We take collagen in our house. We mix it into smoothies, or take it with water. It’s one of those things that I’m not sure if it works or not, but it’s one of those, like, what’s the harm. If it helps a little bit, you know what I mean? Then that’s… it just means that I drink a little bit more water than normal, or have another smoothie that I may not have had.
“I tell my patients that results will take months of continuous use and will be modest,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai. “Oral collagen, especially hydrolyzed collagen, can be absorbed and has been detected in blood as soon as one hour after ingestion,” he says, but “collagen supplementation does not replace good skincare and sun protection.”
“As we age, our natural collagen production slows down, which can lead to wrinkles, joint discomfort, or less skin elasticity. Supplementing with collagen may help support these areas,” says Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN. “Anyone could increase their collagen intake to improve skin health by increasing hydration, elasticity, and firmness,” says dermatologist Dara Spearman, MD, adding it’s “also popular among athletes seeking joint support or individuals recovering from injuries.”
A large Anglia Ruskin review of 113 trials backed it: “Collagen is not a cure all, but it does have credible benefits when used consistently over time, particularly for skin and osteoarthritis,” said lead author Lee Smith. Which is my logic exactly, the upside looks real but small, the downside is a glass of water.
Joseph has been writing and editing for a wide variety of publications over the last decade. He loves covering news in the health and wellness space and has written extensively about all aspects of wellness for a wide range of publications.
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