Collagen - does it actually work?

[LizzieVereker]

I’m thinking about taking collagen to improve skin elasticity. Is there any point or is it just a fad? I’m early mid fifties.

I think people think it’s a fad because it takes a LONG TIME to see results. People want instant. But six months in and I’ve got 20 year old stretch marks evaporating.

That sounds great. Can you recommend a specific product? Thx.

I have been taking revive collagen sachets (the menopause one) for 6 months and feel like they make a difference, I look brighter! I think they help as part of an overall approach but equally not a miracle product.

Which one are you using please?

I had a look and decided the sachets are definitely to be avoided. Prefer tabs but are they as effective.

Yeah, let us know, which one are you using? It might help us.

I’ve been using the nutrition geeks one

Why are you crossing out your real age?

I’ve been told they don’t work as by the time it is digested it doesn’t reach skin and hair. I really wanted them to work

I have read that collagen is helpful if you are low in protein but otherwise it's not.

It replaces protein rather than targeting specific areas that need collagen.
If you are low in protein, it would be better to increase protein in your diet.

I take type 2 collagen powder for my knees and I do think it works. It one from Holland and barratt but can’t remember the name

It won’t make any difference to your skin. There are a lot better ways to build collagen in your skin like tretinoin, microneedling and lasers.

Been taking for over 6 months, no noticable difference in my hair or skin.
do find it helps with my joints plus an extra boost of protein with my breakfast each morning. It doesnt do much to be honest.

It will make no more difference than increasing your protein intake from another source. There is no evidence of any benefit apart from in studies funded by companies that peddle supplements.

“studies not receiving funding from pharmaceutical companies revealed no effect of collagen supplements for improving skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkles, while those receiving funding from pharmaceutical companies did show significant effects.”

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002934325002839

Collagen is to large to be absorbed. It will break down into amino acids then be used to produce whatever your body needs (which may or may not be collagen).

Collagen is extremely important but will be produced in your body irrespective of the name of the protein you rake or whether you get it through shakes, supplements or food.

Collagen is being used as a buzzword to part fools from their cash.

Have been taking a holland and barrett powder after reading the research that it may be good for your joints and doesn't do much for your skin, since taking have had a few positive comments about my skin, my joints feel better too however they do go through periods of feeling better, planning on continuing to take it.

Yes, this is why it needs to be hydrolysed into collagen peptides, so it can be easily absorbed by the body. There are a range of decent brands out there that sell hydrolysed collagen.

OP, I take Reverse Life hydrolysed marine collagen. It tastes utterly revolting but I have noticed significant improvements to hair, skin and joints being less stiff / achy.

I’ve come off it a couple of times to see if it’s still working and both times noticed a deterioration in all the above after a couple of weeks, so started taking it again.

So I do recommend collagen to people, as it is working for me. I would say there’s no point in taking collagen though if you are chronically dehydrated or have untreated hypothyroid or iron deficiency / Vitamin D3 deficiency, as those things have a big impact on skin and hair.

Do take it and do microneedling too

Willpowders is the only one that I’ve seen a difference after taking.

I started the nutrition geeks one last October and still haven't noticed any difference in my hair, skin and nails. I still keep taking it though incase it starts to work but I have been looking at others recently

I do find collagen to work, I've been taking one for almost 6 months everyday and I have really noticed my hair growing faster, it feels thicker and then my forehead does seem to have fewer lines! I haven't had a bad back either which I get every now and then but hard to know if thats the cause or not.

I do also use retinols though and sunscreen everyday and would say those are really needed alongside it.

I really recommend ancient and brave for their collagen. I've got a code for £10off your first order if anyone wants to try it: AB-f33d6c