Do Collagen Supplements Really Work for Skin Aging?
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Collagen supplements are everywhere—from beauty shelves to online wellness stores. They promise to give you glowing skin, reduce wrinkles, and make you look younger. But do they really work? A new scientific review says: maybe not.
What Is Collagen and Why Do People Take It?
Collagen is a protein that makes up most of our skin, giving it strength and flexibility. As we age, our bodies produce less collagen. This leads to dry skin, wrinkles, and sagging. That’s why many people take collagen supplements in the form of powders, pills, or drinks. The idea is that by adding collagen back into the body, we can slow down or even reverse signs of skin aging.
What Did the New Study Find?
A recent review looked at 23 studies involving over 1,400 people who took collagen supplements. These were all randomized controlled trials, which are considered the most reliable type of study. At first glance, the results looked good. People who took collagen seemed to have better skin hydration, elasticity, and fewer wrinkles.
But there’s a catch.
When researchers looked closer, they found that the positive results mostly came from studies that were funded by supplement companies. Also, studies with lower quality methods showed more benefits than high-quality ones. In fact, when only high-quality, independent studies were considered, collagen supplements didn’t seem to have any real effect on skin.
Why Might the Results Be Biased?
When companies pay for studies, there's a risk the results could be biased—whether on purpose or not. Researchers might pick certain types of people, use specific measurements, or interpret the results in a way that makes the product look better. That’s why it’s important to look at who funds a study and how well it was done.
Are All Collagen Supplements the Same?
Not really. The studies used different types of collagen—from fish, cows, and chickens. Some people took it as powder or pills, while others drank it in liquids. Interestingly, fish-based collagen and drinks showed more benefit than other forms. But again, many of these studies were funded by supplement makers.
So Should You Take Collagen?
If you’re hoping collagen will give you perfect skin, the science doesn’t strongly support it—at least not yet. While it’s unlikely to harm you, it may not deliver the glowing results many advertisements promise.
Here are a few things to consider before buying:
- Check who funded the study behind the product’s claims.
- Look for independent research or third-party reviews.
- Focus on a healthy lifestyle including sleep, sunscreen, hydration, and a balanced diet.
The Bottom Line
Collagen supplements might help a little, but the best studies so far show no clear benefit. More research is needed, especially studies that are not funded by companies selling the product. For now, don’t rely on collagen alone to keep your skin youthful. Stick to proven habits like using sunscreen, eating well, and staying hydrated.