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Original poster

Anybody tried collagen?

52 replies

SapphireStar77 · 22/05/2023 19:09

Hi, I was just wondering if anybody has ever tried collagen supplements - in particular Absolute Collagen. I’m 45 and looking for a bit of a helping hand with ageing skin, fine lines, dry hair and gum health. I have been looking at Absolute Collagen but wow so expensive! I wouldn’t mind paying the mad prices if these products actually work! TIA

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Original poster
SapphireStar77 · 24/05/2023 21:48

isthismylifenow · 22/05/2023 19:42

I've been taking it for years. Not the exact product you mention, but a two phase tablet. I have really good nails and my hairdresser comments every time about how nice my hair is. I think it does help with skin tone as if I take a break I feel a bit dull. The thing I notice the most if I stop taking them, is that I get more achy in my joints. I am in my 50s.

There are studies that claim it does nothing, I believe it helps me so I will continue to take them. I do change products from time to time, at the moment I have those chewables. I don't like the powder version as i forget to add it to a drink in the day. And I don't much like the taste.

They say taking gelatine every day does the same thing, I'm not sure as mine is a marine collagen not bovine. You have to give it a month at least to see any proper difference.

Thank you for your reply, very interesting

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Original poster
SapphireStar77 · 24/05/2023 21:50

user84708480 · 22/05/2023 19:43

Yes, stuck with it for 2 months and it didn't make the slightest bit of difference, other than to my bank balance.

Ah shame you didn’t notice anything positive, I’m still undecided on wether to try collagen

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Original poster
SapphireStar77 · 24/05/2023 21:51

HangingOver · 22/05/2023 19:47

I used to work for an aesthetics clinic and the consensus among the nurses is your stomach just eats it and it doesn't do anything. They said to actually regenerate skin collagen it has to be either zapped (like Ultherapy) so it regenerates, or you have to create tiny wounds to stimulate a healing response (like with microneedling or Tixel).

I actually have a genetic collagen deficiency and emailed the manufacturers of some of the products out of curiousity and they said it wouldn't do anything.

This is really interesting thank you

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Original poster
SapphireStar77 · 24/05/2023 21:52

GettingStuffed · 22/05/2023 21:20

I use topical collagen and this does work.

Does it work for fine lines and wrinkles??

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Original poster
SapphireStar77 · 24/05/2023 21:53

CinnamonJellyBeans · 23/05/2023 07:40

You might get better results for your skin and hair by topping up your omega fats by including nuts and oily fish in your diet. Cheaper and good for your heart and alzehimers risk. Also olive oil

Coenzyme Q10 for gums

Thanks for the info :-)

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Original poster
SapphireStar77 · 24/05/2023 21:54

WednesdaysPlaits · 23/05/2023 07:27

I know someone who worked high up at absolute collagen and who says it doesn’t do anything.

Oh wow! And what a shame - I was hoping for good things!

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Original poster
SapphireStar77 · 24/05/2023 21:55

TopSec · 23/05/2023 13:12

I use the Absolute Collagen and have done for years. Like others have said, there are reports that its not worth taking but, for me, I wouldn't be without it. It is a little expensive but on the odd occasion when I have forgot to take some on holiday, I have definitely noticed the difference. I drink it straight for the tube (1 tube per day) but I think you can mix it with a drink if you wish. I don't find it unpleasant - a little lemony flavoured and not as thick as you would expect from a gel. I think it is well worth taking. However, I have not tried any other except Absolute Collagen (if its not broken etc.....) so I can't comment on any other brand.
I am 67 by the way - not sure if that makes a difference.

This is really informative thank you

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Original poster
SapphireStar77 · 24/05/2023 21:56

halfbakedkate · 23/05/2023 13:27

I have been taking Vital Proteins for the last three months because I have very fine hair and weak nails.

I went to my hairdresser last week (she's been my hairdresser for last 6 years) and she immediately said your hair is thicker. I thought I'd seen a difference so it confirmed it when she also noticed. My nails are also stronger, I've never been able to grow them past a certain point but they are not snapping like they did.
For me, it is working and it's not me imagining it. I would definitely recommend it.

Oh wow that’s amazing!! :-)

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Original poster
SapphireStar77 · 24/05/2023 21:57

UnicornMadeOfPinkGlitter · 23/05/2023 16:34

Not absolute collagen but have been taking my vitamins collagen and coconut tablets 2 a day and have definitely noticed a difference.
I forgot to order one month and didn’t have any for about two weeks and started to notice my skin was dryer and not as bouncy and that my nails started splitting.
I’ve been taking it for about 4 months now maybe 5.
only changes have been that I take these supplements as well as zinc and magnesium and one called hormone balance that has b vitamins in. Started taking them all at the same time.

This is great news!

