It is a beauty staple loved by celebrities such as Jennifer Aniston and Victoria Beckham.
Now a major review has found collagen supplements really do lead to better skin elasticity and joint health – but they are not a ‘quick fix’ for wrinkles.
The product should be positioned for those seeking ‘holistic’ skin maintenance, say researchers, and considered as a ‘legitimate’ additional treatment for ageing in women who have gone through the menopause or patients with UV-damaged skin.
The supplements could also help ease symptoms of arthritis.
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 – taken as tablets, liquids or powder mixed into drinks – allegedly counteract this reduction.
However, it was discovered ‘bold claims’ have been made about their anti-ageing benefits.
The study by experts at Anglia Ruskin University included evidence from 16 reviews and 113 trials involving almost 8,000 patients. It found that taking collagen over a long period was linked to improvements in skin elasticity and hydration, with the supplements acting as ‘agents of deeper tissue regeneration’ rather than ‘superficial cosmetic aids’.
However, the review – published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum – suggested taking collagen did not significantly affect skin roughness.
A major review has found collagen supplements really do lead to better skin elasticity and joint health – but they are not a ‘quick fix’ for wrinkles. Stock picture shows a woman touching her face as she looks in the mirror
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. (Stock picture of supplements)
The ARU team said: ‘This distinction matters. Collagen may be best positioned not as an anti-wrinkle ‘quick fix’ but as a foundational dermal support for holistic skin maintenance.’
Meanwhile, taking 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.
Lee Smith, a professor of public health at ARU, said: ‘Collagen is not a cure-all but it does have credible benefits when used consistently over time, particularly for skin and osteoarthritis.’
