Collagen - what do you know or think about it?

[DelphiniumBlue]

I've been seeing ads for various types of collagen pop up on my FB, and wonder if anyone has tried it and noticed a difference in their skin, and whether it really can help with at least slowing down the effects of ageing?
My skin is good, for my age, ( mid-sixties) but I'm wondering if it would help avoid excess loose skin if I were to lose weight. Just not sure if there's any evidence that it actually works. Off to have a google, but I'd be interested to hear people's opinions.

There was a Radio 4 programme on this a few months back.
Basically, it's a con.
Swallowing collagen doesn't mean it ends up in your skin.

'Basically, it's a con.
Swallowing collagen doesn't mean it ends up in your skin.'

That's my understanding too. No evidence that taking collagen supplements has any impact on your health

Here is a recent thread that may be of interest to you.

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/style_and_beauty/5310060-marine-collagen-thank-you?reply=144139091?utm_campaign=thread&utm_medium=app_share

I heard that programme and stopped taking the marine collagen that I was using and told all my colleagues it was a con and to stop buying it.

I then read the linked mumsnet thread and thought I’d give it another go, using the bovine collagen recommended on the chat. I cannot believe the difference it has made to my hair and nails in four months. I’m absolutely astounded and marvel at all the new (grey! 😫) growth every time I go to the loo and look in the bathroom mirror.

My hair hasn’t felt this full since my last pregnancy over ten years ago and my nails are tapping away as I type this. I honestly can’t believe it.

I know there’s no solid evidence, but that can be down to things like funding/unbiased researchers needing time to do the research etc.

Anecdotally, I took hydrolysed bovine collagen for 4 months and my skin improved, I have rosacea, get PLE and do suffer from quite tight itchy skin generally.

It noticeably improved towards the last 4 weeks of the 4 months. I’d also stripped back my skincare and changed my moisturiser is this time frame so I wanted to see if it was the skin care doing the work or the collagen.

Stopped taking the collagen and about 3 weeks later my face is itchy, rashy and red. I’ve given it a little while to settle but it’s not, so I’ve ordered the collagen again. 🤷‍♀️

Interesting mix of opinions/experiences so far!

What bovine collagen are you using? thx

I suspect that the people who have noticed a significant improvement after taking collagen might not have had optimal diets in the first place, although no evidence for that. I’ve been taking bovine collagen for ages now and have not noticed any difference in hair and nails, but they were good to start with. However it has, I believe, made a significant difference to the achy joints I was starting to get.

I was experiencing a lot of hair loss. Very noticeable especially when showering. I started about 2 years ago and have had significant improvements. There are no clumps of hair any more. Can’t see any nail improvement at all. Hard to say about my skin, I’ve never had issues… I use ancient and brave - bovine. Can give you a referral code if you’d like to try it?

I'd be interested in a referral code if that's possible?

I've been taking marine collagen for about 3 months but haven't really noticed any difference; people do seem to be very positive about bovine collagen though...

I use the Ancient & Brave one. Possibly the ‘True’ collagen. Whichever is the bovine one. I just have to get over my irrational annoyance for Davina McCall when I use the website.

I have really weak nails and notice a marked difference with marine collagen. I've been taking it for ages and do notice a difference if I stop (which I have done periodically). I don't notice a difference in my skin, though.

My diet is generally good - lots of fruit, veg and protein, although admittedly, too much sugar.

I’m using the Proto Col collagen in liquid form.
My hair is looking a lot thicker.
Im alternating the marine collagen with the bovine collagen.

Im a month in or so. I feel my skin looks a bit better as in more glowy. My nails are growing but they tend to grow quickly in summer anyway.

Im giving it 2/3 months. I eat a good diet and exercise already. But i’m taking it more to see if it will help the awful joint pains i’m getting in peri.

I understand the quite limited research but thought i’d give it a try thanks to that thread that was linked and my sisters own anecdotal comments.

I'm taking marine collagen while cutting down on food as I probably don't have enough from food, and I don't eat a lot of red meat anyway. What I like apart from anything else is it makes me feel slightly drowsy after taking it so I go to sleep quickly. My nails are a lot better and my skin and hair are really good. For me it's more stopping hair loss/slowing deterioration of skin/nails than improvement, so if I can see no change then it's a good thing.

Im 48 and have been taking marine collagen for about 4 months now, and just recently swapped to a combo bovine and marine. My skin is looking better than it has in years, and I've had a few people mention it too. I'm convinced it works!

Some of the improvement can actually be a placebo effect because skin and hair respond to stress. Hair loss is directly linked to stress and if you stop stressing due to taking a supplement, that can be enough.

If you think something does you good, even if it's a product that has no efficacy at all, it can still work (proved time after time in scientific trials even when the people are TOLD they are on a placebo.)

I hear what you’re saying @ThatchedCottageOwner but I have to say the stress in my life has actually increased and my hair is in a much better state. Obviously the only proof I’d have is if I stopped but for 2.60 a week, I’d rather just stick with it.

@ArrivederlaPM’d you a code

Thank you very much Mamamia35

I got a bit ‘sucked in’ and started a monthly subscription for Bovine Coll. I am 42 have always had horrific weak bendy and cracking nails. Also my hair doesn’t grow very fast.

After About 12/15 weeks my nails are transformed. I can’t stop looking at them 😆 hair is thicker too. So goodness knows what’s gone on inside my body. My skin is really good anyway. So can’t comment on that.

I’ve been taking nutrition geeks bovine collagen “glow up” for about five weeks and can see a definite improvement in skin and nails. It does what it says on the pack and I just have a really nice glow about me and have been told that by several colleagues and friends who have no idea I’ve changed anything. Also got free supply of biotin with the collagen so have been taking those too so could be either/or doing the job but will definitely be keeping it up!

My nails had been damaged fairly recently from a bad gel job, but this has transformed them so quickly!

I’m usually very sceptical about such things, but an equally difficult to convince friend recommend marine collagen. My nails are definitely stronger, and I’m not discovering a new ache or pain every flipping day. I’ve been on the marine collagen capsules for about 4 months now.

I’ve not seen a difference in hair or nails but certainly have in my skin. DH keeps telling me I look even prettier too, so he can tell something is better.

I’ve always had good skin but it’s definitely more youthful and healthy looking.

I swear by bovine collagen. My skin looks so much better when I take it regularly. I stopped for a few months and really noticed the change. I’m back on it again and after a few weeks am seeing the benefits again.

I take both marine and bovine. I believe the marine has helped my skin elasticity during some recent weight loss as well as helping my hair feel fire. I do feel a difference in my joints from the bovine and notice my knees more if I don’t take it for a week or so (holiday etc).