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Noodle421 · 24/05/2023 22:00

Check out Ingenious Beauty. Interesting science behind the development of this award winning collagen supplement. ( I do not work for/ have an affiliation with this company but I am a returning customer and I feel this product makes a difference).

Original poster
SapphireStar77 · 24/05/2023 22:05

Noodle421 · 24/05/2023 22:00

Check out Ingenious Beauty. Interesting science behind the development of this award winning collagen supplement. ( I do not work for/ have an affiliation with this company but I am a returning customer and I feel this product makes a difference).

Ohhh this sounds interesting - thank you

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Original poster
SapphireStar77 · 24/05/2023 22:05

MissLucyEyelesbarrow · 24/05/2023 22:01

This is a pretty good summary of the supposed benefits. There is some evidence for some benefit, although mainly from small studies, which tend to be unreliable.

ohhh thank you!

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HundredMilesAnHour · 24/05/2023 22:08

I took Absolute Collagen for 6+ months and found zero difference. I switched to So Collagen (following some good reviews on MN) and whilst I don't think I've seen a difference (yet - been 4 months), it's a lot more affordable and feels less like a cult than AC.

Original poster
SapphireStar77 · 24/05/2023 22:13

HundredMilesAnHour · 24/05/2023 22:08

I took Absolute Collagen for 6+ months and found zero difference. I switched to So Collagen (following some good reviews on MN) and whilst I don't think I've seen a difference (yet - been 4 months), it's a lot more affordable and feels less like a cult than AC.

Thank you - I do like the sound of a more affordable option!

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Noodle421 · 24/05/2023 22:24

I listened to a podcast of Liz Earle interviewing one of the scientists who co developed this product (on the Liz Earle Well Being channel). It explains the science behind it. I use Ingenious Active and it’s definitely made a difference to cushioning my achy joints as well as improvements to hair skin and nails. I’ve tried coming off it to save money and I felt the benefits disappear so I’m starting them again . These are the only ones I’ve tried because I was impressed with the science. I’ve never been tempted by any other brand because I can’t see how they work.

BlackFlyChardonnay · 24/05/2023 22:31

I take skinade. It is expensive but has made a real difference. My skin tone looks more glowy and even, nails and hair much stronger, and as a random added bonus - it's improved my cellulite loads!

SophiaRogers · 25/05/2023 16:07

I've been researching collagen production methods lately, and cryotherapy seems fascinating! It's incredible how it was initially used for pain relief and recovery in athletes, but now it's gaining popularity for promoting healthy-looking skin.

Cath2712 · 03/02/2024 11:18

I tried the Kiki Health Marine Collagen supplements for a while, have just bought a big tub of the Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides powder (£35) that I add to my porridge. Also Ive just started the Starpowa gummies as they were on promotion. Holland and Barrett are doing a deal where you can subscribe and get a second product free every 2-3 months so it works out at £40 for 240 gummies. I'm using the Collagen Support and the Hair Nails and Skin. They feel a bit gimmicky but Ive noticed my skin feeling softer and my hair not quite as straw like as before. Simply Collagen sachets are a rip off and Im not surprised people there say it doesn't work. Im in my early fifties and am also on oral HRT and use Champo pitta serum on my ultra fine hair too.

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Moier · 04/11/2024 12:08

I've been taking this for a few years.. yes it's helped enormously.. my GP recommended it to actually help with my prolapse bladder..but my gosh my skin / hair/ nails have greatly improved and I'm 66.
People have asked me if i've had a facial or even work done.

Anybody tried collagen?
Augustone · 04/11/2024 12:13

I was listening to a podcast on the subject and the general consensus was that your body uses it where it is necessary i.e if you are taking it to improve your skin but your body needs it elsewhere such as your joints then that’s where it will go so only a small percentage might end up where you actually want it so you would have to take a lot to end up with visible benefits

NottsNora · 04/11/2024 12:20

I take marine oil supplements which are omega 3. It has made my fingernails and my hair is soft and glossy. I buy Norwegian fish oil but I suppose cod liver oil will do just as well.

I tried beef collagen powder and it was rank and did fa. I would rather eat the crunchy skin off the chicken as that contains higher level of collagen and I can justify the calorie count by referring to it as skincare.

Ditch the powder, eat the chicken. Oh - and I asked a skin specialist about vegetarian/vegan collagen and they laughed at me so don’t be sucked into getting any non animal based collagen supplements, they don’t exist.

Original poster
SapphireStar77 · 05/11/2024 17:02

Moier · 04/11/2024 12:08

I've been taking this for a few years.. yes it's helped enormously.. my GP recommended it to actually help with my prolapse bladder..but my gosh my skin / hair/ nails have greatly improved and I'm 66.
People have asked me if i've had a facial or even work done.

That's fantastic! Great to hear positive feedback

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