Updated 12/12/23. Can collagen improve fine lines and wrinkles on the face? No doubt collagen, powders, capsules, and even coffee have been super popular for improving skin appearance, but does it really work? Or is this just a big fat supplement scam? I've looked at the research. In this video review, I'll show you the best research on collagen-helping wrinkles that I could find. I'll show you the products that have been tested, my problems with the clinical studies, and give you my four big questions about collagen and wrinkles. Does it really work? Here's the proof. You decide.
Collagen and Wrinkles Fact or Fiction
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Video: What's The Best Type of Collagen To Use?
About The Research
Many of the studies conducted are supported by companies that make these supplements. That's not necessarily a bad thing. Just something to keep in mind when interpreting the results. Some of the investigations are of high quality.
Collagen Supplements I like
For wrinkles, I like this supplement, which contains Verisol, a substance that some clinical studies have revealed has effects on fine lines and wrinkles.
These have also been third-party tested by an independent lab to contain 20 grams per two scoops and are inexpensive, which saves you money in the long run.
Collagen Supplements I Do Not Like
Collagen & HydroxyProline
Hydroxyproline is an amino acid. Not many foods contain hydroxyproline but collagen is a good source. While it is not an essential amino acid, we do need hydroxyproline to make collagen. It's actually very important.
As we get older, we make less hydroxyproline. As our production dwindles, this can play a role in skin aging and wrinkles. In addition, hydroxyproline might also have antioxidant effects, something else that can keep skin healthy.
As I mentioned in my previous video, some research suggests the hydroxyproline from gelatin can make it into the blood. It's not destroyed as was once thought. If hydroxyproline from food can make it into the bloodstream, can we then use it to increase our collagen production?
This is the BIG question.
We don't know the answer to that yet. That's the hope, anyway. Regardless, this is one of the key reasons these supplements are so popular. One thing we do know is eating hydroxyproline does not improve our natural production of this important and often neglected amino acid.
We don't know how to raise our natural production – yet. That said, the fact that this important amino acid seems to make it through digestion is at least encouraging that it may be helping the skin.
What Is The Best Type Of Collegen?
There are several types of collagen and here is how they differe from each other
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Can Collagen Supplements Help Depression?
Here is the clinical proof.
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How Long Until It Works?
The studies suggest 2-6 months will be needed before you see a difference in crow's feet, wrinkles, and age spots. This is a generalization, however. Something else to consider is how deep the wrinkles are. Supplements are going to work best on fine lines and wrinkles. The deeper the wrinkle is, the less pronounced the effects will be.
If these supplements are going to work, it's important to do other things to help the skin stay healthy like avoiding sun damage, not smoking, and eating well.
What ARE the best collagen supplements ?
These are brands I like
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https://amzn.to/4ae9IqX
I tried collagen peptides for 6 months and didn’t see a difference in facial wrinkles. Unfortunately, I was one of those “sun worshipers” regularly tanning for over 10 years. So, that may be why I didnt see results.
Jennifer, I wonder if your past tanning planed a role in not seeing results. I think the results anyone sees are related to how deep the wrinkles are.
Have tried a combination collagen 1 2 and 3 originally intended for joints. Person in store didn’t differentiate each. I felt it helped joints. My doctor directed me to collagen 2.. many many years ago a friend’s daughter was studying in beauty school. I volunteered for her project.
It was to eat one box of gelatin a day every other day for one month to see if hair and/or nails improve. Saw an improvement in nails. Nothing for hair. When gelatin was stopped nails began to break in a week. I do have poor hair and nails anyway!!!
Mary, I think your doctor was right. The studies are starting to show type 2 collagen for joints and type 1 and 3 for skin and hair. I mentioned this in my previous collagen video too : What’s The Best Type of Collagen To Use?
I’ve also noticed gelatin (I’d eat it as Jell-O) helped nail growth. The vitamin, biotin can do this too. Biotin is even in shampoos but I dont see proof it helps hair growth.
I have a Healthy Skepticism, when reading E-mails. Just as when books were read more, there was a saying “Don’t believe all you read” I question most things instead of blindly accepting someone else’s information. So, I clicked the link on the E-mail “Read More” which took me to a web page ‘Supplement Clarity’ I quickly scanned the web page scrolling down. And what do you know? A link to a product on sale at amazon.com, Now, there’s a co-incidence!
Brendan, It’s obvious you did not watch the video. If you did you saw my review of the collagen research and my criticisms of that research. On this website, I do not ask for donations or tips or put up paywalls as others do. I have over 25 years of experience with this topic -and I give everything away for free. The links to Amazon do not influence me but are one of the ways I use to support this site. Some people actually use my links on purpose to help support my efforts.
What you don’t know is the tremendous amount of time I spend researching supplements, compiling the information, and summarizing it in both written -and in this case – video format. Oh and then there are the emails I get from people all over the world. I answer them all and I don’t charge for my time. You know this because I’ve personally replied to all of your emails too. Not to mention answering everyone who leaves a comment here. I answer every one personally.
I put links to amazon in reviews because I see that as the most ethical way to help support this website. Did you notice the major improvement in the way the site looks? That wasn’t free. You’re welcome.
Brendan, you’re making an assumption and you know what they say about people who assume. I’ve been to MANY websites that post reviews on supplements. I’ve done my share of investigating them. Supplement Clarity is the ONLY FREE website I’ve found that’s run by someone who knows what he’s talking about. As Joe said, he’s been doing this for over 20 years. Did you read his book about supplements? I did.
It’s great that you’re a skeptic – but where does that skepticism end? Isn’t it possible there are good people out there trying to do good work without an ulterior motive? Do you work for free? Of course not. He can’t either. Those Amazon links you disparaged is how he keeps the website functioning. I am GLAD he puts those links there. I use them on purpose when I purchase things online.
BTW, Joe – I LOVE the new look of supplement Clarity 🙂
Barbara, thanks for saying that and I’m really glad you like the new website look. I like it too 🙂
Brendan, you’re entitled to your opinion but I have to agree with Barbara. I think you need to calm down and not jump to conclusions. This website has helped me so much.
Love, that is kind of you to say. Much appreciation.
Joe, thanks so much for this video. I’ve been hearing about collagen helping wrinkles for a couple of years but did not know what to believe. This video and the one you did on the different types of collagen helped me out a lot. I’m 65, so, Im not expecting a world of difference but I will try what you suggested and see what happens after 6 months. Cross your fingers 🙂
Bonnie, thanks so much. If it helps, a friend whose been trying collagen peptides did say it’s helped his wrinkles after 3 months of use. I do think going into this without lots of expectations is the right thing. I hope it helps you and my fingers are crossed 🙂