Whether you’ve already started adding a collagen supplement to your daily routine--or are still on the fence about it--you’ve probably asked yourself this question: how long will it take for collagen to start working? As with all supplements, the answer depends upon what type of collagen supplement you’re using, what it’s made of, and your specific body chemistry. We all want to see glowing skin and healthier bones sooner rather than later, so let’s take a closer look into this interesting topic by examining:
- What goes into collagen?
- How long can it take before you see results?
- Best ways to incorporate collagen into your routine
What Goes into Collagen Can Determine How Long it Takes to Start Working
Make sure you know what your collagen supplement is made of
If you’re just starting out with your research into collagen supplements, one of the first things you’ll want to do is see where the collagen is coming from in a variety of supplement options. Whether you choose to do a powder, tablets, or capsules, this should be your starting point. After all, you want to make your body strong from the inside out, so it’s always a good idea to know exactly what you’re putting into it in the first place!
Even though collagen is the most abundant protein in the body, its production nevertheless starts to slow down as we age--which is why collagen supplements are so popular. Typically, collagen supplements are sourced from animal or marine sources and made into easy to take powders, capsules, and tablets. Because collagen comes from parts of these animals, it is crucial to learn as much as you can about how the supplement company is sourcing these ingredients. Are they organically raised? Are the animals grass-fed? Is there a way to trace the supplement to a source?
If collagen supplements are derived from animal sources, there is always the chance that some of these ground up parts could be contaminated. However, collagen supplements have been around for a long time, and those instances are rare, making collagen extremely safe. Still, the more information you have, the better.
You might also be wondering if one collagen supplement is better than another and might work faster. Because everyone’s body is different, there’s not a definitive way to say one supplement will work better for you over another. However, by avoiding supplements that don’t list their sources (or specific amounts of collagen) and ensuring that the collagen supplement you choose is derived from animal or marine sources, you should be well on your way to seeing results.
It’s also beneficial to know what types of collagen are in your supplements. While there are at least 16 different types of collagen, you want to make sure you’re taking a supplement that includes the types that provide the benefits you’re looking for. If you’re interested in healthier hair, skin, and nails, as well as improving your joints and gut health, make sure your collagen supplement includes types I, II, and III. If you can, try and find a supplement that also includes types V and X in order to receive the maximum amount of benefits from collagen to achieve your goals.
Where Is Collagen Found In The Body?
Key Takeaways:
- Do know where your collagen supplement is sourced from.
- Do avoid lower-quality supplements that don’t list collagen sources.
- Do know what types of collagen are present in your supplement.
How Long Can it Take to See Results from a Collagen Supplement?
After choosing the right supplement, you’ll need to practice patience
Besides knowing where your collagen supplement is sourced from, and what types of collagen it includes, the next most important question is probably how long is this going to take to work? A lot of this depends on your age, lifestyle, and environmental factors--and your results are also based on your genetic makeup as well.
Factors that can influence how long it takes for collagen supplements to work are:
- How fast collagen breaks down in your body
- Rate of skin cell renewal
- Age
- Diet
- Smoking/alcohol/medication intake
- Sleep habits
- Skin care
One of the most popular reasons many people choose to use a collagen supplement is to help fight wrinkles and aging skin, keep their hair and nails strong, and improve joint health and function as they age. Collagen can definitely help with these issues, but you have to make sure you’re also doing your best to take care of yourself and lead a healthy lifestyle! Keeping to a good diet, getting exercise, and maintaining a good sleep schedule will all increase the chances that you’ll enjoy the benefits of a collagen supplement.
If you’re taking collagen to help your skin stay smooth and elastic, it is equally important to know that protecting your skin from the effects of the sun is crucial in order to see the full benefits of collagen. Make sure to always wear SPF when you’re out of the house, and when you’re going to be in direct sun, to always keep a hat handy. Protecting your skin from damaging UV rays will do wonders for keeping wrinkles and signs of aging at bay so that your collagen supplement can then keep your skin looking and feeling its best.
