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.
According to a 2021 review published in the International Journal of Dermatology, compared with those who do not supplement with collagen, taking collagen every day for 90 days is linked to better hydration and elasticity. Additionally, collagen takers may experience fewer wrinkles on their skin.
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.
Supplementing with collagen may help people lose weight by promoting satiety, supporting joint health, and altering how the body stores fat. Collagen is one of the most important proteins in the human body and is present in all the body's tissues and organs.
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.
Human studies are lacking but some randomized controlled trials have found that collagen supplements improve skin elasticity. [3,4] Other trials have found that the supplements can improve joint mobility and decrease joint pain such as with osteoarthritis or in athletes.
As you get older, your body makes less collagen. You can't measure exactly how much you have, but when it drops you may have symptoms such as joint pain or stiff tendons or ligaments. Your muscles may weaken. You could also have papery skin.
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).
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.
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's role in the body
"Collagen is what keeps our skin from sagging, giving us that plump, youthful look," says dermatologist Dr. Ohara Aivaz. Your body naturally makes collagen, but this production decreases with age.
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.
As you age, your body starts producing less collagen. The skin becomes thinner, drier, and less elastic. The loss of collagen leads to wrinkle formation.
Collagen makes up around 80% of our skin. Together with elastin (another protein) it's what gives our skin strength and is vital for maintaining elasticity. Largely present in the middle layer of the skin (the dermis), collagen has many benefits for our skin, keeping it firm, plump and supple.
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.
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.
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 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.)
It boils down to this: collagen has been shown within numerous studies to aid in fat loss. Due to its high protein concentration, it's definitely an ally when fat loss is the goal. Moreover, collagen may even help with the appearance of cellulite!
As a result, people take collagen supplements or add collagen additives to their diet to increase their collagen intake. However, there is a common misconception that adding more collagen to your diet can cause weight gain. This is not the case, and in fact, it may indirectly help you lose weight.
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.