Collagen is an incredible protein that is found naturally in large quantities in the body. It provides an amazing number of benefits to numerous body systems, including the musculoskeletal and digestive systems, along with the skin, hair and nails. Today, collagen peptides supplements have become the rage for many good reasons. They have helped many people look and feel younger and are incredibly easy to take.
The majority of collagen peptide supplements come in powdered form although some are occasionally sold in capsule form. These supplements are made from the connective tissues of animals. It is an incredibly plentiful protein in the bodies of humans as well as mammals. Although it is produced naturally in the human body, collagen formation may decrease over time, and collagen will eventually break down and decrease in volume over time. For this reason, you may find it helpful to consume a collagen supplement regularly.
In the past several years, much research has been performed on collagen and its benefits to the human body. While thousands of individuals have experienced these benefits themselves, the evidence supporting collagen usage does not rely solely on anecdotal corroboration. Instead, valid research studies have backed up dozens of claims, proving that collagen can create healthier and smoother skin, stronger hair and nails and improved joint health.
As we take a deeper look into the research, we'll be adding comments from our customers that verify these claims, purely as a way of adding real-world weight to what can at first glance seem like tedious clinical research.
Healthier and Smoother Skin
First, collagen works powerfully to restore the skin to a more youthful look and texture. There are high levels of collagen naturally present in the skin. Surprisingly, approximately 75% of the dry weight of skin is collagen. In fact, this is considered to be the most important benefit of collagen in the human body. However, as the body ages, collagen levels decrease, and the skin becomes drier and less supple while also developing fine lines and wrinkles. Today, research strongly suggests that collagen can provide the following benefits for the skin.
Decreased Lines and Wrinkles
Collagen peptides can smooth out fine lines and wrinkles that may be making you look older than you feel. Some individuals rely on topical solutions filled with collagen and other nutrients to treat these wrinkles. However, it can be difficult for topical creams and serums to break through the barrier of the skin to create visible results. Oral collagen supplements often provide more benefits because they address the internal decrease in collagen levels in the body.
One noteworthy study from 2013 that was published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology looked at how women responded to eight weeks of oral collagen therapy. Those receiving collagen had greatly improved skin elasticity when compared to those who received a placebo.
In 2019, researchers compared all studies that had previously been performed on collagen supplementation in regard to skin health. In all, 11 studies that included over 800 individuals showed that collagen supplementation provided both short-term and long-term benefits on skin elasticity and collagen density. Research also showed that collagen supplementation was safe with no negative effects noted.
I am 57 with the horrible little lines around my lips. I have been taking 1 scoop of collagen in my coffee every morning and I swear that the lines have diminished and some have disappeared. I truly think that the collagen has improved my skin
Smoother Skin Texture
Collagen peptide supplementation can also help improve the overall texture of skin as you age. As you grow older, you have probably noticed your skin becoming less smooth. The overall tone and texture of your skin has most likely decreased due to natural changes in your body. However, collagen can help improve overall skin health, provide photo-protective benefits and improve skin elasticity as demonstrated in a 2017 study published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology.
People thought I had a “wonderful glow” and looked like I “had a little work done” lol. I guess it did help plump up the collagen in my skin so my face looked smoother. Nice bonus for a middle aged person. I used it twice per day.
Dry Skin Relief
Dry skin can also be a huge problem as you age. However, depending on your environment and your skin care routine, dry skin can actually be a problem at any age. Collagen peptide supplementation can help make your skin more hydrated and supple. Hydrated skin has a beautiful glow and appears to be plump and smooth. Many studies, including the previously mentioned 2017 study published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, have shown that women taking collagen supplements had less skin dryness than did those taking a placebo.
Itchy Skin Relief
Once your skin is rehydrated from within thanks to steady amounts of collagen supplementation, you may also find that your skin feels less itchy. Itchy skin does not always appear unhealthy. You may not have any rashes or bumps, but you may still find yourself scratching your skin all day long. If your itchy skin is related to overall skin dryness, collagen may be able to help. However, collagen has not been found to treat eczema or atopic dermatitis.
Bought this collagen for my Mom after reading an article because she developed an itchy skin condition. She has been using this collagen for a few months and her condition has improved.
Stronger Hair and Nails
Second, collagen peptide supplementation may also be able to improve the overall health of your hair and nails. Surprisingly, your hair and nails are parts of the same body system as your skin. Therefore, collagen can help renew the cells in these fast-growing parts of your body.
Hair Regrowth
As you age, the cellular turnover in your hair follicles decreases. Because your hair follicles are located in the middle part of your skin known as the dermis, improved health in the dermal cells can increase hair regrowth. This is particularly true for seniors who are noticing thinning of their hair. While the positive impact of collagen on the dermis has been studied in depth, research on collagen and hair thinning in particular remains to be completed. However, another 2015 study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology showed that collagen may help with hair follicle regeneration.
Similarly, collagen may be able to increase the rate at which your hair grows in general thanks to the same bodily processes. Because collagen is a type of protein, it is full of vital amino acids that your hair needs to grow longer. Proline, which is one of the three major amino acids found in collagen, is important to the synthesis of keratin, the substance used to build your hair.
Amazing! My hair is growing back. You have to take it for a couple of months if you have severe hair loss and you want to see results. Be patient. My skin is more supple, nails are stronger and it fills me up when I need a quick fix.
