In the vast world of supplements, few are more intriguing than collagen. Whether in liquid, pill, or powder form, collagen supplements are ubiquitous and can have many benefits. But is it legal?
Made with hydrolyzed collagen (also known as collagen peptides), which is broken down into smaller amino acids and sometimes mixed with other essential nutrients and minerals such as vitamin C and biotin, collagen supplements are said to provide smooth, hydrated, firmer skin and many other health benefits. With promises like this, it’s no surprise to see why everyone is hooked right now.
“Social media, influencer culture, and increased awareness of anti-aging have all contributed to the appeal of dermatology,” says Hope Mitchell, M.D., board-certified dermatologist and founder of Mitchell Dermatology. “They offer a simple, non-invasive addition to daily life, making them particularly appealing to consumers looking for accessible wellness solutions.”
“People want to feel like they’re doing something internally to prevent aging,” agrees Angela Lamb, M.D., director of the Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology Clinic and associate professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “More than just current events.”
But when it comes to skin and health-related things, the rule of thumb is, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And collagen supplements are proving to be the rule rather than the exception, especially as far as dermatologists are concerned.
The strongest evidence showing the benefits of collagen supplements
Collagen supplements are said to help with many things, including hair and nail growth, bone and muscle support, and digestive issues. The list feels endless. However, Dr. Hadley King, a board-certified dermatologist based in New York City, says the evidence for these claims is limited and more research is needed. The strongest evidence we currently have is for skin health, she says.
This is because of the well-known benefits of collagen for skin health and longevity in general. If these supplements signal increased collagen production, they may have the same known skin benefits. But medical experts warn there are important caveats. “It’s important to realize that collagen supplements do not directly deposit the collagen you take into your skin,” explains Helen He, MD, director of laser and cosmetic surgery and assistant professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. “Instead, these peptides and amino acids stimulate the body’s signaling pathways to increase collagen production, which may ultimately lead to increased collagen in multiple tissues, including the skin.”
“The jury is still out on whether collagen is preferentially concentrated in the skin when ingested,” Dr. King added. “If it’s effective, it could be helping the skin by increasing collagen directly. If it’s not, it could be helping the skin by providing the amino acid building blocks for our bodies to produce collagen.”
Dr. King also points to research showing that collagen supplements can help support joints as we age. More research shows that taking these supplements can reduce exercise-related discomfort and may even help strengthen the connective tissue in your joints if you’re very active.
Collagen supplements and their effects
But even though the study is complete, experts say you should still temper your expectations. Even with all the evidence regarding skin health, the research results are still too mixed for anything to be conclusive. “When you take collagen orally, your body doesn’t know that it specifically wants it delivered to your skin,” explains board-certified dermatologist Blair Murphy-Rose, MD. “These amino acids are some of the building blocks needed for collagen production, but they are also used throughout the body for countless other important functions. You can’t just assume that eating collagen will directly form new collagen in your skin.”
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