Do Collagen Supplements Really Work?

Collagen. We’ve all heard about it, have friends that swear by it, and you might even be taking it yourself… But as it is with all wellness trends, it can be tricky to understand if what we’re doing is actually having an effect. 

Collagen is the main structural protein that makes up our skin, hair and nails, but as we age its production slows down, accelerating the signs of ageing. Supplementation (derived from either fish or cows) is thought to counteract this to a degree, affording healthy hair, strong nails and a bouncy complexion as the years tick by. 

Dr. Michele Squire, a skin expert, PhD-qualified scientist and founder of QR8 Mediskin, tells us that there are actually 19 recent high-quality studies that show collagen supplements can “stimulate increased collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production in the skin”. It's an emerging science (collagen supplements are pretty new, afterall), but the expert opinion is that the emerging clinical data is exciting. The main takeaway? “Regular consumption of 2.5mg/day of high-quality collagen peptides can plump out wrinkles, and increase the skin’s hydration and elasticity levels,” says Dr. Squire. “These changes are apparent after only 12 weeks of daily use, too.”

So no, collagen isn’t just expensive pee — the secret lies in consistency! Find a formula that suits your habits (and taste buds) below.