Collagen supplements have become increasingly popular for supporting skin, joints, hair, nails, and more.
But the big question is: How long does it take for collagen to work?
Many people report noticeable improvements appear within 4–12 weeks. However, there are a lot of factors that can play into the results you see and how quickly you may see them.
Before we break down the timeline, let’s quickly cover what collagen is and why it matters.
Key Takeaways
- Many people report noticeable improvements from collagen within 4-12 weeks of consistent use. However, individual results may vary.
- Consistent use is critical for getting the most out of a collagen supplement.
- Dosages studied range from 2.5 grams a day to 15 grams a day.
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It acts as the structural framework for skin, joints, bones, tendons, ligaments, hair, and nails.
Think of collagen as the “glue” that holds connective tissues together, providing strength, structure, and elasticity.
While there are 28 types of collagen, most supplements contain Types I, II, and III:
Type I: This type is flexible, strong, and provides resistance to force, tension, and stretch (2). Type I provides structure to your skin, bones, and teeth. It's the most common type found in our bodies, too.
Type II: This type of collagen provides resistance to pressure. You can find Type II collagen in your joint cartilage and in your intervertebral discs.
Type III: Often found with Type I, Type III supports the structure of muscles, organs, and arteries. It’s also involved during the early stages of wound healing (2).
A good collagen supplement will have all 3 of those types in it. In many of them, you’ll also find these 2 collagen types: Type V and Type X.
Type V: This collagen type works hand in hand with types I and III for optimal tissue formation. It can be found in the bone matrix, cornea of the eyes, muscles, liver, lungs, and more (3).
Type X: Collagen Type X is crucial for bone growth and formation (4). This type of collagen can be especially good for growing children. This is because their bones are constantly growing and reforming.
These types of collagen all work together to support the structural integrity of our body. This helps us not only with structure, but also with our appearance and functionality.
Now that you know the main types of collagen you’ll find in supplements, let's look at the collagen benefits and how long it may take you to see them.
Benefits of Collagen
Ever wonder why collagen supplements are so popular? Here are a few reasons for how collagen supplements can help support a healthier you...
Improved Skin Health
Forget fancy creams. Collagen is the real deal for keeping your skin elastic, hydrated, and firm from the inside out. Regular supplementation can help support reduced signs of aging for a more youthful appearance (5).
Joint Support
Collagen plays a role in joints, enhancing their structure and function. This may help to improve mobility and flexibility. It may also help alleviate joint pain and discomfort that comes with age or intense workouts (6).
Strong Hair & Nails
Dreaming of shiny hair and strong nails? Well, collagen can lead to stronger, less brittle nails and fuller, healthier hair (7, 8). This is one major reason collagen supplements are so popular!
Gut Health
Collagen may even play a role in reducing digestive symptoms and bloating (9). For the millions who deal with digestive problems every year, this could be a game-changer.
Muscle Recovery
Collagen probably shouldn't be your primary protein source for recovery. It does have benefits here, though. Collagen can help support reduced muscle soreness and improved strength from your workouts (10). There is collagen in both our muscles and tendons, so it does make sense!
Bone Health
The structural integrity of bones is heavily reliant on collagen. Taking collagen can help maintain bone density and strength, which is crucial as you age (11).
Weight Management
While it's not a fat burner, collagen can still help support weight loss (12). It’s not magic, and doesn’t just cause weight loss, though. It can, however, be a helpful supplement to add in if weight loss is your goal.
The benefits of collagen supplements touch almost every aspect of physical health. It’s quite surprising how many different aspects of our health are affected by collagen!
Collagen supplements might just be the key to unlocking a more vibrant, healthier you. With that being said, though … How long does it take for collagen supplements to work?
How Long Does It Take for Collagen Supplements to Work?
While many report results within 4-12 weeks of consistent use, how long it takes for collagen supplements to work can vary depending on several factors. It really depends on what you’re using it for and what results you’re hoping to get out of using it.
Some factors to keep in mind include:
- The reason for use
- The dosage you take
- Individual health status
- Your body's natural collagen levels
So, how long does it take collagen to work? Here’s what results could look like for you…
Skin Improvement
Looking for smoother, more hydrated skin?
You might start to see subtle improvements in as little as two weeks. Studies show that more noticeable changes may take at least eight weeks, though (13).
It can be a little different for everyone and may depend on your skin’s condition when you start taking it.
Joint & Tendon Health
Those seeking relief from joint pain might need a little more patience. Some studies show improvements at 4 weeks, but most studies looked at improvements over 3, 6, and 12 months (14).
On average, improvements in joint health were seen in about twelve weeks, but for some, it could take up to six months.
Again, it depends on how bad your joints and tendons are to begin with. For a severe issue, it could take more time. For something minor, it could take less time.
Bone Health
When it comes to bones, collagen takes its time.
Bones have a pretty long lifespan. So, you may need to continue your collagen regimen for up to a year to experience improvements in bone health (11).
It could be less, but again, it depends on what condition you start in before you take it.
Hair & Nail Benefits
Stronger nails and healthier hair could potentially be seen as early as two to four weeks in some people. It really depends, though, and could take much longer in others (7).
