How long does it take for Collagen Supplements to work?

From a perception point of view, the feedback we get at Absolute Collagen suggests changes within the appearance of the skin within as little as 3-4 days.

In fact once you start taking a hydrolysed collagen supplement one of the first things you will notice is skin improvement.

In 2015 a study published by the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that oral collagen peptide supplementation resulted in the decrease of visible signs of skin ageing. The study showed there was a decrease in the number of furrows, or wrinkles, in the skin and a substantial increase in skin moisture.

The study itself showed minor results by week 4 and major results at 12 weeks - with wrinkles decreasing up to 31.2% in the clinical trial.

So when it comes to skin, you may be one of the lucky ones in tune with your body who see results within a week - but the scientific study concludes that collagen will work from 4 weeks and show maximum results within 12 weeks.

So what about other benefits? As some of our testimonials below show, there is a diverse range of benefits reported and the time in which they are noted - but consistency is key, collagen should be consumed every day.

Tracy Duggan said: “I’m on month two and have just received my six month supply. My hair is shiny and my skin doesn’t feel as dry and my joints don’t ache after Zumba. My nails seem stronger too. If nothing else, I’m happy if it just works for my joints.”

Tracy Sharman noticed results within 3 weeks: “I’ve been taking it for 3 weeks now and I can actually feel the skin on my face feeling a bit plumper, in a good way, under my eyes and on my cheekbones.”

And Jan Smith noticed a reduction in fine lines within a week: “Seven days into one of my boxes and I have noticed a significant change to the lines around my top lip. They call them smokers lines even though I don’t smoke.”

Deborah Harper said: “I have been taking the Absolute Collagen for 1 month now and will definitely keep taking them. I noticed within a week that my skin was smoother and clearer. One of the other benefits was my knee joint that had started to hurt a lot and got stiff after exercise and going upstairs got better. No pain now at all!”

So let’s take a closer look at the joint pain issue.

Several studies have been undertaken on the effects of collagen on the joints. In 2013 a study by the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition found significant improvements in joint mobility and reduction in pain over 120 days.

A study in 2009 by the International Journal of Medical Science found subjects with arthritis in their knees showed an improvement in daily activities after taking collagen for 90 days.

And a similar study, again in 2009, by the International Journal of Food Sciences and Nutrition found six months of hydrolysed collagen supplementation significantly reduced knee discomfort.

The conclusion therefore is around 3 months for healthy individuals with general joint pain, or that caused by injury. For relief of arthritic conditions - around 3-6 months of daily dosing.

And we’ve even had our own perception trials carried out on the effect of Absolute Collagen on the hair!

The trial, led by top consultant trichologist Eva Proudman, was developed specifically to look at how the supplement impacted on the hair and scalp.

Hair in both men and women can be impacted by dietary deficiencies - especially in terms of lack of essential amino-acids, vitamins and minerals. This can lead to excessive hair fall and hair thinning - with diet and stressful lifestyles suggested to be an underlying cause.

Absolute Collagen contains seven of the eight essential amino-acids that the body requires and they can only be obtained from diet (the body cannot synthesis these essential amino-acids). Amino acids are the building blocks of keratin - the protein that makes up the hair. These amino-acids are also responsible for hair strength and elasticity - and support the natural growth cycle.

A trichological examination took place every 2 weeks with candidates asked to take Absolute Collagen daily and keep a daily questionnaire and observation sheet. The review looked at hair texture, hair growth, hair management, hair fall and scalp health.

The perception trial was carried out over 12 weeks and the candidates took no other supplements aside from Absolute Collagen.

By as little as 2 weeks the candidates were reporting a change in their hair texture, with all perceiving a smoother, sleeker texture. Trichological examination on week 2 did not reveal any change in texture (although Eva believes an increase in sebum could explain the perception). However, an examination on week 4 DID show that the texture was smoother and sleeker in EVERY candidate.

At week 8 ALL candidates reported a reduction in the news to use hair conditioner as their own hair was much softer, sleeker and easier to style.

The seborrhoeic eczema sufferers had reduction in both itching and visible flaking. The chronic telogen effluvium sufferer had a reduction in shedding of 10% carried out by hair fall count daily.

So when it comes to the hair - changes can be seen in both texture and scalp health by as little as 4 weeks and definitely by 8 weeks.

If you would like to start on your own Absolute Collagen journey, click here