Do Hair And Collagen Supplements Actually Work?

An expert reveals the truth about ingestible collagen.

Collagen supplements are everywhere. Think supermarkets, pharmacies, your next-door neighbour's home and, of course, major beauty retailers. They also come in an array of formats, from capsules to gummies, sachets, and elixirs; the list goes on. The collagen craze is real, but do these supplements actually work?

Ingestible beauty brands are dedicated to formulating high-quality ingestible collagen to replenish what our bodies naturally lose over time. While our body’s collagen production declines, there are other factors that can accelerate the depletion of ageing and collagen. Excessive exposure to UV impacts the connective tissue in the dermis, which breaks down elastin fibres and collagen. High sugar intake and lifestyle factors such as pollution, stress and little sleep also affect the body’s ability to produce collagen naturally.

Out of all the ridiculously impressive things our bodies are capable of, this part of life is a real bummer.

But thankfully, science finds a way. We spoke to the ever-so-brilliant Pharmaceutical Scientist and author, Hannah Collingwood English (@HannahCollingwoodEnglish), who generously lent her expertise on the matter.

Keep scrolling to find out whether collagen supplements are worth trying for yourself.

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Is there evidence that actually supports hair growth and collagen production from supplements?
“There is, but you have to get a good one,” says Hannah. “We have clinical evidence that collagen supplements can smooth texture and increase skin elasticity, hydration and dermal collagen density within 4-8 weeks.” A.K.A, music to the ears.

However, Hannah mentions that “hair growth is more complex, and it’s important to work with your GP or dermatologist to account for potential underlying health causes.” Noted. While it is more complex, Hannah promises that “you can certainly help reduce thinning for thicker, stronger hair with a good supplement.” We love to hear it!

Now we know that the clinical evidence exists, how do the ingredients within hair and collagen supplements work?
Hannah reports that “collagen has a dual action in the skin. It provides the building blocks for collagen and elastin, and it signals cells (fibroblasts) in the skin’s dermis to start building collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid.”

How this supports hair growth, you ask?
Hannah assures that “it’s important to note that hair follicles sit in the skin’s dermis layer too, and they’re supported structurally by collagen. So your collagen can indirectly help strengthen the hair.” Multitasking at its best, right?

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An example of this in action is Vida Glow’s Hairology, which contains AnaGainTM as the active. Hannah clarifies that it “works by signalling hair follicles to reactivate hair growth. Hair follicles can be in one of several phases, and hair thins when fewer follicles are in the growth phase, so the idea is to put them in a growth phase and keep them there.” A round of applause, please, for science being all brilliant, intelligent and revolutionary.

And there you have it, a factual guide to all things collagen and hair supplements. Ingestible beauty has officially declared its space in beauty routines across the globe.

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