The Truth About Collagen Supplements and Youthful Skin

Collagen is a key protein for youthful skin, but its decline with age is influenced by factors like UV damage. While topical collagen products may offer temporary hydration, their ability to boost collagen production is limited. Collagen supplements show some promise in animal studies and industry-funded human trials, but high-quality evidence is lacking. Medical procedures like NeoGen and microneedling can stimulate collagen, but their long-term effectiveness varies and requires ongoing treatments. The best long-term strategy remains protecting skin from UV damage early on, as biological damage to collagen and elastin is largely irreversible.