How Long Does It Take for Collagen Supplements to Work?

Adding more collagen to your life is definitely a good idea, especially if you want to create a serious skin care routine with maximum anti-aging benefits. But here's the thing, taking collagen isn't just good for your skin! Collagen supplements can help improve so many things in the human body, including your joints, muscles, and your gut, and support your bone health.

If like us, you're excited (and maybe a little impatient) to see and feel the results kicking in, you probably find yourself asking "how long does it take for collagen supplements to work?"

Well, that answer depends on what you are using your collagen supplements for, not to mention the type and quality of the supplement you are using, as different forms of collagen can take varying amounts of time to start working! If it all feels a little confusing, don't worry because we've got the perfect guide to answer all of your burning questions. So no matter what you are taking those collagen supplements for, read on to find out just how long they take to work, and what you can do to speed things along.

Why Take a Collagen Supplement?

If you're wondering how long does it take for collagen supplements to work, you should probably know what results you are looking for! Here are the top eight reasons you might take collagen supplements:

1. Increased Skin Elasticity & Hydration

The main reason that every beauty addict has collagen supplements on their wishlist is this – taking collagen supplements can make you look seriously younger and more radiant by improving your skin health.

That's right, collagen supplements are a super powerful tool to have in your anti-aging skincare kit, supporting overall skin health. That's because collagen is the most abundant protein in your dermis, and it's integral to the strength and structure of your skin, helping to increase skin elasticity and firmness. It's like the foundation that keeps your skin firm and toned. Without it, our skin begins to wrinkle and sag.

Why do we get wrinkles? Collagen degradation, whether it's due to aging, sun damage, alcohol consumption, or other toxins, is the number one cause of wrinkles. So when we take collagen supplements daily to increase our skin's collagen density, our complexion gets a boost of youth and vitality.

Sounds too good to be true? Luckily, you don't have to take our word for it!

Multiple scientific studies show that daily supplementation with collagen peptides can give you significantly healthier skin. Results from these studies include improved skin hydration, elasticity, smoothness, and thickness, although results may vary from person to person. So if you want to enhance your skin and reduce wrinkles from the inside out, science says that collagen supplementation really can help, with very few reported side effects. 1, 2

2. Stronger Hair & Nails

More good news for beauty lovers, collagen supplements can also help make your hair and nails stronger, healthier, and less prone to breakage.

If you've been dreaming of long luscious hair, you might want to start using collagen for hair growth. Your hair is primarily made of keratin, which is a protein that is made up of various amino acids including proline and glycine. These are essential amino acids for hair growth, and luckily, collagen is also made from these same amino acids.

Collagen is a helpful asset to your body's keratin production process, so when collagen levels decline over time, your hair isn’t as strong. In fact, thinning hair is a common symptom of menopausal collagen loss. Collagen supplements provide your body with a dose of the amino acids it needs to produce keratin more efficiently.

The results from various scientific studies back this up. In a 2012 study published by The Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology, we can see that collagen supplements offer a significant improvement in hair quality for women who are experiencing thinning hair. For the study's participants, consuming collagen daily increased hair volume, scalp coverage, and body hair thickness. 3

You can also kiss goodbye to broken nails when you consume collagen regularly. Research suggests that taking hydrolyzed collagen peptides can significantly reduce brittle nails and increase the overall growth rate and nail strength for longer, stronger nails. Perfect for keeping your manicure fresh as a daisy! 4

3. Joint Support

Of course, collagen supplements don't only offer beauty benefits.Being the most abundant protein found in the human body, collagen is essential to a wide variety of bodily functions and connective tissues.

Collagen, particularly type II collagen, is essential to the structure and strength of your cartilage. Where collagen fibers are most important is the articular cartilage, which is the part that cushions your joints.

When our collagen levels decline over time or due to conditions like arthritis, we can experience aches, pains, and inflammation in the joints, leading to joint pain. Research suggests that supplements can offer significant results in improving your joint mobility and joint health – with multiple studies showing that a daily dose of collagen can reduce joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation in the joints. 5, 6

4. Muscle Health 

One for the gym addicts! Consuming collagen supplements may help increase muscle mass across your entire body, as well as helping to reduce muscle soreness after a workout.

That's because collagen makes up between 1–10% of your muscle tissue and it also contains amino acids that help synthesize creatine, which is another important protein for muscles. You probably know that it's important to eat protein after a workout to help your muscles to repair. By this same logic, adding a protein-rich collagen supplement to your post-workout regime can also help repair your muscles and help them grow stronger. 7

This function of collagen supplements can also help those suffering from muscle degradation or loss (sarcopenia), whether it's due to age, a health condition, or a disability, by supporting connective tissues. A 2015 study showed that taking collagen supplements in tandem with resistance training offered significant improvements in muscle density and strength, as well as reducing body fat for men experiencing age-related muscle loss. 8

5. Gut Health

Last but not least, collagen supplements may help improve your gut lining, aid digestion, and improve nutrient absorption.

