Walk down the skincare aisle or scroll through social media, and you’ll find collagen supplements everywhere promising smoother skin, fewer wrinkles, and that healthy “glow from within.” But do they actually work, or are they just the latest beauty trend with clever marketing?

A recent scientific study by researchers Seung-Kwon Myung and Yunseo Park took a closer look at this exact question they looked at the best available research to get a clear, overall picture.

What Did the Study Look At?

The researchers reviewed 23 clinical trials involving 1,474 people to see whether collagen supplements really help with signs of aging, like:

• Skin hydration (how well your skin holds moisture)
• Elasticity (how firm and stretchy your skin is)
• Wrinkles

At first glance, collagen supplements seemed to work. Across all the studies, people who took collagen showed improvements in skin hydration, firmness, and a reduction in wrinkles.

A Closer Look Reveals the Catch

The researchers didn’t just stop at the surface results but they looked deeper into who funded the studies and how reliable they were. Here’s what they found:

• Studies funded by companies that sell collagen supplements reported better results.
• Studies not funded by industry found no real benefit.

Quality Matters

• In high-quality studies, collagen supplements didn’t significantly improve wrinkles, elasticity, or hydration.
• Lower-quality studies showed benefits but those are also more likely to have flaws or bias.
  

So, Should You Take Collagen Supplements?

Here’s the honest answer: Maybe, but don’t expect a miracle.

This study suggests that most of the glowing reviews about collagen come from lower-quality or company-funded research. That doesn’t mean collagen is completely useless, but it does mean the evidence for its anti-aging effects isn’t as strong as the marketing makes it seem.

What You Can Do Instead

If you’re trying to care for your skin and slow down aging, there are some proven strategies:

• Wear sunscreen every day – UV damage is the #1 cause of skin aging.
• Have your skin checked yearly by a dermatologist
• Eat a healthy, balanced diet – fruits, veggies, and enough protein all help skin health.
• Stay hydrated – water is simple but powerful.
• Apply a topical retinol or retinoid at night and an anti-oxidant in the morning
  

Final Thoughts

Collagen supplements may help a little but based on the best available science, the real secret to healthy, youthful skin is good habits, not magic powders. Before you spend your money, take a moment to ask: Is this backed by unbiased science, or just backed by a brand?

If you have questions about your skincare routine or which products are right for you, call (404) 446-4840 to book a consultation with Dr. Barnett today!

References: Myung, S.-K., & Park, Y. (2024). Effects of Collagen Supplements on Skin Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.