01/03/2026
I’m forever being asked about the benefit of collagen supplements. Do I stock one in clinic? no not anymore I used to. Can I recommend one? No.
I’ve said for years the clinical evidence isn’t strong enough to support taking or not taking collagen supplements. The British Association of Dermatologists have looked into again recently are are still staying the same. More research is needed. Until we can say categorically it can or it can’t help I would spend my money any day or treatments that are proven to boost Collagen and Elastin.
You may have seen today’s BBC coverage of a review looking at collagen supplements and skin health.
Our President, Dr Tamara Griffiths, was invited to comment on the findings.
The review suggests oral collagen supplements may improve aspects of skin elasticity and hydration. However, the overall picture is more complex.
Tamara’s key takeaways:
• Some studies suggest modest improvements in skin elasticity and hydration, but the overall quality and consistency of the evidence varies.
• Important factors that affect skin ageing – such as sun exposure, smoking, sleep, hormones, and environment – were not consistently accounted for.
• One unexpected finding was that while hydration appeared to improve, skin roughness did not. These measures would usually be expected to change together.
• More targeted, high-quality dermatology research is needed before firm conclusions can be drawn.
Read the full BBC article:
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cge82vq9x9ro