The amino acids found in collagen help keep your skin looking smooth, even, and healthy. To improve an uneven complexion, collagen is the answer. Collagen's amino acids can also help minimize the appearance of dark spots and scars from acne or other skin issues.
Collagen's amino acids help to fade hyperpigmentation by providing strength and structure to the skin and allowing it to repair skin cells. It also protects the skin from oxidative free radicals in the environment and helps to inhibit the enzyme tyrosinase, which reduces melanin production.
As such, no matter your goal for using collagen, it will take at least 8 weeks to experience noticeable results ( 6 ). Most studies use a minimum of 8 weeks to assess collagen's effects on skin health and joint pain relief, but other studies use longer periods, such as 12 months, for bone health ( 9 , 14 , 22 ).
A new dietary supplement containing collagen and glutathione promises to both fight against skin aging and to lighten skin tone.
Should you take collagen for acne breakouts? Collagen is not an effective acne treatment option. Taking collagen supplements may have some benefits for aging skin, but there's no indication that collagen can prevent blemishes, reduce pimples, or alleviate post-acne scarring.
"Collagen is what keeps our skin from sagging, giving us that plump, youthful look," says dermatologist Dr. Ohara Aivaz. Your body naturally makes collagen, but this production decreases with age.
Generally speaking, the purpose of collagen in the skin is to provide structure and elasticity. However, there is research to suggest that collagen may also help with inflammation in the body, which is one of the causes of acne. Collagen is also associated with the healing process, so it may help acne go away quickly.
Some studies show that taking collagen supplements for several months can improve skin elasticity, (i.e., wrinkles and roughness) as well as signs of aging. Others have shown that consuming collagen can increase density in bones weakened with age and can improve joint, back and knee pain.
Although collagen supplements cannot technically “break down” or “erase” old, deep-set acne scars, it could prevent the development of new acne and enhance the healing of more recent scars—significantly improving the appearance of your skin.
Some research has found that taking daily collagen powder could help make your bones denser, slowing the aging process that makes them brittle and helping your body to produce new bone. Skin elasticity and hydration. Collagen supplements have been shown to improve skin hydration and elasticity for older people.
After daily collagen supplementation for a few weeks, you will typically start to notice a few things: hair growth, skin hydration and skin moisture, improvement in joint health and skin health, lessening of fine lines, and other possible anti-aging improvements.
One review of 11 studies focusing mostly on women found that taking 3–10 grams of collagen per day for an average of 69 days led to improvements in skin elasticity and hydration ( 6 ). These supplements may work by stimulating your body to produce collagen on its own.
Dermatologists consider products with hydroquinone, alone or combined with other lighteners, to be the gold standard for fading dark spots because it slows the production of pigment.
In this case, turning to dermatological procedures will work as the fastest way to get rid of hyperpigmentation. Chemical peels, laser therapy, microdermabrasion, or dermabrasion are all options that work similarly to rid skin of hyperpigmentation.
Marine collagen, one of the most bioavailable sources of collagen, can be added to your morning coffee or breakfast to help repair the skin and minimize hyperpigmentation while you work!
Since collagen has been shown to fight free radicals in test tubes, it may, in theory, help prevent damage to cells that produce hair color. As a result, it may prevent premature graying or slow down age-related graying ( 9 , 10 ).
While collagen won't reverse wrinkles or give you baby soft skin overnight, it is possible to improve skin tone with collagen, some experts say. "Collagen consumption can increase skin elasticity and help your body's skin repair process, thus encouraging your body to form new collagen," Dr. Jaliman tells us.
If you experience any itching, swelling, or difficulty breathing after taking collagen supplements, it's important to stop taking them and see a doctor immediately.
The loss of collagen with age causes our skin to lose its firmness. There are options that can help rebuild collagen in your face for smoother, younger looking skin. Fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin are all part of the natural aging process, and collagen, or lack of it, is often the culprit.
A standard recommendation is to take it in the morning, first thing. The main reason for this is that you take the supplement on an empty stomach. This suggestion potentially has some reasoning, and we suggest you take SkinGlo on an empty stomach.
Does Collagen Tighten Saggy Skin? Studies have indicated that supplemental collagen is beneficial for skin health, including tightening sagging skin (known as elasticity), boosting hydration, and lessening the appearance of wrinkles.
Collagen also helps provide the bright glowy look of youth and protects against dark spots (liver spots/age spots) that seem to come out of nowhere.
Collagen in and of itself does not cause acne. However, some collagen supplements may contain sulfites and other chemicals that could trigger an acne breakout.
Collagen's main role is to provide structure, strength and support throughout your body. Collagen's specific roles include: Helping fibroblasts to form in your dermis (middle skin layer), which helps new cells grow. Playing a role in replacing dead skin cells.