Summary. Collagen powders are the most effective format as they can offer significantly more collagen per serving than capsules or pills. In addition, powders are also highly versatile and can contain additional good-for-you ingredients.
Regardless of form, oral collagen supplements have been found to be more effective than dermal supplements applied directly to the skin. Collagen supplements taken orally can reach deeper layers of the skin, leading to improved appearance and physiology.
The most popular form of collagen supplement is in powder form. It's the easiest one to incorporate into a daily diet but also the one that the body absorbs the best and will give the best results. Hydrolyzed collagen powders always dissolve really well in any drink or food that you'd want to incorporate it into.
Vital Proteins® Original Collagen Peptides
Jen Says: "My go-to collagen routine is adding Vital Proteins® Collagen Peptides ($27; shop now) in my morning cup of coffee or smoothie – so easy to use."
Taking a collagen supplement will not cause you to gain weight. In fact, it can help support you on your weight loss journey along with proper diet and exercise. Collagen is beneficial to your bones, muscles, hair, skin, and nails. It also helps to improve your heart health.
Whether it's gut health, bone or joint strength or maybe the anti-ageing skin effects you're looking for, consistent use of a daily liquid collagen supplement as opposed to collagen cream is definitely the best way to achieve effective results.
Since collagen capsules and powder are the same hydrolyzed collagen peptides, it doesn't matter which way you take it. Your body will recognize the collagen peptides in both. In the end, it all comes down to personal preference.
You can consume collagen by either eating it naturally through whole foods (e.g. bone broth, organ meats, etc.) or choosing hydrolyzed peptides in supplement form. Collagen has also been linked to skincare products and injections, but neither helps your body's collagen production — collagen protein must be ingested.
While there are plenty of suggestions floating around, really, the best time of day to take your collagen supplement is whenever works best for you. Suppose you like to take it in the morning, great. If you prefer it as a snack during the day, great, or if you want to take it before bed, that's also great.
If you're having digestive or gut issues then the best time to take collagen is first thing in the morning on an empty stomach or with your meals. For restful sleep, the best time to take collagen is before bed for improved sleep quality. To help control blood sugar the best time to take collagen is before our meals.
Human studies are lacking but some randomized controlled trials have found that collagen supplements improve skin elasticity. [3,4] Other trials have found that the supplements can improve joint mobility and decrease joint pain such as with osteoarthritis or in athletes.
Many of the studies available suggest that you'd be able to noticeably see improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and density anywhere between 6 and 12 weeks of regular collagen supplementation.
Short answer: No. When it comes to collagen, there are many types. There are even different types of types! Dozens of types of collagen naturally occur in your body; there are various supplement forms, preparation types and even different sources.
A further 2021 meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials concluded that ingestion of hydrolyzed collagen for 3 months is effective at reducing skin ageing, as it reduces wrinkles and improves skin elasticity and hydration (4).
By helping to boost elasticity, collagen can in turn improve fine lines and wrinkles. It's also great for skin hydration, which can also help with dullness, dryness, and texture. Since these things are typical signs of aging, improving them with collagen will help you to appear more youthful.
Those who took collagen peptides experienced a greater improvement in muscle mass and strength. They also lost more fat mass than the placebo group. These results suggest that collagen supplements can support loss of body fat by enhancing the effects of weight training on muscle mass.
How can I naturally rebuild collagen? You can naturally support the collagen production process by using topicals such as vitamin C and retinol, collagen peptide supplements, eating a nutrient rich diet, and avoiding habits that damage the collagen (such as poor sleep and sun exposure.)
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.
Bottom line: Most people have 1 treatment and feel some tightening right away. It takes time for your body to make collagen, so you'll see the best results in about 6 months. Some people benefit from having more than 1 treatment. Results can last 2 to 3 years with the right skin care.
If you're taking collagen for the anti-aging benefits, look for type I, or a combo of type I and type III. Both are found in the skin and support skin health (think: improved skin hydration, firmness and texture, as well as fewer wrinkles, per a review study in 2019 in the journal Molecules).
Collagen prevents skin from sagging and gives it a plump, full look. Elastin helps skin return to its original shape after stretching or compressing.
"Collagen supplements or skin products can produce an allergic reaction, which could, in rare cases, be life-threatening. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include itching or tingling in the mouth or area of skin where collagen is applied, swelling of tongue or skin, wheezing, abdominal pain, nausea, and/or vomiting.
Collagen supplements may not be safe for: People with fish, shellfish, or egg allergies (collagen supplements may contain these allergens as ingredients)16. People with a Kosher or Halal diet. People with a vegetarian or vegan diet.