Let me start with a confession. I am the perfect target audience for this review. I am over 50, firmly in the menopause camp, and navigating that delightful phase where my skin feels like parchment, my nails snap if I look at them wrong, and my hair has taken on the texture of a well?used broom. Add to that the creeping weight that seems to arrive no matter what I eat, and you have a woman who is willing to try almost anything – as long as it does not taste like chalk.
So when Naked Nutrition sent me a sample of their Naked Collagen, I was sceptical but curious. I have tried other collagens before. Some were gritty. Some tasted faintly of barn. Some did nothing at all. But I agreed to give this one a fair trial: seven days, one or two scoops a day, mixed into my morning coffee and occasionally into baking.
Here is what I found.
Why collagen matters (especially when you are menopausal)
Before I get to my results, a quick bit of science – because we are not the kind of magazine that just says “it worked” without explaining why.
Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the human body. It gives strength and structure to skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue. As we age, our bodies produce less of it. And menopause? That accelerates the decline. Lower oestrogen levels mean less collagen production, which contributes to dry, wrinkled skin, brittle nails, thinning hair, and even joint stiffness and gut issues.
Supplementing with collagen peptides can help maintain optimal levels. Specifically, collagen supports skin hydration and elasticity, promotes stronger nails and healthier hair, and helps maintain cartilage and joint health. It also contains amino acids that support the gut lining. For women like me, who are trying to navigate this new phase of life with some dignity and a sense of humour, collagen is not a vanity purchase. It is a functional tool.
My seven?day test: Naked Collagen
The product: Naked Collagen contains one ingredient: bovine hide collagen peptides from pasture?raised cows in Europe. No additives, no artificial sweeteners, no fillers. Each serving has 9 grams of protein and 35 calories. It is NSF?certified, so no heavy metals or pesticides.
How I used it: The instructions say to mix one to two scoops into 4?8oz of coffee, smoothies, or baking. I tried it first in my morning coffee. No taste. None. It dissolved completely, left no residue, and did not turn my coffee into a weird science experiment. I also used it in an apple tart I baked for the family – again, no taste, and the tart came out perfectly. That is a big win in my book. If a supplement requires me to hold my nose, I am out.
What I noticed after seven days:
- My skin: I have a glow. Not a “filter on Instagram” glow, but a genuine, subtle luminosity that was not there a week ago. My complexion looks less tired, more hydrated. The dry patches on my cheeks have softened.
- My nails: They feel stronger. I have not had a single break or split since I started. Given that my nails usually snap at the slightest provocation, this is noteworthy.
- My hair: Less dry, less faded. The colour seems slightly richer, and the ends do not feel like straw. I am not claiming a miracle, but I am claiming an improvement.
I am aware that seven days is a short period for collagen to work – most studies suggest noticeable results after four to six weeks. But I have taken enough supplements to know when something is having an effect. This is having an effect.
The bonus: Naked Whey
A few months ago, I also started taking Naked Whey (vanilla flavour) because I realised that my Mediterranean diet, while delicious, was not giving me enough protein. Menopause requires higher protein intake to preserve muscle mass and support metabolism. I had noticed my weight creeping up despite no major changes in eating habits.
I added the whey protein to my morning routine alongside the collagen. I also started adding almond powder to smoothies. The result? I have lost a few pounds – nothing dramatic, but enough to notice. More importantly, I feel fuller for longer. A scoop of collagen in my afternoon coffee has replaced my usual sugary snack. It satisfies me, kills the cravings, and stops me from raiding the biscuit tin.
I have tried several protein powders over the years. Some were gritty, some were cloyingly sweet, some upset my stomach. Naked Whey is clean, mixes easily, and does not taste artificial. I am genuinely pleased with it.
The verdict
Would I recommend Naked Collagen? Yes, with one caveat: it is not a magic wand. You still need to drink water, eat reasonably well, and accept that ageing is a privilege. But if you are a woman over 40, especially if you are perimenopausal or menopausal, adding a high?quality, tasteless, easily mixed collagen to your daily routine is a low?effort intervention with potentially high returns.
I am keeping both the collagen and the whey in my daily stack. My skin, nails, hair, and waistline are all quietly thanking me.
And the best part? No one has to know. It just looks like I am enjoying my coffee.
Find Naked Nutrition here: Naked Nutrition
Naked Collagen: £45 (or £33.75 on subscription)
Naked Whey: available in vanilla, chocolate, and unflavoured
Monica Costa founded London Mums in September 2006 after her son Diego’s birth together with a group of mothers who felt the need of meeting up regularly to share the challenges and joys of motherhood in metropolitan and multicultural London. London Mums is the FREE and independent peer support group for mums and mumpreneurs based in London https://www.londonmumsmagazine.com and you can connect on Twitter @londonmums
