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.
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.
Bottom line: Most people have 1 treatment and feel some tightening right away. It takes time for your body to make collagen, so you'll see the best results in about 6 months. Some people benefit from having more than 1 treatment. Results can last 2 to 3 years with the right skin care.
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.
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.
Low levels of serotonin can leave you feeling unhappy and depressed. Consequently, when you increase your levels of serotonin with a collagen supplement, you may experience elevations in mood and a more positive outlook. Collagen contains glycine, which has been linked to relaxation and good sleep.
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.
According to Pam Hartnett, MPH, RDN, “Collagen is generally considered a safe supplement to day daily. In fact, most studies that found a benefit to collagen supplementation looked at consistent daily intake and none of these studies found significant side effects.”
Collagen peptides have been safely used in doses up to 10 grams daily for up to 5 months. Side effects are rare.
After six weeks of supplementation, fine lines around the eyes and mouth begin to soften. As the collagen matrix becomes stronger and thicker, skin regains its firm, smooth qualities to minimise the appearance of deeper wrinkles. After 12 weeks, skin elasticity is improved.
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).
Aside from aging, however, the top reason people don't have enough collagen is poor diet. 2 Your body can't make collagen if it doesn't have the necessary elements, namely amino acids, and the nutrients to process them.
The skin responds the fastest to collagen supplementation, and to relatively low doses. To increase skin's elasticity, firmness, and texture, and help prevent fine lines and wrinkles, studies show that taking up to 2.5 grams is effective.
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].
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.
Based on the existing literature from both animal and human studies, it seems that oral collagen supplements improve skin elasticity, turgor, and hydration and reduce skin wrinkling and roughness.
A surprising benefit of taking collagen is the positive impact it can have on your sleep. This is because collagen is loaded with the amino acid glycine, an inhibitory neurotransmitter that calms the central nervous system and helps us to unwind, relax, and fall asleep.
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 and mood
Ingesting collagen as your main form of protein can potentially lead to a deficit in tryptophan. A decrease in tryptophan results in lower serotonin levels and has the potential to cause feelings of anxiety, irritability, and depression (particularly if you already suffer from a mood disorder.)
Collagen has also been shown to help with energy levels, mood and appetite. When collagen is abundant, our system is working seamlessly to rejuvenate our skin, tissues and joints and we experience a truly restorative sleep.
So caffeine is a collagen killer and we should steer clear? Not exactly. "It's worth remembering that coffee doesn't destroy collagen, it inhibits its production," says nutritional therapist at the Pulse Light Clinic, Lisa Borg.
Collagen Lift is extremely effective for non-surgical skin tightening and firming loose or sagging skin. Wave goodbye to fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, turkey neck and jowls. Collagen Lift can provide you with a tightening, firming and plumping effect without the need for invasive treatments.