This is because collagen products play a role in various barrier layers throughout the body, and this includes the lining of your gut. Supplementing with collagen peptides may be beneficial in repairing a damaged gut lining, which can help anyone suffering from leaky gut syndrome or inflammatory bowel disorder (IBD), though results may vary from person to person.

However, unlike some of the other amazing health benefits collagen has to offer, this particular effect may vary from person to person and has not been extensively researched or backed up by science. This doesn't mean that it is not effective, but more research is needed in this area.

When Can You Expect Results From a Collagen Supplement? 

The answer to "how long does collagen take to work?" totally depends on what you are using it for! Although results can vary from person to person, here's what the science suggests when it comes to achieving the results you are looking for:

For Skin

If you are using collagen supplements to help improve skin tone, texture, and elasticity, the good news is that this is one of the fastest areas you can see results in. Studies vary slightly, but the results from taking collagen powder generally begin after just a few weeks. However, for sustained results, you may need to continue supplementation for up to 12 weeks.

In the 2015 study of collagen for skin health, participants had increased collagen density in their skin after just four weeks. After eight weeks, skin hydration improved significantly, and the results maintained for up to 12 months. 1

In the 2019 study, which looked at women over the age of 35, there were big improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, smoothness, and thickness after 12 weeks. 2

To sum up:

• 4 weeks can improve skin collagen density.
• 8 weeks can hydrate and smooth the skin.
• 12 weeks can provide more well-rounded anti-aging results.

Studies seem to suggest that a few weeks can make all the difference, so if you're thinking about trying collagen for anti-aging purposes, we suggest trying a collagen supplement sooner rather than later!

For Hair & Nails

If you're hoping for stronger hair and longer nails, here's how long it takes for collagen supplements to work in these areas, according to research.

First up, collagen supplements can get to work on your hair in just 90 days. A 2012 study that examined women between the ages of 21 and 75 showed that collagen supplements made major improvements in overall hair volume, scalp coverage, and thickness of hair body after 90 days. This same study noted an improvement in hair shine after 180 days, demonstrating the amount of collagen needed for visible results. 3

As for your nails? Research suggests that you can expect a 12% increase in growth rate and a 42% reduction in breakages after 24 weeks. However, even after just 4 weeks, 88% of participants of one study saw improvements in texture and appearance. 4

For Joints

Joint pain is no joke, so if you're using collagen to improve joint health, you're probably impatient for some relief when you ask how long does it take collagen to work.

If we look at a 2009 clinical trial examining the effects of collagen supplements on rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune disease that causes inflammation in the joints) we see that collagen supplementation does work to reduce inflammation, stiffness, tenderness, and swelling after 24 weeks, providing significant joint support. 5

In another 2016 study that looked at the impacts of an undenatured type II collagen supplement on patients with osteoarthritis, we can see that collagen supplements helped reduce joint pain and stiffness and improve overall joint function after just 180 days (approximately 26 weeks), showcasing their role in joint support. 6

For Muscles

When it comes to building muscle mass by taking collagen daily, it's important to remember that it will probably only work if you are also working out!

If you are working out to help repair lost muscle mass or simply build on what you have, the evidence suggests that it takes about 12 weeks for collagen supplements to work, and these results came from people who were also doing daily resistance training. 8

For Your Gut

If you want to get positive results for your digestive system, the answer to "how long does it take for collagen to work?" is a little less clear-cut. We don't have enough scientific research and clinical trials to conclusively answer this question, but some gut health practitioners point to collagen helping to heal leaky gut syndrome sometime between 4 weeks and 6 months – depending on how severe your condition is. 9

If you are using collagen supplements to help improve your digestion, we recommend combining them with a healthy diet to maximize your results.

3 Tips for Choosing the Right Collagen Supplement

If you want to feel the results from taking collagen, you'll need to make sure you are buying the right supplement for the job. Here are some tips to help you choose the right type of collagen supplement for the kind of results you want:

1. Know Your Collagen Types

Did you know there are actually around 16 types of collagen in your body? 10

That's why, unfortunately, there's no single type of collagen supplement that fixes everything! Different types of results come from different types of collagen because each type works slightly differently in the body.

The most important types of collagen to know about for your health are:

• Type I is most important for your skin, hair, nails, bones, tendons, and connective tissues.
• Type II is the best type for joint health.
• Type III is found in your muscles, arteries, bone marrow, and organs.

So if you want beauty results like healthy skin, luscious hair, and strong nails, look for type I collagen supplements. If you want results for your joints, collagen type II is best, while type III is good for muscle health.

2. Check The Source of Collagen

So how do you know which type of collagen your supplement contains? Well, the source of collagen is important in answering this question.

