Health Fact or Fiction? – Taking Collagen Supplements Slows Signs of Ageing

Collagen supplements are everywhere – powders, pills, drinks – all promising smoother skin and fewer wrinkles. But do they really hold the secret to staying youthful, or is it just another wellness trend?

What is collagen, really?

Collagen is one of the body’s key building blocks. It’s a protein made up of amino acids (from the food we eat) and comes in more than 20 different types. You’ll find it in bones, muscles, and organs, but the most relevant for skin are Types I, II, and III. These give our skin strength, elasticity, and that firm, plump look.

As we age, collagen production naturally declines. That’s when skin starts to look thinner, less firm and more ‘crinkly’.

Do collagen supplements actually work?

This is where the claims get tricky. Many products suggest that drinking or swallowing collagen can directly ‘top up’ your skin.

But according to Professor Afshin Mosahebi, a plastic surgeon at University College London, the science just isn’t strong enough.

‘There’s no direct evidence that collagen, taken on its own, can do anything more than eating enough protein,” he explains.

Here’s why: when you eat collagen, your digestive system breaks it down into amino acids – just like it does with any other protein. Those amino acids are then used wherever your body needs them, not necessarily in your face or wrinkles.

And collagen creams? They don’t do much either. Collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin barrier, so they can’t reach the deeper layers where ageing happens.

What really makes a difference?

Ageing comes down to two main factors: genetics and lifestyle. Some people naturally lose collagen faster due to skin type or sun sensitivity, but everyday choices matter too.

Instead of relying on expensive powders, experts suggest:

• eating a balanced diet with enough protein
• protecting your skin from the sun (UV is a collagen killer)
• avoiding smoking
• staying hydrated

Moisturising regularly, especially with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, which helps the skin hold onto water.

Verdict: Fact or fiction?

Fiction — for now. There isn’t strong evidence that collagen supplements directly slow ageing. A healthy lifestyle and good skincare habits remain your best defence against wrinkles.