Skip to content
Skin-care — Science — History — Environment — Food — Health — Health-and-wellness

Is It Worth Incorporating Collagen Supplements into Your Skincare Regimen?

Are collagen supplements worth incorporating into your skincare regimen? Despite their endorsement by various influencers and celebrities, there is minimal scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness.

,   and  Administrator
3 min read
Is it advisable to integrate collagen supplements into one's skincare regimen? While these...
Is it advisable to integrate collagen supplements into one's skincare regimen? While these supplements may be widely promoted by influencers and celebrities, there is a paucity of scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness.

Is It Worth Incorporating Collagen Supplements into Your Skincare Regimen?

Say you've been noticing some changes in the mirror - wrinkles or sagging skin that didn't used to be there. It's a bummer, right? But don't worry, we've got the lowdown on what's going on and some other ways to keep your skin looking fabulous.

Cleveland Clinic, an awesome non-profit academic medical center, told us that your skin's structure protein, collagen, may be the issue. It's responsible for your skin's firmness and elasticity, but as you grow older, you start losing it. Director of dermatology Dr. Shilpi Khetarpal explains that sun exposure, smoking cigarettes, and pollution can speed up this process, making your skin dryer and more wrinkled.

So, what's the fix? Should you take collagen supplements? Not so fast! Collagen supplements, like powders, capsules, or gummies, may be all over social media but don't hold up under science's microscope. They haven't been proven to work or even be safe. Dr. Khetarpal says that only a few small studies have shown some improvement in skin texture, but they were sponsored by the supplement manufacturers, and the supplement industry isn't the best at honest labeling or quality control.

If you're thinking, "But why don't they work?" Dr. Khetarpal explains that collagen supplements are absorbed by your digestive system, which means there's not enough left to make a difference in your skin's appearance. That's not all - most supplements come from animals, and it's unsure if this form of collagen is similar enough to human collagen to be useful.

But collagen supplements do have their fans, and they claim they can:

  • Hydrate the skin
  • Improve elasticity
  • Enhance hair and nail growth
  • Strengthen bones and muscles
  • Ease joint pain

However, the research doesn't back up these benefits.

So, how long would you have to wait for collagen supplements to work? Well, if you still want to give them a try, it might take three to six months to see any improvement.

Are collagen supplements safe? The processed form of collagen is made from animal tissue, and with more food allergies today, it's important to be cautious. You might experience headaches, lightheadedness, or diarrhea from taking collagen supplements.

To take them, follow the manufacturer's instructions. A daily dose can range from 2.5 to 15 grams. You can add collagen powder to protein shakes, coffee, or smoothies. But remember, it can be costly if you take them daily, and it might not yield any meaningful results.

In the end, Dr. Khetarpal says that you don't have to rely solely on collagen supplements. Board-certified dermatologists offer procedures, like microneedling, to stimulate collagen production. There are also vitamin A-based topicals, such as tretinoin, that have been shown to be effective.

If you want to slow down the loss of collagen, Dr. Khetarpal advises staying away from cigarettes and harmful pollutants, consistently applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing when outdoors, using topical antioxidants like vitamins C and E, and staying hydrated.

Want some more options? Consider these alternatives:

  1. Vitamin C and Antioxidants: Crucial for collagen synthesis and protects skin from damage. Found in foods like citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, and nuts. Topical vitamin C serums can also help.
  2. Plant-Based Collagen Boosters: Containing vitamin C, silica, and plant-derived peptides, help support natural collagen production. Look for vegan collagen alternatives.
  3. Hydrating Moisturizers: Locking in moisture for plump, smooth skin. Choose moisturizers with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin.
  4. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Reduces inflammation and improves skin elasticity. Find them in fatty fish like salmon or try omega-3 supplements.
  5. Retinol and Retinoids: Stimulate collagen production, reduce fine lines, and improve skin texture. Use topical retinol products or prescription-strength retinoids.
  6. Hyaluronic Acid: Retains moisture, plumping up the skin and reducing wrinkles. Use hyaluronic acid serums or creams.
  7. Dietary Changes: A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains supports overall health, including skin health. Foods high in omega-3s, vitamin C, and zinc are particularly beneficial. Include foods like berries, leafy greens, and nuts in your diet.
  8. While sun exposure, smoking, and pollution can speed up the loss of collagen in the skin, consuming foods rich in vitamin C and antioxidants can help slow this process, as they are crucial for collagen synthesis and skin protection.
  9. In contrast to collagen supplements, which have not been proven effective or safe, topical vitamin C serums can aid in collagen production and protect skin from damage.
  10. If you're looking for plant-based alternatives to boost collagen production, consider products that contain vitamin C, silica, and plant-derived peptides, which support natural collagen production and are vegan-friendly.
  11. In addition to addressing dietary needs, consider hydrating moisturizers with ingredients such as hyaluronic acid or glycerin, which help lock in moisture and improve the appearance of plump, smooth skin.

Read also:

    Related

    Latest