Named from the Greek word for glue, collagen is often described as the glue that holds our bodies together. It’s a type of structural protein, meaning it helps make up the framework of cells and tissues. But among its many functions, collagen is maybe best known for its beauty benefits, such as improving skin elasticity and overall skin health.

So how long does it take collagen to work as a beauty supplement? The question isn’t as straightforward to answer as it seems. For one thing, there are many different kinds of collagen products available on the market. Because collagen is a protein found only in animals, true collagen peptides consist of animal byproducts from bones, scales, ligaments, and other parts.

For a clean, vegan collagen supplement that isn’t derived from fish scales, cowhides, and other animal products, there’s no actual collagen involved. Instead, this type of collagen-supporting supplement gives your body a blend of tools like Hyaluronic Acid and micronutrients to protect your innate collagen production and supply.

So let’s get into it! How long does it take for collagen supplements to work, whether vegan or otherwise?

How Long Does Collagen Take to Work on Average?

It’s important to note that there are many different types, forms, and concentrations of collagen. First, you can consume collagen-rich foods, but this collagen in its natural form is difficult for your body to absorb. So then there are collagen peptides, which are supplements broken down into smaller pieces that are easier to digest.

Today, you can find bovine collagen, marine collagen, and even vegan collagen powder and pill products. One supplement might contain Types I and III collagen, while a vegan collagen boosting supplement will contain elements needed to support your body’s own collagen synthesis.

With this variance in mind, the key to how long it takes collagen to work in a supplement is consistent use. Many supplements will show visible results after just a few weeks.

For skin

There are many different kinds of collagen supplements and variables that will determine the results. But generally, with consistent use of collagen peptides, you can expect to see results in your skin in about 4-12 weeks.

According to a study from 2014, researchers found that women who took 2.5g of collagen peptide supplements showed a 7% reduction in eye wrinkle volume after four weeks and a 50% reduction after eight weeks.

Another study found that skin hydration improved significantly after eight weeks of collagen peptide use, with initial results beginning to show after four weeks.

The Moon Juice community has reported that visible skin results tend to appear after a few weeks to a month of consistent use every day or every other day. Among the first results to appear after taking vegan Collagen Protect® is the diminishment of fine lines around the eyes and improvement in overall elasticity of the skin. Here are some of the things that users have noticed early on while taking this vegan collagen powder:

• “Fine lines diminished in a couple of weeks!”
• Skin was “noticeably plumper and softer after two weeks.”
• One jar in, “my skin looks brighter and smoother.”
• “After using this for a couple of months, I have noticed my skin is dewier and fresh.”
• “I just bought this about two weeks ago and noticed my skin is glowing, plumper, and overall in better shape.”

For hair

Maintaining healthy collagen levels is not just beneficial for your skin, but for your hair too. Collagen’s amino acids can help build keratin, a protein that makes up your hair. While there aren’t clear guidelines yet on the timeline for when collagen use starts to benefit hair health, research suggests that it could be a matter of weeks. According to a 16-week study, 2.5 grams of ingestible collagen a day was found to increase hair thickness, while hair thickness declined in the placebo group.

Factors That Affect How Long It Takes

Everyone’s body and lifestyle are unique, so there’s no precise rule when it comes to collagen results. Here are some different factors that can determine how long it takes you to notice your collagen powder supplement working.

Age

Collagen naturally breaks down with stress and time. The collagen we do have also starts to become fragmented in our bodies, and these changes lead to things like sagging skin, thinning hair, and more. The collagen in our bodies starts to decline as we age. In fact, after the age of 20, we consistently lose about 1% of our collagen each year; therefore, the best time to start taking collagen is in your twenties.

Dosage

Because there are many types of collagen, there’s also no standardized intake recommendation, and how much collagen you take will depend on what kind you’re taking. Generally speaking, when it comes to taking daily collagen peptides, health professionals recommend consuming 15 grams per day, which is safe and effective for your skin. Follow the packaging instructions and guidance from your healthcare provider so you don’t take too much collagen.

Type of Collagen

It’s important to note that not all collagen types are the same! For starters, there are 28 types of collagen, and these different types can reside in different parts of your body, from the elastic cartilage in your joints and the discs in your vertebrae to your arteries and muscles. The most common types of collagen are known as Type I, Type II, Type III, Type IV, and Type V collagen.

90% of your body’s collagen is made up of Type I. It’s found in skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and all connective tissue. Types III and IV are also found in the layers of your skin, as is Type V, which resides in your skin, hair, cornea, and placenta. Not all collagen supplements will contain the same types of collagen.

Keeping that in mind, it’s important to also note that different collagen supplements will be derived from different sources of collagen (i.e. different animal parts).

As we mentioned, most collagen supplements out there are animal-derived supplements in the form of collagen peptides (or hydrolyzed collagen). But a vegan collagen supplement, while it doesn’t contain actual collagen, can give your body what it needs to protect and preserve its natural collagen production and supply from within.

Overall Health & Lifestyle

The same things that affect your health overall will also have an effect on your hair and skin health while taking collagen supplementation.

• Smoking - You already know that tobacco is bad for your skin. Smoking decreases the synthesis rate of that Type I and Type III collagen in your skin (the kinds in many skin and beauty supplements), so best to avoid.
• Alcohol - Alcohol is another substance that can speed up collagen loss. In a large multiracial, multinational study of facial aging in women, eight or more drinks per week was associated with increased severity of all the aging indicators studied.
• Diet - To support your skin and hair care goals, limit sugary and inflammatory foods and be sure to get plenty of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins.
• Sun Protection - Sun damage has a major impact on your skin—and there’s even a word for this: photoaging. UV rays can damage the collagen fibers in your skin, so be sure to use sun protection when you’re out and about.

Hydration Levels

Thirsty skin can amplify the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, so it’s important to hydrate your skin and consume plenty of water daily in addition to boosting your collagen intake. Drink lots of liquids and eat hydrating fruits and vegetables to stay on top of your intake. During times when you’re losing lots of fluids, an electrolyte supplement taken with water can help you rebalance hydration levels in your body.

Consistency of Intake

As with many supplements, it’s important to be consistent with how often you take your collagen. For that reason, it can be helpful to incorporate collagen into your daily routine, stirring some in your morning coffee or your nightly tea. Try adding 1 teaspoon of a vegan collagen creamer to your coffee each day to maximize your morning ritual and promote healthy skin.

Takeaways

There are many variables that go into how long it takes collagen to work for your skin and hair. With consistent use you may start to see improvements in your hair health and skin elasticity in as little as a few weeks. But you don’t need to consume actual collagen from food or collagen peptides in order to support your body’s own collagen. A healthy diet full of collagen protein and vitamins, along with a vegan supplement, can help you support your own collagen.

Collagen Protect® is a collagen creamer and skin supplement formulated with 3 vegan ingredients to help protect and preserve your natural collagen supply. High molecular weight Hyaluronic Acid helps support collagen synthesis from within and has been clinically shown to reduce the appearance of fine lines. Silver Ear Mushroom supports your skin barrier and promotes deep skin hydration, while Vitamin E in the form of Tocos delivers essentially fatty and amino acids to help protect your collagen and prevent visible signs of aging.

Consistent use will yield the best results for your skin health, so take it every day with your coffee, matcha, or other morning drink and enjoy seeing the results in the mirror.