The Rise of Collagen Drinks and Supplements
Collagen drinks and supplements have gained significant attention recently. Media advertisements and patient inquiries have increased. But do they really work? Traditionally, collagen supplements came in topical creams or injectables. Collagen was the primary filler before hyaluronic acid fillers became popular. Today, collagen is widely consumed in the form of pills and drinks. These drinks claim to improve skin appearance and provide a youthful look, both immediately and preventatively. Some collagen drinks come from companies in Japan and other countries.
Market forecasts predict the collagen supplement industry will reach $6.63 billion by 2025, up from $3.71 billion in 2016. Recently, NewBeauty magazine advertised a collagen drink with grape seed extract, claiming it helps transform skin in 21 days. Each 1.7 oz bottle contains 13,000 mg of marine hydrolyzed collagen and six anti-aging ingredients.
Do Collagen Drinks Really Benefit Skin?
Diet plays a key role in overall health and skin appearance. But can collagen drinks improve skin health? Hydrolyzed collagen, often sourced from bovine bone and cartilage, is soluble in cold liquids and easy to digest. Studies show hydrolyzed collagen has antioxidant properties and may help lower blood pressure and lipids. It also shows reparative effects on damaged skin. However, there is limited research supporting the benefits of oral collagen for skin and beauty.
In a 2018 study, researchers found no peer-reviewed evidence proving oral collagen’s effectiveness for skin. (J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018 Feb;17[1]:20-6).
The Limits of Collagen Injections
From our experience with collagen injections, we know they provide natural-looking results, especially in the lips. However, collagen injections don’t last long. This raises a key question: if collagen injections don’t last, how long do the results from drinking collagen last in skin?
If oral collagen does improve skin, can it maintain those benefits over time? Or is there an endpoint where the benefits plateau? Could consuming excessive collagen harm the skin or lead to negative effects?
Can Collagen Supplements Help with Collagen Disorders?
Collagen disorders involve inflammation or collagen deficiency. Could collagen supplementation help these conditions? Or could it worsen them? In diseases like scleroderma, where autoimmune inflammation attacks collagen, could extra collagen worsen the disease? Or would it help by repairing collagen defects?
In conditions like osteogenesis imperfecta, where collagen is deficient, would supplementation improve bone strength or cause harm?
The Source and Type of Collagen
The source and type of collagen in supplements may impact their effectiveness. Collagen comes from animal, human, or synthetic sources. Most collagen supplements come from bovine, porcine, or marine sources. Bovine collagen was once widely used (e.g., Zyderm and Zyplast), but it carries risks like allergenicity and, rarely, bovine spongiform encephalopathy (mad cow disease).
Plant-based supplements do not contain collagen, but they may boost the body’s natural collagen production. Foods like carrots and sweet potatoes, rich in vitamin A, support collagen remodeling. Vitamin A derivatives, such as isotretinoin and tretinoin, have shown success in improving acne, skin texture, and wrinkles.
Research on Collagen-Boosting Foods
In a clinical trial, an oral drink containing soy, antioxidants, and fish oil reduced wrinkle depth in postmenopausal women. This drink, made from soy isoflavones, lycopene, and vitamins C and E, helped boost collagen deposition. (Int J Cosmet Sci. 2014 Feb;36[1]:22-31).
Types of Collagen and Their Role in Skin Health
There are at least 28 types of collagen in the human body. Type I collagen is found in tendons, ligaments, bones, and the cornea. Types I, III, IV, and VII are predominant in skin. Type I is found in scar tissue, Type III in normal dermis, Type IV in the basement membrane, and Type VII in the dermal-epidermal junctions.
If collagen supplements target specific types, they may influence skin or other tissues differently. It’s important to consider which collagen types are being supplemented and how they impact the skin.
Conclusion
Collagen drinks and supplements continue to generate buzz, but evidence supporting their skin benefits is limited. While some studies show positive effects, more research is needed. The source and type of collagen may play a role in its effectiveness. Additionally, the impact of collagen on collagen disorders requires further investigation. Until more definitive studies emerge, patients should approach collagen supplementation with caution and realistic expectations.
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