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If you’re looking for an instant improvement for wrinkles, collagen supplements likely aren’t the best option, according to a new study.
In the study, a manuscript published online in January in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, researchers found that collagen’s effects on elasticity and hydration accumulate gradually, requiring ongoing intake. Collagen should not be viewed as an “anti-wrinkle ‘quick fix,’ but as a foundational dermal support for individuals seeking holistic skin maintenance,” the authors write.
The study reviewed more than 100 randomized control trials with a total of nearly 8,000 patients.
Collagen, a type of protein, is produced naturally in the body and is also available in many food sources. But recently, a range of oral and topical wellness products containing collagen have become popular.
The authors point out collagen has multiple roles within the human body, including supporting skin cells, protecting organs, helping with blood clotting and more. And as we age, collagen levels decrease, making supplementation a seemingly easy way to combat this and keep the health benefits.
Their findings showed collagen supplement use can be beneficial for certain aspects of skin, bone and muscular health.
Collagen supplementation was consistently associated with favorable outcomes for musculoskeletal health and osteoarthritis conditions, for example.
For musculoskeletal health, this included observations of improved strength as well as muscle and tendon structure. And for osteoarthritis conditions, the authors saw reductions in self-reported pain and stiffness.
For skin, the study found no statistically significant changes in skin roughness, meaning collagen likely improves “turgor, tone and moisture rather than resolving textural surface features,” the authors added.
Results for the impact of collagen supplementation on oral health and cardiometabolic were mixed.
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