For example, those with really brittle nails could take up to 6 months to see major improvements (7). If your nails are only a little on the brittle side, then it may not take as long.
Age Factors
Age can play a significant role in how effective collagen supplementation can be.
Older individuals naturally produce less collagen. So, they may see more dramatic benefits from supplementing collagen.
Someone younger may not notice as drastic a difference.
However, that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t use it. There are still plenty of benefits, and the ones I’ve listed are not reserved for older individuals.
Consistency & Dosage
To achieve the best results, a consistent daily intake of the right amount is crucial. Most studies have looked at using 2.5-15 g collagen peptides per day (15).
Inconsistent use or insufficient dosages can lead to delayed or less noticeable results. If you only take it once per week, you likely won’t notice much. If you only take 0.5 grams per day, you likely won’t notice as much as taking 15 grams per day.
So, if you want the best results, I'd recommend shooting for 15 grams taken consistently!
Collagen Levels
The initial level of collagen in your body also impacts results. Although that’s not easy to measure.
Those with lower natural collagen levels may experience more pronounced changes. Whereas those with already high levels might see subtler improvements.
As we age, we tend to produce less collagen naturally (16). So, the older you are, the more noticeable your results may be with a collagen supplement.
That begs the question: Is there a way to naturally increase your own collagen production?
How to Support Natural Collagen Production
Taking a supplement can be a great way to get more collagen. There are also a few methods you can use to boost your body’s own collagen production.
Implement these habits to naturally support and increase your collagen levels...
1) Eat Collagen-Rich Foods
Explore foods like bone broth, chicken skin, and fish skin. These foods have enough collagen to directly contribute to your body's collagen stores.
2) Consume Adequate Protein
Collagen is a protein, after all. So, ensuring you get enough protein in your diet can be crucial. Focus on adding a variety of protein sources to support collagen production.
3) Add Vitamin C
This vitamin is a powerhouse for collagen production (17). Load up on citrus fruits, berries, and bell peppers to support your collagen levels. The vitamin C in these foods can directly support your body's ability to produce collagen (17).
4) Get Enough Zinc & Copper
Zinc and copper are vital for collagen production (18, 19). Include more nuts, seeds, shellfish, and whole grains in your diet to get more of these minerals. A good vitamin/mineral supplement could be helpful as well.
5) Limit Your Sugar Intake
High sugar consumption can interfere with collagen’s ability to repair itself (20). Cutting down on sugary foods can help maintain your collagen’s health and longevity. It’s okay to have sugar, but make sure you don’t overdo it.
6) Protect Skin from Sun Damage
Ultraviolet rays can degrade collagen by stimulating enzymes that break it down (21). Protect your skin with sunscreen and wear protective clothing when you’re out in the sun. This can help long-term to preserve the collagen in your skin.
7) Avoid Smoking
Smoking not only harms your health but also damages collagen, leading to faster aging of your skin (22). Avoiding smoking altogether can significantly help to preserve your skin’s collagen levels.
Choosing the Right Collagen Supplement
If you’re researching the best collagen supplement, ingredient quality and dosage transparency matter more than form alone. Hydrolyzed multi-source collagen containing Types I, II, III, V, and X can help support skin, joints, hair, nails, and bone health.
At 1st Phorm, our Collagen with Dermaval formula is designed to deliver an effective multi-source dose of collagen in a convenient daily serving.
Try Collagen with Dermaval Today
Collagen is so much more than just another beauty buzzword. It’s a fundamental protein in skin, joints, bones, and more.
From enhancing skin elasticity and hydration, to strengthening your bones and joints … The potential benefits of collagen certainly live up to the hype. There’s plenty of research to back all this up, too!
If you are curious about adding collagen supplements to your routine, try Collagen with Dermaval, our high-quality, multi-source collagen powder.
I've been using it for a handful of years now and am very impressed. My joints feel better, my skin looks better, and it tastes great!
Don’t just take my word for it ... See what other people are saying about Collagen with Dermaval here. If you prefer natural sweeteners, we also have Collagen with Dermaval Natural.
Have questions? Don't hesitate to reach out! We have a full team of NASM Certified Personal Trainers and Nutrition Coaches right here in St. Louis, Missouri.
Just give us a call at 1-800-409-9732 or send us an email at CustomerService@1stPhorm.com. We're available Monday through Friday from 6 AM to 8 PM Central and Saturday & Sunday from 9 AM to 7 PM Central. We'll be more than happy to help in any way we can!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take for collagen to work for the skin?
Some people report hydration improvements in 4–6 weeks of consistent use, with fuller results around 8–12 weeks. Individual results may vary.
How long does it take for collagen to work for joints?
Some people report joint benefits within 8–12 weeks of consistent use.
Can collagen work in 2 weeks?
Some subtle changes may appear in 2–4 weeks, but full results are often reported to take longer.
Do you have to take collagen every day?
For noticeable improvements over time, yes, daily consistency is important.
Is powder better than the best liquid collagen?
Quality and dosage matter more than form. Look for hydrolyzed collagen peptides from high-quality sourcing.
