News Mania / Piyal Chatterjee / 21st October 2024
These days, collagen is added to everything, including our morning coffee and beauty products. This protein, which is present in skin, hair, nails, bones, and muscles, is thought to help increase the volume and flexibility of the skin. Our collagen levels can be impacted by UV damage, natural aging, and lifestyle choices like smoking and eating habits. For this reason, collagen supplements and drinks, which are often made from animal sources, have grown in popularity.
But whether it works is still up for debate. A 2019 study that “found very good evidence to support the use of oral collagen supplements to improve skin health” is cited by Laura Dowling, a pharmacist who specializes in female health. However, Dr. Yannis Alexandrides, an aesthetician and the founder of the 111 Harley St Clinic, asserts that there is no proof that collagen supplements enhance skin quality. To prove efficacy, more study is required.
Which counsel do you heed? Just out of interest, I haven’t noticed any changes to my skin or hair in the few months that I’ve been taking collagen. However, according to Dowling, “people visit the pharmacy and purchase collagen products because they have noticed that their skin is less dry and more bouncy.”
I’ll keep using them to hedge my bets, if nothing else. Is this safe, though? “They are generally well tolerated, but the main side-effect you may experience with them is digestive issues,” adds Dowling. You might increase your consumption of collagen-rich foods like bone broth, seafood, and egg whites if you think they’re too expensive.