Collagen derived from chickens is typically rich in type II collagen, making it the perfect option for treating joint concerns. Bovine or porcine collagen that comes from cows or pigs is richer in types I and III collagen, which is better for your skin and your muscles.

Marine collagen, however, is the richest source of type I collagen, offering maximum beauty benefits for your skin, hair, and nails. 11

3. Pick the Right Format

When shopping for a collagen supplement, you'll find a couple of formats to choose from:

Undenatured Collagen

Collagen, in its natural state, is composed of a triple helix structure with thousands of amino acids in long polypeptide chains. Undenatured collagen supplements contain collagen in this natural state – meaning that it has not been processed or broken down.

These types of supplements work on the basis of bypassing your digestive system and reaching your small intestine intact, where they bind to specific immune cells that stop your body from attacking its own stores of collagen.

These are very specific pills that are best used for joint health.

Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides

Hydrolyzed collagen peptides are the more common and widely used types of supplements. In these supplements, the collagen has undergone a process of hydrolysis, breaking down larger collagen molecules into nano-sized collagen peptides.

By taking collagen peptides, you are ingesting tiny pieces of collagen protein that enter your bloodstream and trigger your body's natural collagen production processes.

You may find hydrolyzed collagen peptides in the forms of:

• Collagen pills, capsules, or gummies
• Collagen powder
• Liquid collagen

How much collagen should be in each supplement? Ideally, a collagen supplement will contain more than 10,000 mg of hydrolyzed collagen peptides to ensure a good result.

A Collagen Supplement That Ticks All The Boxes

If you want to use collagen supplements to get the best results for your skin, hair, and nails, Taut Liquid Collagen Drink which is rich in marine collagen, has everything you need and more!

Our signature formula contains a high dosage (13,000 mg) of hydrolyzed marine collagen peptides that work immediately to trigger collagen production in your dermis. Our premium marine collagen has high bioavailability, meaning that it can enter your bloodstream almost immediately, getting you the fastest results while also delivering the benefits of hyaluronic acid.

Even better, our collagen is combined with 7 powerful anti-aging ingredients to supercharge your skin health: elastin peptides, hyaluronic acid, grape seed extract, vitamin C, ceramide, vitamin B6, and salmon DNA.

Collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid are a dream team when it comes to boosting skin elasticity and reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Meanwhile, grape seed extract and vitamin C stave off free radicals, supporting collagen production and offering antioxidant protection that leaves you with youthful, glowing skin.

So how long does it take collagen peptides to work? With Taut liquid collagen peptides, you can start to see results in as little as three weeks!

How Three Weeks Can Totally Transform Your Skin

Of course, if you want to fight aging skin it's best to tackle it from all angles. We at Taut believe that truly healthy skin starts from within, and by matching a healthy lifestyle and balanced diet with the right ingredients for your skin, you can achieve a truly radiant complexion.

By maintaining a healthy diet, cutting back your sugar and alcohol consumption, and always wearing sunscreen, you're giving your supplements the best chance at being truly effective. The more you complement your collagen products with lifestyle changes and proper skincare, the faster you are likely to get your collagen to work the way you want it to.

In our Ultimate Transformation Program, we've curated the ultimate collection of supplements and treatments to help fight the signs of aging on your skin, hair, and nails.

It contains a three-week supply of our Taut Liquid Collagen Drink, the perfect timeframe to get your skin back on track. By nourishing your skin with a high dose of marine collagen, you can reduce the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles, prevent sagging skin, and boost your glow factor!

What makes this program ultimate is Taut Hydrate, our premium hyaluronic acid and grape seed extract supplement that gives your skin a boost of plumpness and hydration from the inside out. It's like fillers, without the need for needles!

To top it all off, our Taut Collagen Mask is a soothing, nourishing, and glow-giving sheet mask packed with marine collagen peptides, vitamin C, a hyaluronic acid supplement, and botanical squalene.

If you're wondering how long does it take for collagen to work for skin and other beauty benefits, the answer is 4–12 weeks. However, you can speed up your beauty transformation with a clever combination of other skin-loving ingredients and products for glowing, gorgeous skin in just three weeks!

You can save up to 15% on your skincare transformation when you sign up for one of RenewSkin Inc.'s subscription boxes. Plus, enjoy the convenience of auto-ship services for a seamless skincare routine!

References:

1. Effect of oral collagen peptide
2. Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density
3. Efficacy of an Oral Supplement in Women with Self-perceived Thinning Hair
4. Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides
5. Chicken type II collagen in rheumatoid arthritis
6. Efficacy and tolerability of an undenatured type II collagen supplement
7. Structure and Function of the Skeletal Muscle Extracellular Matrix
8. Collagen peptide supplementation
9. Marine Origin Collagens and Its Potential Applications