References:
(1) Ishizaki, Y., et al. “Contributions of Collagen and Elastin to Elastic Behaviours of Tendon Fascicle.” Acta Biomaterialia, vol. 176, 2024, pp. 334–343.
(2) Nezwek, T. A., and M. Varacallo. “Physiology, Connective Tissue.” StatPearls, StatPearls Publishing, updated 19 Sept. 2022.
(3) Leeming, D. J., and M. A. Karsdal. “Type V Collagen.” Biochemistry of Collagens, Laminins and Elastin, 2nd ed., Academic Press, 2019, pp. 51–57.
(4) Shen, G. “The Role of Type X Collagen in Facilitating and Regulating Endochondral Ossification of Articular Cartilage.” Orthodontics & Craniofacial Research, vol. 8, no. 1, 2005, pp. 11–17.
(5) Al-Atif, H. “Collagen Supplements for Aging and Wrinkles: A Paradigm Shift in the Fields of Dermatology and Cosmetics.” Dermatology Practical & Conceptual, vol. 12, no. 1, 2022, article e2022018.
(6) García-Coronado, J. M., et al. “Effect of Collagen Supplementation on Osteoarthritis Symptoms: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials.” International Orthopaedics, vol. 43, no. 3, 2019, pp. 531–538.
(7) Hexsel, D., et al. “Oral Supplementation with Specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides Improves Nail Growth and Reduces Symptoms of Brittle Nails.” Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, vol. 16, no. 4, 2017, pp. 520–526.
(8) Hwang, S. B., H. J. Park, and B. H. Lee. “Hair-Growth-Promoting Effects of the Fish Collagen Peptide in Human Dermal Papilla Cells and C57BL/6 Mice Modulating Wnt/β-Catenin and BMP Signaling Pathways.” International Journal of Molecular Sciences, vol. 23, no. 19, 2022, article 11904.
(9) Abrahams, M., R. O’Grady, and J. Prawitt. “Effect of a Daily Collagen Peptide Supplement on Digestive Symptoms in Healthy Women: 2-Phase Mixed Methods Study.” JMIR Formative Research, vol. 6, no. 5, 2022, article e36339.
(10) Kuwaba, K., et al. “Dietary Collagen Peptides Alleviate Exercise-Induced Muscle Soreness in Healthy Middle-Aged Males: A Randomized Double-Blinded Crossover Clinical Trial.” Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition, vol. 20, no. 1, 2023.
(11) König, D., et al. “Specific Collagen Peptides Improve Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Postmenopausal Women—A Randomized Controlled Study.” Nutrients, vol. 10, no. 1, 2018, article 97.
(12) Park, J., et al. “Low-Molecular Collagen Peptide Supplementation and Body Fat Mass in Adults Aged ≥ 50 Years: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial.” Clinical Nutrition Research, vol. 12, no. 4, 2023, pp. 245–256.
(13) Pu, S. Y., et al. “Effects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.” Nutrients, vol. 15, no. 9, 2023, article 2080.
(14) Martínez-Puig, D., et al. “Collagen Supplementation for Joint Health: The Link between Composition and Scientific Knowledge.” Nutrients, vol. 15, no. 6, 2023, article 1332.
(15) Paul, C., S. Leser, and S. Oesser. “Significant Amounts of Functional Collagen Peptides Can Be Incorporated in the Diet While Maintaining Indispensable Amino Acid Balance.” Nutrients, vol. 11, no. 5, 2019, article 1079.
(16) Varani, J., et al. “Decreased Collagen Production in Chronologically Aged Skin: Roles of Age-Dependent Alteration in Fibroblast Function and Defective Mechanical Stimulation.” American Journal of Pathology, vol. 168, no. 6, 2006, pp. 1861–1868.
(17) Boyera, N., I. Galey, and B. A. Bernard. “Effect of Vitamin C and Its Derivatives on Collagen Synthesis and Cross-Linking by Normal Human Fibroblasts.” International Journal of Cosmetic Science, vol. 20, no. 3, 1998, pp. 151–158.
(18) Harris, E. D., et al. “Copper and the Synthesis of Elastin and Collagen.” Ciba Foundation Symposium, vol. 79, 1980, pp. 163–182.
(19) Seo, H. J., et al. “Zinc May Increase Bone Formation through Stimulating Cell Proliferation, Alkaline Phosphatase Activity and Collagen Synthesis in Osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 Cells.” Nutrition Research and Practice, vol. 4, no. 5, 2010, pp. 356–361.
(20) Danby, F. W. “Nutrition and Aging Skin: Sugar and Glycation.” Clinics in Dermatology, vol. 28, no. 4, 2010, pp. 409–411.
(21) Petersen, M. J., et al. “Ultraviolet A Irradiation Stimulates Collagenase Production in Cultured Human Fibroblasts.” Journal of Investigative Dermatology, vol. 99, no. 4, 1992, pp. 440–444.
(22) Knuutinen, A., et al. “Smoking Affects Collagen Synthesis and Extracellular Matrix Turnover in Human Skin.” British Journal of Dermatology, vol. 146, no. 4, 2002, pp. 588–594.
