Collagen supplements are not an “anti-wrinkle quick fix” but do help with skin elasticity and joint stiffness, research shows.
Collagen is a type of protein that is important in supporting skin and joints. It is naturally abundant in the body but declines with age, leading to wrinkles, meaning supplements have become increasingly popular with middle-aged women.
The review by Anglia Ruskin University looked at data from almost 8,000 people around the world, and found that collagen supplements do have some benefits for healthy ageing when used long-term. The researchers said that while supplements are not “superficial cosmetic aids” to help reduce wrinkles, they can help to keep skin elastic and hydrated.
The review, published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, found that taking collagen supplements was “consistently” linked to reducing the symptoms of arthritis, such as stiff and painful joints. The researchers said that supplements acted as “agents of deeper tissue regeneration” rather than “superficial cosmetic aids”.
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“From a public health perspective, this distinction matters,” the researchers said. “Collagen may be best positioned not as an anti-wrinkle ‘quick fix’, but as a foundational dermal support for individuals seeking holistic skin maintenance.”
They added that collagen supplements should be considered “a legitimate adjunct for skin ageing” by clinicians, “particularly among post-menopausal or photodamaged patients” when usual treatments are not suitable or too costly.
Collagen supplements were associated with improvements in muscle health, although there was no evidence that they helped to improve soreness after exercise.
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Lee Smith, a professor of public health at Anglia Ruskin, said the study “brings together the strongest evidence to date on collagen supplementation”. He added: “Bold claims have been made in relation to collagen supplementation and often by those marketing the product, for example, ‘promises’ have been made by manufacturers that collagen supplementation results in significant, rapid and full-body anti-ageing.
“Collagen is not a cure-all, but it does have credible benefits when used consistently over time, particularly for skin and osteoarthritis. Our findings show clear benefits in key areas of healthy ageing, while also dispelling some of the myths surrounding its use.
“If we define anti-ageing as a product or technique designed to prevent the appearance of getting older, then I believe our findings do support this claim for some parameters. For example, an improvement in skin tone and moisture is associated with a more youthful looking appearance.”
Researchers acknowledged a number of limitations in the review and said more work was needed to explore factors such as the dose of collagen and how long it is taken for, and whether factors such as body composition impact its effectiveness. Further studies could also explore different collagen sources, such as bovine and marine, as well as formats, such as liquids and powders.
Smith added: “This study marks an important step towards more informed public guidance and better designed future research. We need more high-quality clinical trials, including research examining long term health outcomes, optimal dosing and differences between collagen sources.”
Reacting to the findings, Shefalee Loth, a nutritionist at the consumer group Which?, said: “Collagen supplements are often marketed with bold anti-ageing claims, but scientific evidence to support them is limited. It’s worth remembering that there are currently no approved health claims for collagen supplements on the nutrition and health claims register.
“The cost of taking collagen can mount up quickly. Most supplements cost at least £25 a month for daily use, and studies suggest they need to be taken consistently for the best results. Consumers should be cautious about brand claims and weigh up the potential benefits against the cost before committing to long-term use.”