My hair grew 4 inches in a few months, unheard of for me, my hair has been the same length for years without cutting. Nails are strong and growing! This is my third order of this size!
I have been taking two scoops in my coffee for 60 days now. At 53, my hair had stopped growing for a year. My hair is now 2.5 inches longer.
Stronger Nails
While plenty of research has been done into collagen’s effects on the skin, not as many studies have been completed on collagen and nail health. However, an important 2017 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology showed that bioactive collagen peptides can help reduce brittle and breaking nails while also improving the growth rate of the nails. In the study, nail growth increased by 12%, broken nails decreased by 42% and 88% of those studied experienced positive effects on their nails for at least four weeks following the treatment.
WOW my nails have never been this strong. So I expect it to be helping bones and tendons. Very pleased because I’ve used many other collagens and NEVER had this much of an impact.
Nails are stronger and my nail ridges have disappeared in the new growth.
Arthritis and Joint Health
Finally, because collagen peptides are made from the connective tissues of animals and is filled with vital amino acids needed by your body’s joints, it can be a potent option for treating the joint discomfort and stiffness often associated with arthritis and other joint disorders. In particular, collagen richly repairs damaged cartilage, which decreases in volume with age. One theory is that collagen supplements actually build up in your cartilage, triggering your body to make even more collagen on its own. Much research has been done on joint health and how it relates to collagen supplementation. In particular, it seems that many people can find improved knee and back comfort along with less pain from arthritis when they supplement regularly with collagen.
Decreased Knee Pain
Knee pain is incredibly common with age because this joint sees much use every day and must carry a great deal of the body weight. In one study, over 45% of men and women experienced knee pain, which significantly impacted their quality of life. Collagen peptide supplementation may be able to help ease knee pain caused by osteoarthritis by helping to rebuild cartilage and improve the way that muscles and tendons in the joints work together.
I am in the moderate stage of Osteoarthritis in my knee. I would estimate that I was in some level of pain (mostly severe) 75% of my waking hours....pretty miserable. I have been taking a dose in the AM and a second dose at night ever since receiving it. Roughly 3 weeks later, I am SO ecstatic to report that I now have pain roughly 5% of the day. I have also been moving around more, stretching and walking more but it is WONDERFUL to have less pain.
I started seeing results within the three months taking it. I have a problem with my knees. Every time I’m sitting on the floor and trying to stand up or been in different positions my knees had always made a loud popping noisy that scares me. After taking this product my knees had gotten better. The popping noisy had not disappear completely but it is less than before.
Decreased Back Pain
Back pain is another huge problem for millions of adults every year, affecting approximately 31 million Americans at any given time. Collagen can help mitigate discomfort in the lower back by reducing the potential for joint deterioration in certain people. In a 24-week study of athletes who were otherwise healthy, collagen supplementation significantly improved joint pain.
I have been taking this collagen for a while. My back is much better. I can lift objects and not have pain the next day.
Improved Joint Flexibility and Decreased Joint Discomfort
As you can imagine based on the findings for the knees and the back, collagen peptides may be able to significantly improve joint health throughout the body. A 2006 research review showed that oral collagen supplementation is well-absorbed in the intestines and deposited in the cartilage throughout the body. Not only did this review of medical research show that collagen can improve joint discomfort, but also it helped prove that it can be used successfully in those with osteoarthritis. This research also showed that collagen may be able to reduce joint inflammation, leading to less discomfort and improved flexibility and joint support.
Another double-blind, placebo-controlled study showed that daily collagen supplementation significantly improved joint functionality and mobility by 22%. It also showed that collagen decreased joint pain by 32% and decreased joint stiffness by 44%.
I started using this product about 6 months ago, then I ran out and boy can I tell the difference! When I was using it daily for 3 months, my joint pain was significantly less. It was subtle at first, but I really noticed the improvement 2 months in. After a 2 month lapse, Im back on it and won’t let it run out again. I take it twice a day.
Have just tried this stuff for a month. My hair and nails are already in better shape and my joints feeling better. I am 74 and do yoga daily so I am in immediate touch with how my joints are doing. There is less pain and more flexibility already.
Improved Arthritis Symptoms
Arthritis affects the joints, causing pain and stiffness and greatly reducing mobility. The most common type of arthritis is known as osteoarthritis and is typically tied to increasing age. Numerous studies have been performed to demonstrate the link between oral collagen supplementation and osteoarthritis relief. For example, a 2009 study showed that collagen was both safe and effective and decreased arthritis pain by 26% in individuals taking daily collagen for six weeks.
In addition, collagen peptides have also been proven effective for treating rheumatoid arthritis, a less common but no less uncomfortable form of joint disease. In one study involving 60 patients with rheumatoid arthritis, patients receiving collagen supplementation experienced decreased joint swelling and tenderness. In fact, four of the patients experienced complete remission from the arthritis.
Oral collagen peptide supplementation may seem like little more than a fad these days as increasing numbers of people are using these supplements in their shakes and smoothies or mixing collagen powder into their baked goods. It is encouraging to note that collagen supplements are more than just an exciting new headline. Instead, research over the past several decades points to the incredible benefits of daily supplementation. Whether you are experiencing age-related or arthritis-related joint discomfort, brittle nails or poor skin texture or you simply want to prevent some of the irritating symptoms of old age from slowing you down, collagen supplements can help you live more healthfully and experience a better quality of life no matter what age you are.
