Collagen Supplements — Are They Really Worth It?

What Is Collagen, and Why Does It Matter?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, making up the structural framework of your skin, joints, bones, and connective tissues. As we age, our natural collagen production begins to decline — often from late 20s — and this contributes to the visible signs of ageing like skin laxity, fine lines, and reduced skin hydration.

That’s where collagen supplements come in — promising to replenish lost collagen, improve skin elasticity, and support healthier hair, nails, and joints. But do they really deliver?

What Is Collagen, and Why Does It Matter?

What Does the Research Say?

A handful of well-conducted studies suggest that high-quality collagen peptides, when taken consistently, can improve skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal density. In one 2019 double-blind placebo-controlled study published in Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, daily oral collagen supplementation was associated with noticeable skin improvements over a 12-week period.

Its important to some of these studies were conducted by the same company producing the collagen supplement which can introduce a bias element and the metrics by which skin improvement was measured was not standardised.

If though we accept the notion of noticeable skin improvement over a 12 week period the key term is consistency.

When Might Collagen Supplements Be Worth It?

If you’re looking at collagen as a long-term skin health strategy — rather than a quick fix — then yes, it may well be worth including in your routine. Think of it less like a miracle product and more like part of a wider maintenance regime. Taken daily, over several months, collagen supplements can work in the background to subtly support your skin’s structural health alongside healthier life choices, good nutrition and exercise.

In clinic, the brands we recommend are ZENii and Skinade. Both offer clinically formulated, high-quality collagen peptides, combined with essential co-factors like vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants, which help support collagen synthesis from within. They’re reputable, well-tested, and align with our ethos of evidence-backed wellness.

But Here’s the Catch…

If you’re the type of person with a cupboard full of half-finished supplement tubs, collagen may not be your best investment. Results are not immediate, and if taken inconsistently, you’re unlikely to see a real benefit — and it may just be a financial loss.

The true value lies in regular, daily use alongside a healthy diet, sun protection, hydration, and skincare. Collagen isn’t a replacement for these, but a support layer. A helpful addition — not a magic bullet.

Final Thoughts

So, are collagen supplements worth it?

Yes — if you’re consistent, choose a reputable brand like ZENii or Skinade, and manage your expectations. They won’t transform your skin overnight, but they may well help to preserve and support skin health in the background, quietly doing their job over time.

If you want to read more, the experts at Consulting Room really know what they're talking about and have put together fine lines and wrinkles and Skinade FAQs just for you.

If you have more questions, you can use the fine lines and wrinkles and Skinade questions feature to talk to our panel of trained medical experts.

If you're keen to get started with any of these treatments right away then you're in luck - those clever folks also have a list of trusted, accredited fine lines and wrinkles and Skinade clinics in your area.

Many thanks to the author of this blog, Dr Raj Dhillon.

The Revital Lab is a doctor-led clinic based in Esher, Surrey, specialising in medical aesthetics and wellness treatments. It offers a bespoke holistic approach to optimise both skincare and longevity.

The clinic fully appreciates that most individuals contemplate aesthetic treatments for a significant period before engaging with a clinic. For this reason, it believes that each patient deserves a personalised approach to understand their story and expectations.

Call Revital Lab on 0137 261 3080 or visit the Revital Lab website.