OK, so now that we've convinced you that collagen is pretty freakin' amazing, we're about to rip the rug out from under you. The cold, hard truth is that collagen production starts to decline as early as your mid-twenties, according to Hagar. "That decline contributes immensely to the aging process," she says. Collagen production doesn't just slow down as you get older, though. Collagen fibers also become damaged by environmental factors, like sun exposure, says Kelly Dobos, a cosmetic chemist in Cincinnati -- which can actually accelerate the aging process. Womp, womp.

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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.

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"Collagen supplements have yet to be proven effective," says Jegasothy. That being said, collagen as an ingredient isn't harmful. So, if you would still like to try supplements, by all means go for it. Still, you can't be 100 percent sure of what you're getting when you buy them. "The supplement industry doesn't do a good job of regulating products," explains Hagar.

While collagen itself is totally safe, it's the other stuff in supplements you should scrutinize. "Pay attention to the inactive ingredients," says Hagar. "Things like cellulose and vegetable oil are OK, but if you start seeing words you can't read, that's probably an indication that the pills are probably not what they're supposed to be and are just full of fillers."

If you're seeking out collagen supplements, don't just hit up your local drugstore. "Get it from a reputable source, like your doctor's office or on a recommendation from a registered dietitian or a dermatologist," says Hagar. Since Verisol supplements were tested in a study, you should be safe with that variety of collagen, she adds. (Try Reserveage Collagen Replenish Powder, $19.99, contains Verisol.)

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Can you do anything to stimulate collagen production? Maybe. "Here is one thing we do know: Vitamin C is important in the production of collagen," says Dobos. Without vitamin C, your body can't make the amount of collagen it needs to run properly. "I'd recommend a healthy diet incorporating foods rich in vitamin C over taking an expensive collagen supplement," says Dobos. Think: oranges, strawberries, red peppers, brussels sprouts and broccoli.

Two amino acids, lysine and proline, also help your body produce collagen, says Hagar. "If you're lacking in them, this will also slow down collagen production," she says. That's why you should eat a variety of foods containing these amino acids. You'll find lysine in lean meats and legumes and proline in egg whites and wheat germ.

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While we can't say for sure whether collagen supplements will give your skin a youthful boost, our experts do have a few tried-and-true tips. As far as topical solutions go, Jegasothy says that retinoids help stimulate collagen production. Though, keep in mind that most of the research has been done on prescription Retin-A, says Jegasothy. Avene RetrinAL 0.1 Intensive Cream, $70, is formulated with vitamin E (an antioxidant) for free radical protection, as well as Avene's calming thermal spring water.

In addition to getting it through your diet, applying vitamin C topically can also help stimulate collagen production. Among sin-care junkies SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic, $165, tends to be the holy grail of serums, but we like these vitamin C serums too.

Finally, some lasers can also help stimulate collagen production. "Lasers used to tighten skin -- like Ultherapy -- create a mild thermal injury in the dermis that wakes up the skin into creating more collagen," says Jegasothy.

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