Beauty Tips

Are Collagen Supplements the Secret to Younger-Looking Skin?

Experts weigh in on whether this beauty trend is legit -- or all hype

by Christina Heiser | COMMENT

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What Research Says About Collagen Supplements The thing is, collagen isn't exactly readily available in food, since we typically don't nosh on bones, tendons, and ligaments, points out Hagar. That's why so many women are turning to collagen supplements these days -- and there's no shortage of options available, ranging from pills to powders to chewables to liquids. The theory: Ingesting collagen promotes glowy, gorgeous skin. But do these supplements actually work -- or are they too good to be true?

There are a few small studies suggesting that collagen supplements may have skin benefits; however, "results are mixed and inconclusive," says Dobos.

Here are some positives: Research published in the journal "Skin Pharmacology and Physiology" found that participants who popped collagen pills for eight weeks showed improvement in skin elasticity compared to those who downed the placebo, with results still visible four weeks later. Another study in the same journal found that subjects who took a collagen supplement had a decrease in eye wrinkles after eight weeks. Meanwhile, results from a small study published in the "Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy" indicated that both collagen and vitamin C may improve skin's hydration and elasticity over time.

Though these results sound promising, Hagar notes that the studies on collagen supplements have been done with people in their late thirties and older, so it's not clear if they'll work for those in their twenties as a prevention method. Plus, it's pretty unlikely that collagen from the supplements even makes it to your skin. "Our stomachs and intestines are lined with different kinds of acids and enzymes that are designed specifically to break down proteins and essentially absorb them into our system," says Jegasothy.

Image via Getty

SEE NEXT PAGE: How to Pick a Collagen Supplement

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