrated and limit alcohol on high-sun days
- Use SPF — no supplement replaces sun protection
The Bottom Line
Summer is beautiful — and it's hard on your collagen. A daily cup of bone broth is one of the simplest, most effective ways to support your skin, joints, and recovery through the season.
Your future self in September will thank you.