Hydrolyzed collagen is the type often mentioned when it comes to skin benefits. Hydrolyzed collagen is very digestible and therefore readily absorbed by the body. Collagen is a protein.
After 12 weeks of taking a supplement with hydrolyzed collagen, hyaluronic acid, vitamins, and minerals, patients in this study experienced improved skin firmness and hydration, as well as a lessened appearance of wrinkles. Collagen can help to reverse signs of skin aging by boosting elasticity in the skin.
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.
Marine collagen supplements, in particular, thanks to their smaller particle size compared to other types of products, are considered more effective for women over 50s. Due to their superior bioavailability, these supplements are in fact easier to absorb by our bodies (up to 1.5 times more than other sources).
No matter your age, it's never too late to start supporting your body's production of collagen and to see the benefits in your skin, hair, and nails.
Best overall collagen supplement: Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides. Two scoops of this product contain 20 grams (g) of collagen, and the company recommends taking 1–2 scoops daily. It states that the supplement promotes hair, skin, and joint health, and it contains hyaluronic acid and vitamin C.
Collagen Type
If you're taking collagen for the anti-aging benefits, look for type I, or a combo of type I and type III. Both are found in the skin and support skin health (think: improved skin hydration, firmness and texture, as well as fewer wrinkles, per a review study in 2019 in the journal Molecules).
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.
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.
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.
How much collagen should I take daily for wrinkles? There is no specific, recommended daily dosage of collagen for wrinkles. However, studies have shown that taking 2.5–15 grams of collagen daily for 8–12 weeks may help improve skin elasticity, moisture, and wrinkles.
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.
Vital Proteins 10 oz.
One of the newest products in the Vital Proteins collagen supplement line is this lemon-flavored collagen peptides formula, sourced from pasture-raised, grass-fed cows. Aniston stirs this one into a glass of water to get her 20 grams of collagen for the day.
Once seniors reach the age of 65-70, collagen production starts to decline at about 30% per year. But, it's never too late for collagen! Collagen is absolutely for seniors 55+. Data shows that those 55+ see dramatic benefits from collagen across the board — especially in their bones, joints, and overall inflammation.
To reap the benefits for skin health, the research recommends that you take between 2.5 to 5 grams of collagen per day (2). This amount is shown to increase skin elasticity and hydration in elderly women while reducing the depth of existing skin wrinkles in middle-aged women.
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.