According to a new scientific review, taking daily collagen supplements can improve skin elasticity and hydration over time, but will not stop wrinkles from forming.
The review, which examined 113 trials involving nearly 8,000 people, found that collagen supplements can provide legitimate skin benefits, including easing wear and tear, arthritis joint pain, and stiffness.
Collagen is a protein that naturally declines with age, and its loss can be accelerated by factors such as smoking and sun damage, with women losing around a third of their collagen during menopause.
Supplement Types and Effectiveness
While the review found that collagen supplements can be beneficial, it was unable to determine whether certain types, such as marine, bovine, or vegan collagen, worked better than others.
Prof Lee Smith, one of the lead investigators from Anglia Ruskin University, stated: "This study brings together the strongest evidence to date on collagen supplementation. Collagen is not a cure-all, but it does have credible benefits when used consistently over time, particularly for skin and osteoarthritis."
Nutrition and Skin Health
Bridget Benelam, a nutrition scientist at the British Nutrition Foundation, emphasized the importance of diet in maintaining skin health, noting that vitamin C and zinc are essential for collagen formation.
Dr Tamara Griffiths, president of the British Association of Dermatologists, welcomed the research but recommended further studies to build on the findings.
