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.
After daily collagen supplementation for a few weeks, you will typically start to notice a few things: hair growth, skin hydration and skin moisture, improvement in joint health and skin health, lessening of fine lines, and other possible anti-aging improvements.
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.
Collagen does not help with body fat because you cannot reduce fat in specific areas of your body. You can lose weight using collagen rich foods like bone broth, but it will not specifically target your belly fat.
Collagen is a protein that serves as one of the main building blocks for your bones, skin, hair, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. "Collagen is what keeps our skin from sagging, giving us that plump, youthful look," says dermatologist Dr. Ohara Aivaz.
Collagen loss leads to thinner and loose skin
Collagen gives our skin structure and support. The natural loss of collagen leads to a thin skin and structurally weakened skin. In the face, the effect will be loose and sagging skin. Collagen loss in the skin can also contribute to the appearance of sunken cheeks.
Initial results from collagen restoration treatments are usually visible immediately. However, new collagen growth can take anywhere from four to 12 weeks to complete. Keep in mind that while certain procedures can be very effective at restoring and replacing collagen, these results aren't permanent.
Collagen can help you reduce the appearance of cellulite and improve your skin's elasticity, yet, it won't happen overnight. You should also note that it can't fully reverse cellulite, but it can make your skin look smoother and healthier.
Collagen supplements have been shown to increase the body's hair building proteins, which can result in longer, thicker hair. 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).
Increasing your collagen intake may help increase your metabolism by adding lean muscle mass to your frame and helping with the conversion of essential nutrients. Remember that retaining muscle mass is crucial as you age, since it helps support posture and bone health, and burns more calories.
Collagen can help to 'heal and seal' the gut lining, which results in a wide range of benefits, like improved digestion, nutrient absorption and even a lighter, brighter mood.
Collagen peptides have been safely used in doses up to 10 grams daily for up to 5 months. Side effects are rare.
It is better to take collagen at night if you are having trouble sleeping. Glycine, an amino acid that makes up about 1/3 of collagen, helps you relax, lowers your body temperature and prepares you to sleep.
Collagen is considered to be well tolerated with no major side-effects. Minor side-effects include: a feeling of heaviness in your stomach. mild diarrhoea.
Studies show that it takes about 6 to 12 weeks of regular supplementation to see noticeable improvements in your skin, including its elasticity, hydration and density. One factor that contributes to why collagen is taking its time to provide results is its low dosage amount through your supplements intake [2].
Collagen plays an essential role in hair growth by lining up the inner sack of the hair follicle as well as keeping the dermis – layer of the skin from which a hair grows from, structurally sound, elastic and strong. Collagen does not directly prompt or accelerate hair growth.
When collagen protein starts to decrease, water and moisture leave with it—leaving your skin drier and more prone to sagging and wrinkles. Collagen also helps provide the bright glowy look of youth and protects against dark spots (liver spots/age spots) that seem to come out of nowhere.
Incorporating collagen into your daily routine can help restore your follicles and encourage your eyebrows to grow faster, longer, thicker and stronger.
Also known as 'The Facelift Facial', Collagen Lift is a non-surgical treatment for skin tightening and firming loose or sagging skin. The treatment tightens, tones and lifts achieving firm, youthful looking skin - without the telltale frozen stares and 'puffed up' look associated with injectables and fillers.
Collagen prevents skin from sagging and gives it a plump, full look.
Collagen can have many benefits for body toning over “heavier” supplements like whey, and here's why: Collagen helps to retain muscle while you lose weight. This means that as you lose fat, your slim, toned muscles underneath will be revealed, without losing your muscle[7].
So how long does it take for collagen to start working? Tangible results for skin, hair and nails are seen in as soon as four weeks. And with consistent, daily supplementation, the best results are achieved from 12 weeks.
The loss of collagen leads to wrinkle formation. Your body begins to lose collagen when you turn 30. The effects become noticeable after several years. Even though this is a natural process, it's possible to speed it up with UV exposure, pollution, bad habits, and poor diet choices.