How long does collagen take to work? It’s sooner than you think
Ingestible collagen, such as marine collagen, has quickly cemented itself as a science-backed beauty essential. Collagen takes effect on a cellular level for enhanced results. It’s fast and convenient to supplement with collagen powder or collagen sachets – but how long does collagen take to work?
One of the key collagen powder benefits is that ingestible beauty distributes active ingredients like collagen peptides through the bloodstream to reach skin across the body, and hair and nails. Instead of the instant gratification of a hydrating cream, collagen has long-term – but clinically proven and lasting – benefits.
So how long does it take for collagen to start working? Tangible results for skin, hair and nails are seen in as soon as four weeks. And with consistent, daily supplementation of anti-ageing supplements, the best results are achieved from 12 weeks.
As for how long to take collagen supplements, collagen works by replenishing collagen peptides to stimulate its production. If you’re inconsistent with supplementation or decide to stop, collagen production will slow to its natural production rate – and results will gradually fade.
Read on to discover more about how long collagen takes to work.
When will you notice the first signs of collagen working?
The first signs of collagen working often appear within the initial weeks of consistent supplementation. While collagen works beneath the surface, early changes can be subtle. For many, skin hydration improves in as little as four weeks, and nails may start to grow stronger and faster. Hair health, too, begins to shift with the help of hair growth supplements, with some noticing less shedding or the emergence of baby hairs. Though these initial results are exciting, collagen’s full benefits take time to unfold – and they’re worth the wait.
What changes to expect in the first 4 weeks of collagen use?
Within the first four weeks, you’ll likely notice subtle yet visible improvements. Skin feels more hydrated and may have a firmer, smoother texture. Fine lines around the eyes and mouth can begin to soften as collagen strengthens the skin’s structure. Nails often show faster growth, becoming stronger and more resilient. For hair, while it may take longer for full results, early signs like the appearance of baby hairs are encouraging. These early changes set the foundation for even greater results as supplements for skin health continue to work from within. Learn the best time to take collagen to maximise these early results.
How long should I take collagen supplements for?
To experience the full benefits of collagen, consistency is key. While you’ll start noticing early improvements in skin hydration and nail strength within a few weeks, long-term results require ongoing supplementation. Most experts recommend taking marine collagen for at least 12 weeks to achieve noticeable changes in skin elasticity, wrinkle reduction, and hair thickness. Beyond this period, maintaining a daily collagen routine ensures that these benefits are sustained. If you stop taking collagen, your body’s natural production will return to its baseline, and results will gradually fade. For lasting effects, collagen should become a regular part of your beauty and wellness routine.
How long until collagen works for skin?
With daily supplementation of as little as 2.5 grams of collagen – less than one Vida Glow sachet – early results like improved skin hydration can be seen in just four weeks.
After six weeks of supplementation, fine lines around the eyes and mouth begin to soften. As the collagen matrix becomes stronger and thicker, skin regains its firm, smooth qualities to minimise the appearance of deeper wrinkles.
After 12 weeks, skin elasticity is improved. And the full benefits of marine collagen are maintained with ongoing supplementation.
How long until collagen works for hair?
Collagen supplementation also supports full, healthy hair by creating an environment for optimal hair growth. While our community report the growth of baby hairs within weeks of starting supplementation, ingestible collagen is clinically studied to increase hair thickness. In 16 weeks, 2.5 grams of collagen a day was found to increase hair thickness in the treatment group – while hair thickness declined in the placebo group (1). With long-term supplementation, our community also report losing less hair and faster growing strands.
How long until collagen works for hair?
In the Vida Glow community, fast-growing, unbreakable healthy nails are the first results to be seen. In a nail-specific clinical study, collagen was found to aid brittle nails and nail growth (2).
After 12 weeks of consistent supplementation with 2.5 grams of collagen, nail growth increased by 10%2 – and broken nails were reduced by 42% after 24 weeks (2).
Ready to experience the transformative power of marine collagen? Whether you’re looking to reduce dryness, smooth wrinkles, or promote hair growth, marine collagen can help. Discover the best type of collagen for your routine with Vida Glow’s marine collagen supplements, designed to deliver long-lasting, visible results.
The fast, visible results of collagen supplementation start with a consistent routine. Keep to it and in as soon as 12 weeks, skin is firmer, hair is thicker, and nails are stronger. The results are worth the wait.
(1) Oesser S. The oral intake of specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides has a positive effect on hair thickness. Nutrafoods. 2020; 1:134-138. DOI 10.17470/NF-020-0019.
(2) Hexsel D, Zague V, Schunck M, Siega C, Camozzato FO, Oesser S. Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017;00: 1–7. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12393