Does Collagen actually work?

[PlutarchHeavensbee]

I’m 57 and just out of the menopause, more or less anyway. In the last few years and probably due to this, I’ve noticed some real ageing.

My skin has lost an awful lot of its elasticity, particularly around my neck and jaw area, and my eyes.

I know that powdered collagen isn’t a cure all but I’m being bombarded on social media by ads that extol its benefits to the skin and hair and was considering giving it a go, but I don’t want to waste a load of money on a lost cause!

Interested in the opinions of anyone who has taken powdered collagen and whether you think it’s worth it or not. I do know that you need to take it first three to four months before you do see any improvement - but internet ads are there to make you buy it so I’d really be grateful for any personal experiences. I’m not expecting miracles by the way, but if there are long term benefits to skin and hair, I might give it a go.

thanks in advance.

Collagen supplements are not a complete protein, you’re better eating eggs/chicken etc

In a way. Collagen is digested by being broken down into its component amino acids by the body which are then utilised to make new proteins that the body chooses. So it won’t necessarily be used to make more collagen but it does provide some building blocks that could make more collagen. Generally just eating more complete proteins does the same thing though.

The body knows how much collagen and keratin it wants to make (that’s the proteins behind skin structure and hair growth) so you won’t suddenly change this by ingesting more if it’s already making the max amount of each that it wants to. But if you’re deficient in those amino acids for production of collagen and keratin then it may increase the body’s production of them.

I eat chicken and eggs at least five times a week - I don’t eat red meat at all. I’m really interested in hearing from people who’ve tried it and whether it’s made any difference, even a small one.

Collagen and protein intake have different effects. There's an analysis of some of the recent studies here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/18eDs5PCED/

Protein intake helps you build muscle. Taking collagen helps build the surrounding supportive matrix and the tendons.

What about for us vegetarians? Though I eat eggs and dairy.

I’ve recently had sculptra on my face which is a collagen bio stimulator. I’ve noticed good results already and due to have the second appt next week. The Dr when I asked said that powdered collage or gels are not very effective as our bodies break them down too quickly for them to have any effect.

No the Collagen you take is completely broken down
Its a con

No, sorry. Everyone has been sold a lie. Spend your money on good quality food instead.

After hearing the facts on collagen, from Dr Van T on the One Show, no!!

Agree with previous poster about the Dr Van T. prog.
Swallowing collagen doesn't mean it ends up in your skin to make it look younger.
Estrogen can help but obviously not as a beauty aid.
Good diet, omega 3, healthy fats and zero sugar help- evidently refined sugar causes inflammation = loss of collagen.

It is broken down. As are most things we eat. But the parts are then used to build. The summary of studies I linked above showed the same results from taking an equivalent to amino acid mix as from taking whole collagen - which is good news for anyone wanting to take a non-animal supplement; vegan/veggie ones can do the same job provided they contain the same types and proportions of amino acids.

It wont rebuild in a targeted way
Eat collagen = increased collagen in the skin, nope

If you are deficient in amino acids it will help but your body produces the same amount of collagen if you eat a good diet

I heard a health expert saying she swears by it and I was surprised and took note. I know two people who said they see the difference, and one person who saw no difference.

It's just at biology. Your body is designed to break down proteins (eg collag n or meat) into amino acids. Your body will then use them to make new proteins but it doesn't "know" that you want them to be made into collagen, it just uses them where needed.

Im always a bit suss of these "experts" they usually have their own brand to flog!

Collagen supplements don't work. It's old cartelidge and animal hooves. HRT has some effect on collagen by turning the clock back. Imedeen is proven to work. I've met the scientists. It's Marine based.

I've been in the beauty industry for forty years.
I part own a skincare company and the best thing you can do is use sunscreen.
Don't drink, don't smoke. I've also had laser for red veins and it cleared some age spots. I don't use fillers or Botox.

Now fish oils and avocado have been shown to work. Eat them if you can but obviously you can put them on your face too.
I'm using Prai neck cream at the moment (not a company I work for). It seems to work, I'm 60.
I've also been using a great foundation for mature skin from M Asam. QVC.
AMA.

Has anyone actually used it and can say whether it made a difference for them?

I've found it very helpful for joint issues, as has my DH (rotator cuff issues and arthritis). I'm not sure about skin as my skin has always been good (I'm 58, been menopausal for around 18 months), but I've taken collagen for a couple of years, so who knows.

There are definite indications in various studies that taking a wide spectrum, hydrolyzed collagen on a long-term regular basis helps skin. This article reviews some of the studies that have been conducted. Effects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

I take the 8 essential amino acids in supplement form. These are what protein and collagen are broken down into in our bodies so they can be used. I also eat protein but I dont have to eat as much. It has made a big difference to my skin. Ive always had crappy thin shedding hair even when I was young so cant tell if its helping my hair. Im not bald yet so 🤷‍♀️

I’ve been taking collagen for around 6 months now, Ive noticed a huge difference in my nails which were really flaky and weak but now for the first time I actually have to cut them as they grow too long, they used to break before! My hair is just now starting to show a lot more new growth although I do use other supplements designed to support hair growth too. I’ve not noticed too much difference to my skin myself but I have had some complements on it recently so who knows.

I will keep on taking it as it makes me feel as though I’m doing something positive.

It's old cartelidge and animal hooves

That's enough to make me say a definite 'NO' to trying it!

I admit I'd been considering it, but couldn't see how it could possibly work.

The paper states that large randomised control studies are needed & that there are limitations. My understanding is that the studies in the meta-analysis were sponsored by the companies making collagen supplements, so hardly independent.

Nails & hair are made of keratin, not collagen.

Collagen IS a protein

As above regarding Dr Von Ton on the One Show.

I considered collagen supplements - then watched this…🤢