Collagen Supplements Do Not Improve Skin Health
Based on the most recent and highest quality evidence, collagen supplements are not recommended for improving skin health as there is currently no reliable clinical evidence supporting their effectiveness for preventing or treating skin aging. 1
Evidence Assessment
Guidelines on Collagen Use
The most recent clinical guidelines strongly recommend against using collagen for therapeutic purposes:
- The 2024 International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot (IWGDF) guidelines explicitly state: "Do not use collagen or alginate dressings for the purpose of wound healing" (Strong recommendation; Low evidence) 2
- This recommendation is based on 12 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that showed no significant difference in wound healing or reduction in ulcer area when compared to standard care 2
- Similarly, the 2016 IWGDF guidance noted that studies of collagen products failed to show an effect on healing, with the largest trials showing no benefit 2
Recent Research on Collagen Supplements
The most recent and comprehensive evidence comes from a 2025 systematic review and meta-analysis of 23 RCTs with 1474 participants that specifically examined collagen supplements for skin aging:
- When analyzing high-quality studies, researchers found no significant effect of collagen supplements on skin hydration, elasticity, or wrinkles 1
- Only studies with pharmaceutical company funding or low methodological quality showed positive effects, suggesting potential bias 1
- The researchers concluded there is "no clinical evidence to support the use of collagen supplements to prevent or treat skin aging" 1
A 2024 randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial found:
- While some benefits were noted in dermis density, skin texture, and wrinkle reduction, there were no significant improvements in skin elasticity or hydration 3
- The addition of hyaluronic acid to collagen showed no superior effects compared to collagen alone 3
Mechanism and Marketing vs. Reality
Collagen is a key structural protein in skin, and the theoretical basis for supplementation is that ingested collagen peptides could support skin structure. However:
- There is a significant disconnect between marketing claims and scientific evidence 4
- Many studies are limited by small sample sizes and variable results 4
- Dermatologic claims in media and marketing far exceed what is supported by scientific literature 4
Clinical Implications
When discussing collagen supplements with patients:
- Be aware that while some earlier, smaller studies suggested potential benefits for skin elasticity and hydration 5, these findings have not been consistently reproduced in higher-quality research
- The most recent and comprehensive evidence does not support recommending collagen supplements for skin health 1
- Marketing claims often surpass any evidence currently supported by the literature 4
Conclusion
While collagen supplements have gained popularity as a treatment for skin aging, the highest quality and most recent evidence does not support their use for improving skin health. Clinicians should be cautious about recommending these supplements given the lack of reliable evidence for their efficacy.