Without a doubt, type I collagen is the most abundant protein found in humans (and in all vertebrates). 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.
Type I collagen:
It is usually considered best for the skin. It is the most prevalent type of collagen in the body. This collagen preserved the levels of collagen in the skin, hair, or nails. Levels of type I collagen begin to decline around 25 years of age.
Oral collagen supplements in the form of pills, powders, and certain foods are believed to be more effectively absorbed by the body and have skyrocketed in popularity among consumers. They may be sold as collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen, which are broken down forms of collagen that are more easily absorbed.
So, unless you are consuming Type II undenatured or Matrix collagen specifically for joints, then the type(s) of collagen you ingest won't matter.
Look out for type I collagen for wrinkles. Marine (fish) collagen is the most bioavailable source of type I, but you'll also find high levels in bovine (beef) collagen sources.
A go-to supplement to take if you want to boost your complexion, The Friends star swears by Vital Proteins' Collagen Powder, and she even adds the coffee creamer version to her morning coffee.
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.
Collagen supplements may not be safe for: People with fish, shellfish, or egg allergies (collagen supplements may contain these allergens as ingredients)16.
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's role in the body
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.
Eat a healthy diet high in nutrients including vitamins A11 and C. Follow a daily skin care routine that includes sunscreen and topical retinol. Avoid smoking, as research shows that tobacco smoke reduces the production of collagen and elastin.
Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides
This collagen powder comes recommended by all three panelists. “This company is one of the leaders in collagen powders,” says Melina Jampolis, M.D., board-certified nutrition specialist and Forbes Health Advisory Board member.
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).
Fish (marine) collagen has superior bioavailability.
Fish collagen is absorbed up to 1.5 times more efficiently into the body which means it has superior bioavailability over bovine or porcine types. This is due to its smaller particle size compared to other types of collagen.
The reality: There's no study to back this up
This is just a theory at this point. "There are no controlled studies that address this issue," Galligan says. "However, the popular literature is in agreement that collagen supplements seem to work equally well when taken at bedtime or in the morning."
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].
Firstly, you may see an improvement in your skin within the second month of use, but for complete results, you should consistently consume collagen supplements for at least three months. Collagen supplements can take anywhere from 12 weeks to six months according to robust small studies.
Caffeine suppresses collagen production by preventing cell growth and interfering with the development of cartilage. In turn, this affects the ability to make new collagen and the genes involved in maturing cartilage cells. One study found that caffeine reduces collagen synthesis in human skin.
Results. Caffeine inhibited collagen biosynthesis in a dose-dependent manner. The mechanism of this process was found at the level of prolidase activity. Caffeine significantly inhibited the enzyme activity.
Are collagen supplements a good option for tightening loose skin? A: Collagen supplements aren't the best option if you want to improve the appearance of your skin. That's mainly because there's no evidence-based science to prove they work ― or that they're safe.
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.
Vitamin C is an antioxidant that helps protect against oxidative damage and plays a role in the production of collagen, which helps keep skin firm and elastic. Particularly in topical applications, Vitamin C has been shown to decrease skin wrinkling and increase collagen production.