How Long Does it Take for Collagen to Start Working?

Jo Woodhurst

VP of Nutrition & Education, DipCNM mBANT, rCNHC

Introduction:

Collagen, often referred to as the "building block" of our bodies, plays a vital role in maintaining healthy skin, hair, nails, joints, and more. With its numerous benefits, it's no wonder that collagen supplements have gained popularity in recent years. However, one common question that arises is: how long does it take for collagen to start working? Here’s everything you need to know…

Understanding Collagen:

Collagen is a protein that acts as a structural foundation, providing strength, elasticity, and support to our connective tissues. It is abundant in our bodies, but its production naturally declines as we age, leading to a downturn in our skin health, which may be visible as wrinkles, sagging skin, or as physical symptoms such as joint discomfort.

Supplementing with Collagen:

To combat the effects of collagen depletion, many people turn to collagen supplements, which come in various forms, including powders, capsules, liquids and even coffee creamers. These generally (but not always) contain Type I Hydrolyzed Collagen Peptides, which are easily absorbed by the body. However, not all collagen is created equal so it’s essential to choose a collagen supplement with a small molecule size as this determines the absorbability. Smaller peptide chains are known to be the optimal size for Type I Collagen Peptides, which is between the range of 2000 to 5000 daltons (DA).

If absorption is your ‘thing’, head to our blog here to to learn more about the science of collagen: How Collagen Works and What the Science Tells Us (So Far).

True collagen Patience is Key:

When starting a collagen supplementation routine, it's important to remember that patience and consistency is key. While some individuals may notice initial benefits sooner, timelines can vary for how long it takes collagen to exert its effects. Results often depend on factors such as age, overall health, lifestyle choices, and the quality of the collagen product used. It's essential to approach collagen supplementation with a long-term perspective.

Factors Affecting Results:

Several factors influence how long it takes for collagen to start working in your body. Firstly, consistency is crucial. Taking collagen regularly and as directed allows your body to gradually absorb and utilise the peptides effectively. Secondly, dosage matters. Following the recommended dosage ensures that you're providing your body with an adequate amount of collagen to support its natural processes. Lastly, lifestyle factors such as diet, exercise, sleep, and stress management also play a role. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can optimize and enhance the results of collagen supplementation.

Timeline of Collagen Benefits:

While there is no set time frame for Type I Collagen Peptides to start working, some individuals report noticing changes within a few weeks of consistent use. These initial changes usually include improved skin hydration, reduced joint discomfort, and increased nail strength. However, it's essential to remember that these are subjective experiences and can vary from person to person as we are all wonderfully unique.

Within three to six months of regular collagen supplementation, most individuals begin to observe more noticeable benefits. Skin elasticity may improve, wrinkles and fine lines may appear diminished, and hair may appear thicker and healthier. Additionally, joint mobility and flexibility may increase and recovery may be enhanced, supporting an active lifestyle. Click here to read more about how collagen can supercharge your training and recovery.

The body will also allocate the collagen to parts where it’s needed the most. If you have some gut healing or joint repair to do, that’s what the body is likely to prioritize. Although it will look a bit different for everyone, we can look at studies to help gauge some documented timings:

Long-Term Benefits:

As you continue to incorporate and enjoy using collagen in your daily rituals, the long-term benefits become even more pronounced. Type I Collagen is thought to help to promote overall skin health by supporting the production of elastin and hyaluronic Acid, essential components for that outer glow. It may also aid in strengthening nails, promoting hair growth, and supporting the health and flexibility of joints and bones.

Let’s round it up:

As you know, collagen supplementation can provide a multitude of benefits for your overall well-being. We love to call it ‘whole body health’ – the incredible knock-on effect when something works holistically across your body. While the timeline for collagen to start working may vary from person to person, it's important to be patient and consistent. Results are cumulative and tend to become more evident over time, with the most noticeable improvements occurring within three to six months. Remember to follow the recommended dosage, maintain a healthy diet & lifestyle, and enjoy the journey. . Embrace collagen supplementation as a long-term investment in your overall wellness and radiance.

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At Ancient + Brave, our aim is to provide you with valuable, high-quality content on health and wellness topics, written by our expert in-house nutritionists. To ensure accuracy and reliability, all content is meticulously researched using trustworthy sources and studies, which where relevant, are linked at the end of each article. We would like to emphasize that all information within our blog articles are intended for educational purposes only and are not a substitute for medical advice. Readers should consult with their healthcare practitioners on any concerns.