Collagen boosts skin elasticity but is not an anti-wrinkle quick fix – researchers say
Taking collagen supplements over a long period has been linked to better skin elasticity and increased hydration, although experts suggest it should not be seen as an “anti-wrinkle quick fix”.
Products should be positioned for people seeking “holistic” skin maintenance, researchers say, and considered as a “legitimate” additional treatment for ageing in women who have gone through the menopause or patients with UV-damaged skin.
Collagen could also help slash the symptoms of arthritis, according to a new review that includes more than 100 clinical trials.
Collagen is a type of protein that is naturally abundant in the body, and is crucial in supporting and strengthening the skin, nails, bones and connective tissues.
With age, collagen production starts to decline, leading to wrinkles and stiff joints.
Supplements – which can be taken as tablets, liquids or powder mixed into drinks – claim to counteract this reduction.
However, “bold claims” have been made about their anti-ageing benefits, according to researchers.
The umbrella review by experts at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) included evidence from 16 reviews and 113 trials involving almost 8,000 patients around the world.
It found taking collagen supplements over a long period was linked to improvements in skin elasticity and hydration.
This supports the “inside-out model of skin rejuvenation”, researchers said, with supplements acting as “agents of deeper tissue regeneration” rather than “superficial cosmetic aids”.
However, taking collagen did not significantly affect skin roughness, the review suggests.
“From a public health perspective, this distinction matters; collagen may be best positioned not as an anti-wrinkle “quick fix,” but as a foundational dermal support for individuals seeking holistic skin maintenance,” researchers said.
They added that collagen supplements should be considered “a legitimate adjunct for skin ageing” by clinicians, “particularly among post-menopausal or photodamaged patients” when usual treatments are not suitable or too costly.
Meanwhile, taking collagen supplements was “consistently” linked to reducing the symptoms of arthritis, such as stiff and painful joints.
It was also associated with improvements in muscle health, although there was no evidence that it helps improve soreness after exercise.
Lee Smith, a professor of public health at ARU, said the study, published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, “brings together the strongest evidence to date on collagen supplementation”.
He added: “Bold claims have been made in relation to collagen supplementation and often by those marketing the product, for example, “promises” have been made by manufacturers that collagen supplementation results in significant, rapid, and full-body anti-aging.
“Collagen is not a cure-all, but it does have credible benefits when used consistently over time, particularly for skin and osteoarthritis.
“Our findings show clear benefits in key areas of healthy ageing, while also dispelling some of the myths surrounding its use.
“If we define anti-ageing as a product or technique designed to prevent the appearance of getting older, then I believe our findings do support this claim for some parameters.
“For example, an improvement in skin tone and moisture is associated with a more youthful looking appearance.”
Researchers acknowledged a number of limitations in the review, and said more work is needed to explore factors such as the dose of collagen and how long it is taken, and if factors like body composition impact its effectiveness.
Further studies should also explore different collagen sources, such as bovine and marine, as well as formats, such as liquids and powders.
Prof Lee added: “This study marks an important step towards more informed public guidance and better designed future research.
“We need more high-quality clinical trials, including research examining long term health outcomes, optimal dosing and differences between collagen sources.”
Reacting to the findings, Shefalee Loth, a nutritionist at consumer group Which?, said: “Collagen supplements are often marketed with bold anti-ageing claims, but scientific evidence to support them is limited.
“It’s worth remembering that there are currently no approved health claims for collagen supplements on the nutrition and health claims register.
“The cost of taking collagen can mount up quickly. Most supplements cost at least £25 a month for daily use, and studies suggest they need to be taken consistently for the best results.
“Consumers should be cautious about brand claims and weigh up the potential benefits against the cost before committing to long-term use.”
Published: by Radio NewsHub