Does collagen work? Some studies show that taking collagen supplements for several months can improve skin elasticity, (i.e., wrinkles and roughness) as well as signs of aging. Others have shown that consuming collagen can increase density in bones weakened with age and can improve joint, back and knee pain.
Does drinking collagen work to improve skin? Experts say it's unlikely — especially without evidence. "Despite popular belief that collagen supplements can help strengthen our skin, we have little data to truly support this," says Dr. Zeichner.
Collagen supplements may lead to mild side effects such as bloating, heartburn, and feelings of fullness. If you have food allergies, make sure to purchase supplements that don't contain your allergens.
Food sources and supplements
Collagen can't be absorbed by the body in its whole form. This means collagen proteins must be broken down into smaller peptides or amino acids before they can be absorbed.
Can you take too much? Collagen is generally considered to be a safe and nontoxic daily supplement for healthy individuals, and most people won't experience adverse side effects. Still, some have reported symptoms, such as an unpleasant taste, feeling overly full, or other stomach complaints ( 27 ).
Improvements in skin, nails, muscle and joint health may become noticeable after three to six months of regular collagen supplementation, but results varied across scientific studies. Results may take longer depending on personal factors including age, nutritional status and overall health.
"Collagen is what keeps our skin from sagging, giving us that plump, youthful look," says dermatologist Dr. Ohara Aivaz. Your body naturally makes collagen, but this production decreases with age.
Since collagen supplementation has been shown to increase the body's collagen production, it would make sense that collagen supplementation may improve skin quality and appearance. Randomized trials have found that collagen supplementation can indeed help by improving hydration, elasticity, and wrinkling.
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Collagen supplements may not be safe for: People with fish, shellfish, or egg allergies (collagen supplements may contain these allergens as ingredients)16. People with a Kosher or Halal diet. People with a vegetarian or vegan diet.
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.
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.
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.
Collagen is an incredibly important protein that keeps your tissues and bones together. Specifically for your skin, collagen helps give your skin structure and elasticity, or that famous “bounce.” So, in theory, boosting your skin's collagen levels — or preventing its loss — would help you look younger.
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.
Current research reveals that collagen use could result in a reduction of wrinkles, rejuvenation of skin, and reversal of skin aging [16], which may improve skin hydration and elasticity [17].
One of the primary amino acids that are found in collagen is glycine. Glycine is known to increase your serotonin levels without simultaneously raising your dopamine levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate mood. Low levels of serotonin can leave you feeling unhappy and depressed.
Additionally, some people may be allergic to collagen supplements. If you experience any itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing after taking collagen supplements, it's important to stop taking them and see a doctor immediately.
Collagen may help reduce the appearance of gray hair by supporting the healthy structure of the hair follicle (where the pigment that gives hair its color is produced). When collagen creams or gels are applied directly to the scalp, gray hair can appear darker and less dry.
Taking collagen may improve the health of your scalp and hair, but there isn't much objective evidence that it will result in hair growth for everyone who takes it. Other potential collagen benefits include improvements in the health of skin, joints and bones.
Collagen is often recognized as a potent solution for thickening hair. It may reduce hair loss and boost hair health while also improving nail and skin health. Collagen's ability to boost skin elasticity also applies to your scalp.