Collagen supplements have taken social media by storm, with countless users claiming dramatic improvements in skin, hair and nail health.
The wellness trend particularly captured attention on TikTok, where health influencers and doctors have started promoting the supplements.
Despite their growing popularity, scientists remain sceptical about the benefits given how limited the evidence is.
But social media users have continued to share dramatic transformations, with one claiming collagen supplements reversed her apparent age.
The content creator claimed the supplements are helping her age backwards
TIKTOK / AGEINGGRACEFULLY
“This was me six months ago and people would honestly mistake me for being in my 40s and now people think I’m in my 20s,” she shared, showing viewers before and after pictures.
The TikToker, who goes by @AgeingGracefully on the app, noted that she started taking collagen supplements after seeing multiple endorsements on TikTok from influencers and healthcare professionals.
What is collagen?
Collagen is a vital structural protein that serves as a fundamental building block throughout the body’s tissues.
In the skin, it works in conjunction with hyaluronic acid and elastin to maintain elasticity, volume and moisture levels.
The protein also plays a crucial role in forming keratin, which is essential for healthy skin, hair and nails.
Over time, natural collagen levels decline, leading to reduced skin elasticity and hydration. This has prompted claims that supplements can restore elasticity beyond a certain age.
Many social media users report improvements in their appearance within months of starting supplementation.
YouTuber Lauren O’Connell, who is nearly 40, is one of many influencers who claims her complexion improved in less than a month of taking the supplement.
Many users have reported improvements in skin texture
TIKTOK / AGEINGGRACEFULLY
“I started taking the [supplement] 27 days ago, and I’m actually going to take the 28th today with you,” she noted. “I didn’t notice any changes in my skin at first, it was until around the third week that other people noticed my lips look fuller.”
As days passed, changes became increasingly noticeable in Lauren’s skin.
“I was looking into the mirror and I was thinking to myself, ‘oh my skin actually does look firmer’. It just seemed more plumped up,” she shared.
Despite collagen’s growing popularity, scientists continue to emphasise the lack of substantial evidence supporting collagen supplements’ effectiveness.
