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.
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.
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.
You may choose to begin taking collagen as early as your twenties or wait until your natural collagen levels start to decline a little more at menopause. Although it's never too late to begin collagen supplementation, people with certain lifestyle habits and choices might benefit from starting sooner.
Some people claim collagen is more effective at night as our body is naturally recovering while we sleep. But this may be just a theory. However, collagen supplements seem to work equally well when taken at bedtime or in the morning.
A standard recommendation is to take it in the morning, first thing. The main reason for this is that you take the supplement on an empty stomach.
Research shows that taking 2.5 to 15 grams daily of hydrolyzed collagen is safe. A smaller dose benefits your joints and skin, while a larger amount may help with body composition and muscle mass.
Collagen can help to reverse signs of skin aging by boosting elasticity in the skin. Drinking collagen powder can also help repair damaged skin and scarring, which seniors are more prone to than younger individuals.
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.
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.
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 can help reduce fatigue in three ways. Sometimes fatigue is a result of not getting enough sleep, or experiencing poor quality sleep. Science supports the use of collagen supplements to assist in establishing better sleep patterns for increased energy and alertness.
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.
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 can strengthen and thicken the skin, according to some experts, which can help ward off the causes of turkey neck. But not all collagen supplements are created equal, which is why it's important to do your research to find the best collagen supplement.