Other studies also found collagen capsules effective in improving skin appearance – minimising pores, fading hyperpigmentation, promoting resiliency, and reducing wrinkles.
Human studies are lacking but some randomized controlled trials have found that collagen supplements improve skin elasticity. [3,4] Other trials have found that the supplements can improve joint mobility and decrease joint pain such as with osteoarthritis or in athletes.
Summary. Collagen powders are the most effective format as they can offer significantly more collagen per serving than capsules or pills. In addition, powders are also highly versatile and can contain additional good-for-you ingredients.
"Look for hydrolyzed collagen as this is broken down into amino acids and may be easier to absorb," she says. "Products with Types I and III collagen are also best, as these are the predominant collagen types in human skin, with the ratio shifting with age."
Whether it's gut health, bone or joint strength or maybe the anti-ageing skin effects you're looking for, consistent use of a daily liquid collagen supplement as opposed to collagen cream is definitely the best way to achieve effective results.
Does Collagen Tighten Saggy Skin? Studies have indicated that supplemental collagen is beneficial for skin health, including tightening sagging skin (known as elasticity), boosting hydration, and lessening the appearance of wrinkles.
Oral supplementation, along with eating foods that either contain collagen or boost your natural production, is the best way to absorb it into your body and increase your collagen levels. Foods that contain Vitamin C are helpful for increasing collagen production.
Vital Proteins® Original Collagen Peptides
Jen Says: "My go-to collagen routine is adding Vital Proteins® Collagen Peptides ($27; shop now) in my morning cup of coffee or smoothie – so easy to use."
Type I or type 1 collagen is the strongest type of collagen. If you're looking for a collagen for supporting skin health, type 1 is a top choice since it's literally a building block of the skin.
Many of the studies available suggest that you'd be able to noticeably see improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and density anywhere between 6 and 12 weeks of regular collagen supplementation.
Collagen is generally considered to be a safe and nontoxic daily supplement for healthy individuals, and most people won't experience adverse side effects.
Collagen supplements can take anywhere from 12 weeks to six months according to robust small studies. Those with joint issues may see differences a lot faster than 12 weeks. As the collagen present within the supplement will speed up the healing process.
Those who took collagen peptides experienced a greater improvement in muscle mass and strength. They also lost more fat mass than the placebo group. These results suggest that collagen supplements can support loss of body fat by enhancing the effects of weight training on muscle mass.
How can I naturally rebuild collagen? You can naturally support the collagen production process by using topicals such as vitamin C and retinol, collagen peptide supplements, eating a nutrient rich diet, and avoiding habits that damage the collagen (such as poor sleep and sun exposure.)
The evidence from the reviewed studies suggested that both collagen supplements improve skin moisture, elasticity, and hydration when orally administered. Additionally, collagen reduces the wrinkling and roughness of the skin, and existing studies have not found any side effects of its oral supplements.
A further 2021 meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials concluded that ingestion of hydrolyzed collagen for 3 months is effective at reducing skin ageing, as it reduces wrinkles and improves skin elasticity and hydration (4).
This means marine collagen is the most consumer-friendly type across the world. As marine collagen is a type I collagen, it's most suitable for promoting healthy skin and bones, and the best collagen powder for anti-ageing. Collagen from bovine and porcine sources is type II collagen – which is found in the cartilage.
Type I collagen is usually considered best for the skin. It is the most abundant type of collagen in the body. It maintains healthy bones, skin, hair and nails.
Victoria Beckham has been known to take Skinade collagen drinks to compliment her skincare routine, whilst Kourtney Kardashian is a fan of Vital Proteins collagen powder. Now, the next generation of collagen beauty supplements has arrived…
One person who religiously uses collagen is Kourtney Kardashian. The 40-year-old doesn't look a day over 30, so when she says a brand is an everyday essential, we listen. Her favorite brand? Vital Proteins.
Dose & Co uses hydrolyzed collagen, which is easy for the body to ingest and absorb. The brand recommends taking its products daily, which isn't hard because, as mentioned, they taste really freakin' good.
Collagen as You Get Older
You can't measure exactly how much you have, but when it drops you may have symptoms such as joint pain or stiff tendons or ligaments. Your muscles may weaken. You could also have papery skin. Taking collagen supplements may help ease these symptoms.
Eating foods rich in vitamin C and amino acids can increase the levels of hyaluronic acid and collagen in the body as both are important for skin. Foods such as oranges, red peppers, kale, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, and strawberries are all rich in vitamin C.