Woman shares before and after of taking collagen for one year as new study makes surprising claims
The content creator noticed a huge change after taking collagen supplements
A woman has showcased the effects of taking collagen for a year, revealing if it's really worth it.
According to the National Institutes of Health, collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, almost being a structural flue which helps to hold tissues in the body together.
It's key in providing strength and elasticity to the skin, while also supporting bones, cartilage, ligaments and tendones.
Collagen is essential for both skin firmness and joint health, but its rise in popularity is mostly due to the former.
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Our bodies already have an abundance of collagen, with it accounting for 30 percent of the body's total protein, but yet people think they need more.
Many believe that it can reduce the likelihood of wrinkles and firm the skin up, but a new study suggests that all of this may not be true.
What did the new study find?
Experts from Angela Ruskin University have carried out a scientific review into the effects of daily collagen supplements, finding that it does have some positives.
It can rejuvenate the skin by boosting elasticity and hydration or moisture, but arguably one of the biggest beliefs about collagen - that it can stop wrinkles - is wide of the mark.
The scientists said that the evidence points towards collagen pills or powder having 'some legitimate' skin gains over time, but nothing short-term.
Collagen is made naturally in the body, with the production slowly declining with age.
Smoking and sun damage can make collagen production worse, while existing collagen could be broken down at quicker rates as a result.
Prof Lee Smith, one of the lead investigators, explained: "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."
What impact can collagen have?
Despite these findings though, social media influencers have been big on the supplements, even showing off the positive impact that collagen has had on their appearance.
YouTuber Sara Anderson uploaded a video marking one year since she started taking collagen, explaining that you are meant to feel improvements in your joint, hair, skin, and even nails.
She said that she won't give collagen credit for her improved hair, as she was treating that anyway, but she noticed positive changes in all other aspects.
While many would expect a miracle, Sara said that she does still get pimples, but it managed to get rid of the 'roughness' and 'bumps' to the skin on her face within just 30 days.
She also noted: "Before, sometimes if I didn't have any sort of foundation on, my face was just kind of blotchy and pinky - it just wasn't like one color and I think that since I started taking this, that has improved."
Sara highlighted that it was among her biggest positive changes, as well as her nails, while noting that the collagen powder was 'basically a protein powder.
The content creator then shared before and after snaps, showcasing her progress.
While the lighting wasn't consisten, as she 'didn't expect' anyone to keep up with her progress, she said that there were enough positive changes that she will continue to take collagen.
But her scepticism over collagen being the answer to aging, essentially, is reaffirmed by the 2026 study.
It is not an anti-wrinkle treatment, but it is good for maintaining ageing and sun-damaged skin.
Smith added: "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."
Joshua Nair