In the wellness realm, collagen supplements are revered for their science-backedandanecdotal benefits for the skin.
Let’s look at howand whencollagen supplementsmight fit into your routine.
First up: What can you expect from a collagen supplement?
Taking collagen supplements can be a game-changer for your skin’s health.
This structural protein, after all, is whatmakes the skin firm and strong1.
- There’s also evidence that dietary collagen supplements could supportskin moisture2andelasticity3, giving your complexion thathealthy glow.
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These benefits don’t stop at your face, though.
Another study determined that supplementing with collagen peptides could help aid brittle nails,promoting strength and firmness4.
- Furthermore, collagen may play a role in proper wound healing, along with bone health andexercise recovery.
But if you’re new to the collagen train, you might be wondering when you should hop on.
At what age should I start taking collagen supplements?
When it comes tocollagen supplements, there isn’t a “right” age to start taking them.
There also isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer.
The optimal time for you depends on many factors, including genetics and lifestyle habits.
(More on that in a sec.)
For starters, yourcollagen levels naturally declinewith age.
Generally, this begins in your 20s and continues to decrease about1% each year5.
Consider lifestyle factors.
Your lifestyle matters a heck of a whole lot, too.
This includes any habit that exposes your skin to oxidative stress, collagen’s worst foe.
As a result, your body’s collagenand skin healthwill significantly decline.
In terms of collagen degradation, sun exposure is one of the worst offenders.
(It’s also one of the easiest to change, by the way.)
In the skin, “this oxidative damage breaks down collagen.”
Other harmful habits include eating excess sugar, smoking cigarettes, and environmental pollution.
Even lack of sleep and poor nutrition can speed up collagen decline.
In short: The answer is different for everyone.
With so many factors at play, your collagen needs will likely be different from someone else.
So, consider your lifestyle habits and how you’ve been treating your skin thus far.
It can also help you gauge whether your skin could use a collagen boost sooner rather than later.
Basically, they won’t magically vanish existing, severe signs of aging.
While you’re at it, Murphy recommends defending your skin from sun exposure as early as possible.
The bottom line.
“Collagen is like the stuffing in your mattressit keeps your skin plump and smooth,” says Cheung.
If there’s only one thing you remember, make it this: Collagen supplementation is a preventive measure.
This means it works bestbeforethe onset (or progression) of deep wrinkles and severe sagging.
