Do Collagen Supplements Actually Work?

Promising to enhance skin elasticity, reduce wrinkles, and promote overall skin health, collagen supplements have garnered a significant following. But do collagen supplements actually work?  

In this blog, we’ll explore the truth behind collagen supplements, including whether they actually work, potential side effects, and alternatives to collagen supplements including MiQuest’s anti-ageing skincare solutions. But first – what exactly is collagen?

What is Collagen?  

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It is found in the skin, bones, muscles, and tendons, acting a scaffold which provides structure and strength to the tissues.  

As we age, our natural collagen production begins to decrease, which leads to the formation of wrinkles and sagging skin. This natural decline has skyrocketed interest in collagen supplements as a means to restore volume, firmness, and elasticity to the skin. But do collagen supplements work?  

Do Collagen Supplements Work?  

Collagen supplements usually come in the form of hydrolysed collagen peptides, which are broken down into smaller, easily absorbed molecules. These supplements are often made from animal sources like bovine or marine collagen, and are available in various forms, including powders, capsules, and drinks.

There are many studies that suggest numerous collagen supplement benefits, including improved skin elasticity, hydration, and firmness. For example, a review and analysis of 19 studies that were published in the International Journal of Dermatology, found that out of 1,125 participants, those who used collagen supplements experienced a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, and improvement in the suppleness, firmness, and moisture content of the skin.  

However, while this sounds promising, it’s unclear if the skin improvements were solely down to collagen, as other ingredients in the supplements included vitamins, minerals, hyaluronic acid, and more. (Payal Patel, MD, and Maryanne Makredes Senna, MD., 2023)

Additionally, consultant dermatologist Dr Ophelia has stated that, “There are a very small number of strong skin stem cell labs in the world and none of them have produced papers saying that ingesting collagen supplements can lead to stem cells cycling within the skin." (Can eating collagen improve your skin and joints?, 2024)

As stem cells are essential for skin regeneration and repair, this suggests that if collagen supplements were truly effective, there would be clear scientific evidence demonstrating their ability to stimulate these cells within the skin – which there isn’t.  

Do Collagen Supplements Have Side Effects?  

Taking collagen for skin health is usually well tolerated and doesn’t have any significant side effects. However, there are some minor side effects to be aware of, including:

• Feelings of fullness  
• Lingering bad taste in the mouth  
• Mild headaches  
• Mild migraines  
• Rashes  

It’s important to consider potential allergens before you start taking any collagen supplement, as fish or bovine products may cause issues for people with certain sensitivities. As always, it's wise to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement

MiQuest’s Alternatives to Collagen Supplements  

Looking for alternatives to collagen supplements? At MiQuest, our innovative anti-ageing skincare solutions include our prescription anti-wrinkle cream, which uses active ingredients like tretinoin to boost collagen production in the skin and effectively smooth away fine lines and wrinkles.  

Tretinoin is a key feature of many of our treatments, including its innate ability to increase cell turnover, and therefore trigger collagen production. It is also present in our prescription melasma treatment, acnes face cream, and dull skin treatment to promote shedding of old, damaged cells, and encourage the growth of new, healthy cells for an overall more youthful-looking, blemish-free, and radiant complexion.  

All our formulas are created bespoke to your unique skin type and concerns. This means no two of our treatments are the same and each product is expertly created to meet your individual skincare needs – why not gain early access today?  

Conclusion

So, do collagen supplements work? Although they may offer potential benefits for skin health, the effectiveness of these supplements can vary. It’s apparent that if you want to turn back the clock on your skin, collagen supplements aren’t effective as a standalone solution. And with potential side effects, they may do more harm than good.  

For anti-ageing treatment personalised to your individual skin type, our prescription cream for wrinkles is not only designed to reduce the signs of ageing, but also to improve the overall health of your skin. Get ready to welcome a new era of age defying skincare!

For more information on our personalised skincare, get in touch with our dermatologists today.  

Citations:

Patel, P., MD and Makredes Senna, M., MD. (2023) Considering collagen drinks and supplements? https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/considering-collagen-drinks-and-supplements-202304122911.

‍Can eating collagen improve your skin and joints? (2024). https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/articles/collagen_supplements.