Many people who begin to take collagen supplements daily and make it a part of their routine will start to notice results in as early as four weeks and up until 12 weeks. This is why it’s very important that once you start taking collagen supplements, you include it in your daily routine. Everyone’s body responds differently to supplements, so don’t get discouraged if you feel you’re not seeing the benefits of collagen after a few weeks.
Remember to be patient! If you’re not noticing results after four weeks, just stick to it. If you want to try to increase your daily dosage to see results, check with your doctor to see if doing that is a safe option. Many people start out with higher collagen doses at the beginning, and then taper off once they start to see their desired results. As long as you’re consistent with your dosing, you’ll be able to maximize your results. A great way to ensure you’re taking your collagen daily is to do a before and after image of your skin, hair, or nails. Snap a photo of what they look like when you start collagen, and what they look like after 12 (or more) weeks. You may just be pleasantly surprised!
Incorporate Collagen Supplements in your Routine to See Results
When collagen is a part of your lifestyle, you’ll be sure to see it work
As with any supplement, in order to see the results you want, you have to include in your daily wellness routine. One of the best ways to do this is to try and take it at the same time each day. If you prefer to take your powder in the morning, add it to your tea, coffee, or water. Or, after you have your cereal or toast, just pop your capsules or tablets in after and you’re ready to start your day! Prefer to have your collagen at night? No worries, just add to a glass of water or a calming cup of tea when you’re getting ready for bed. If you have a hard time remembering to include your supplement each day, make a note or set an alarm on your phone, that way, you’ll always be reminded to take it.
How to add collagen supplements to your daily routine:
- Put it in your morning beverage of choice
- Have your tablets/capsules before or after breakfast
- Set an alarm on your phone to ensure you take it each day
- Keep it by your bed to remind you to take it before you go to sleep
Collagen is easy to fit into your schedule and with regular use, can get you the results you’re looking for. By making it a part of your morning or evening routine, you’ll be on your way to seeing healthier skin, hair, nails and improved joint and gut health.
Adding a collagen supplement is a great way to keep your skin looking its best and take care of bones and gut health. Although it may take a couple of weeks before you notice the effects, the results you’ll see and feel will be well worth the wait.
The journey to reaping the benefits of collagen supplementation is a unique and multifaceted one. As we delve into the intricacies of how collagen functions within our bodies, it becomes evident that the timeline for observing its effects is influenced by a medley of factors. The origins of the collagen source, its composition, and the types of collagen present play a pivotal role in determining how long it takes for these supplements to commence their transformative work.
Understanding the importance of sourcing quality supplements cannot be overstated. Delving into the origins of the collagen you consume is the first step in embarking on this voyage towards revitalization. The careful selection of supplements derived from reputable and organic sources ensures not only your safety but also the efficacy of the collagen you introduce into your routine.
Patience proves to be an invaluable virtue on this journey. Results may take time to manifest, but consistency is key. As we consider the myriad of variables that impact the speed of collagen's integration, from biological age to lifestyle choices, it becomes evident that nurturing our bodies holistically is paramount. While some may experience the remarkable effects of collagen supplementation in as little as four weeks, for others, the transformation may require up to 12 weeks.
Remember, the path to healthier skin, hair, nails, and improved joint and gut health is a continuous one. Incorporating collagen into your daily routine, whether through morning teas, capsules, or bedtime rituals, holds the promise of a radiant and resilient future. As you witness the gradual emergence of these positive changes, let your dedication and patience stand as a testament to the remarkable benefits that collagen offers.
Just as the body's cells renew, so too does our resolve to cherish our well-being. The results achieved are a testament not only to the supplement but to your commitment to nourishing both body and spirit. In the end, the wait proves worthwhile, as the transformation radiates from within and shines outward, a testament to the synergy of science, diligence, and the remarkable potential of collagen.
