How Long Does It Take For Collagen To Work? (And Factors That Impact Your Results)

Getting youthful, glowy skin is the ultimate skincare goal that many strive to achieve. Dewy skin has become an undeniable trend, with Hailey Bieber's iconic glazed donut routine taking over social media as the it-girl skincare trend people just couldn't get enough of.

Per Vibrance MedSpa, as we age, our bodies produce less and less collagen, resulting in drier and thinner skin where wrinkles are more visible. Once you turn 30 years old, your body begins to lose collagen every year. This is why many people choose to add collagen supplements to their diets. Before adding a new supplement to your routine, it's important to understand exactly what taking collagen can and can't do for you.

According to Harvard University, collagen supplements contain amino acids which work as the building blocks of protein, as well as nutrients including Vitamin C and zinc that help achieve healthy skin and hair. Collagen can also improve your gut and heart health, boost your muscle mass, relieve joint pain, and prevent bone loss. When you incorporate a new supplement into your routine, it's natural to want to see results. But, how long should you wait before you start expecting to notice them? 

The length of time it takes to see results from regularly taking collagen supplements depends on what you're trying to achieve. If you're taking collagen to improve the look and elasticity of your skin, you can expect to see results at the 12-week mark. A study in 2018 showed that patients found their skin was smoother and saw improvements to their skin's elasticity, hydration, and wrinkles at both six and 12 weeks, with more significant results noticed at the 12-week mark. 

There have been some studies that have shown patients notice results even sooner. A study in 2013 showed that patients saw improved skin elasticity after four weeks, but that more prominent results showed after eight weeks of taking collagen supplements. While the timeline for visible improvements varies for each person, be patient while you wait to see any changes.

There are certain external factors that can impact your results when taking collagen supplements. While collagen does provide nourishment to the body, you will still need to maintain a healthy lifestyle if you want to achieve the best results possible. Factors like alcohol consumption, smoking, stress, substance abuse, sun exposure, and a lack of sleep can negatively impact how well your body absorbs collagen. Ensure that you are staying hydrated and eating a healthy, well-balanced diet to help boost your overall well-being.

Another factor to be mindful of is the dosage that you're taking. According to MBG Health, the supplement you choose should have the proper dosage of collagen, which is typically in the 10 to 20 gram range. Make sure to speak with your doctor to get a better understanding of what a sufficient dosage will look like for you. Ask your doctor about essential ingredients to look out for, as a product lacking the necessary vitamins could be an indication that your collagen supplement won't work for you.