All articles tagged with #collagen
A Liverpool-led study of a 66-million-year-old Edmontosaurus sacrum detected remnants of collagen and the amino acid hydroxyproline in a remarkably preserved fossil, using multiple analytical methods to rule out contamination. The findings suggest some original biomolecules can persist for tens of millions of years, offering new clues about dinosaur biology and evolution beyond bone structure.
Researchers analyzing a remarkably preserved Edmontosaurus sacrum detected remnants of endogenous collagen and related amino acids in a 66-million-year-old fossil, providing strong evidence against the idea that original biomolecules are always destroyed over deep time and potentially enabling new insights into dinosaur evolution and biology.
Magnesium and creatine emerge as the most evidence-backed menopause supplements, with magnesium aiding sleep and mood (not hot flashes) and creatine boosting strength and possibly brain function during perimenopause; collagen may modestly improve bone density and joint comfort, while lion’s mane has limited human data and largely non-menopausal studies. Overall, evidence is mixed and often not menopause-specific, product quality varies, and more research is needed. In the meantime, exercise, sleep, nutrition, and stress management remain the best long-term strategies.
Collagen makes up about 75% of the skin’s dry weight and begins to decline around age 25 (roughly 1% per year, with faster loss after menopause due to lower estrogen). Early signs include reduced firmness and sagging, drier skin, more noticeable wrinkles, less fullness, and subtle changes to facial shape. While collagen loss isn’t entirely preventable, you can slow it by protecting skin from sun, getting enough rest and managing stress, exercising, and eating a balanced diet rich in protein and nutrients. Use collagen-boosting actives (peptides, glycosaminoglycans, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide) and consider retinoids to stimulate your skin’s own collagen production. Topical collagen creams may improve surface texture but don’t prevent deep loss; a dermatologist can tailor a plan.
A dermatologist says the simplest way to slow collagen loss as we age is to make sunscreen a daily habit, since UV light damages collagen and accelerates aging. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher (50 SPF if you’ll be outdoors for long), apply enough to cover all exposed skin, and reapply regularly, with shade and UPF clothing as extra protection. After establishing sunscreen, you can support collagen further with ingredients like peptides and vitamin C, along with a balanced diet rich in amino acids, antioxidants and minerals to help maintain skin structure and youthful plumpness.
There’s no strict best time to take collagen; consistency is what matters. Experts suggest choosing a routine that works for you (e.g., in coffee or as part of a bedtime ritual) and, if desired, timing around workouts can help with connective-tissue goals. Powder forms are convenient and 2.5–15 g per day is typical, with absorption not strictly dependent on timing. Take with or without food, and pair with vitamin C to support collagen synthesis. Those who are vegan/vegetarian, allergic to eggs/fish/shellfish, pregnant or breastfeeding, or with kidney/liver disease should consult a clinician before use.
A Beauty piece reviews a large Anglia Ruskin University study finding long-term collagen supplementation can boost skin elasticity, hydration and joints, but it’s not a miracle anti‑wrinkle fix and effects on roughness are limited. The author stresses collagen declines with age and supplements should complement, not replace, fundamentals like sun protection and a healthy diet, with most products needing several months of consistent use. She also shares personal experience with powders, tablets and liquids, noting nails may strengthen while hair results vary.
A large synthesis of 113 clinical trials and 16 systematic reviews (nearly 8,000 participants) finds collagen supplements offer modest but real benefits: improvements in muscle health and osteoarthritis pain, plus better skin hydration and elasticity with consistent, longer-term use. However, results vary by product type, dose, and study quality, and many trials are short or poorly designed, leaving long-term effects and who benefits most still unclear; more standardized research is needed.
An umbrella review of 16 meta-analyses and 113 randomized trials (roughly 8,000 participants) finds collagen can improve skin elasticity and hydration and help relieve osteoarthritis symptoms with long-term use, and may support some aging-related muscle/tendon changes. However, evidence for boosting athletic performance is weak, and results for metabolic, dental health, or post-exercise recovery are inconclusive; dose and duration matter, and more high-quality trials are needed.
A large review of 113 clinical trials (up to March 2025, about 8,000 participants) finds collagen supplements are associated with modest improvements in muscle health, reduced osteoarthritis pain, and improved skin hydration and elasticity with longer use, but results vary by product type and study quality is often low, meaning long-term effects and which people benefit most remain uncertain.
A large review of 113 trials (about 8,000 participants) finds collagen can modestly improve skin hydration and elasticity and reduce osteoarthritis joint pain with consistent, long-term use, plus small gains in lean mass. It does not enhance post-exercise recovery or tendon properties, and effects on blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, or oral health are inconclusive. Collagen is not a miracle cure and should be used with realistic expectations and medical guidance.
A Healthline review finds that oral collagen peptides may offer modest, gradual improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal density after several weeks of daily use, but they’re not a magic fix for wrinkles. Benefits tend to be subtle and best realized when paired with sunscreen, retinoids, vitamin C, healthy lifestyle habits, and optional in-office treatments like microneedling.
An umbrella review of 16 systematic reviews and 113 randomized trials (nearly 8,000 participants) shows that oral hydrolyzed collagen supplements are associated with firmer, more hydrated skin, with stronger effects the longer you take them, and may also reduce osteoarthritis symptoms and support muscle/tendon structure; however, benefits are modest and not a cure, and collagen should complement—not replace—good skincare and sun protection.
A review of 113 trials with about 8,000 participants finds daily collagen can improve skin elasticity and hydration over time but does not prevent wrinkles; it may also ease joint pain, though it is not a cure-all. Benefits come with consistent use and vary by supplement type (marine, bovine, vegan) with no clear winner. Diets rich in vitamin C and zinc support collagen production, and more dermatology-focused studies are needed to confirm these effects.
Shop TODAY’s expert guide reviews dermatologist-approved collagen creams and serums for 2026, explains how collagen supports skin and which ingredients (peptides, hyaluronic acid, retinoids) to look for, and lists editor favorites across budget to luxury—from St. Ives and L’Oréal to Elemis and Olay—while also detailing how creams differ from collagen-boosting serums and offering tips on using products in sync with the skin’s nighttime repair cycle.