Doctor's collagen 'no good evidence' skin warning as millions take supplement

Doctor's collagen 'no good evidence' skin warning as millions take supplement Anyone who regularly takes the supplements in hopes of looking 'younger' may be interested to hear what the doctor has said A doctor has issued an important message to anyone taking oral collagen supplements, saying there is currently "no strong evidence". Appearing on a recent episode of Which?'s Healthy Living Podcast, Dr Anjali Mahto shared details about collagen that not many people may be aware of. Dr Anjali Mahto is described by Which? as a highly respected and renowned medical and cosmetic consultant dermatologist based on Harley Street, and is the author of the best-selling book The Skincare Bible. The health expert was also joined on set by Shefalee Loth. Shefalee is a nutritionist at Which? and leads the research for the health and wellbeing team. With over 20 years of experience, Shefalee’s career includes working with the NHS, The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, and the World Cancer Research Fund. Collagen supplements are very popular at the moment and have grown into a booming global and UK market, driven heavily by social media, wellness culture, and anti-ageing trends. According to the latest data, around 42% of UK adults take at least one dietary supplement regularly, and YouGov research finds that 10% (roughly 5.3 million people) have used collagen supplements. Experts say that the explosive popularity of collagen supplements largely boils down to a mix of persuasive lifestyle marketing and the "beauty-from-within" movement. Consumers are also frequently reminded that the body’s natural collagen production begins to drop starting in our twenties. However, scientific evidence remains mixed. While clinical reviews suggest eight to 12 weeks of daily hydrolysed collagen peptides can help support skin elasticity, hydration, and joint mobility, evidence for reducing deep wrinkles, thickening hair, or growing nails remains weak. In Which?'s podcast episode, titled: "The Science Behind Collagen Supplements (Does It Work?)", Shefalee Loth and Dr Anjali Mahto speak about the science of skincare and separate myths from facts with experts. For those who take oral collagen supplements, Dr Mahto issues an important message. She said: "Now, what I'm going to say is currently where the data stands, there is no good evidence that taking an oral collagen supplement for your skin is going to reverse the ageing process or slow down the ageing process or thicken up the collagen in the skin." A healthy, protein-rich diet is a better approach, she advises. Ensure our latest health headlines always appear at the top of your Google Search by making us a Preferred Source. Click here to activate or add us as a Preferred Source in your Google search settings She explains several key reasons for this stance. She claims that most existing studies on the topic are industry-funded. She also says that the body does not automatically know to send ingested collagen to the skin, as there are over 30 different types of collagen throughout the body. Another point she claims is that people who purchase expensive supplements are often already following a healthy lifestyle, such as eating well and using effective skincare, which makes it difficult to isolate the supplements' effects. Experts also suggest that if a person is protein deficient, collagen supplements might serve as a basic protein source, which could be the only real benefit. Speak to your doctor before taking any over-the-counter medications or supplements, to check they are suitable for you to take, especially if you are taking presrcibed medication. The two experts also mention a few other key points they urge people to keep in mind. The first is the fact they highly recommend a solid routine of cleansing, sunscreen (in the morning), and vitamin A (at night). Expensive products do not guarantee better results, they claim. They also say sunscreen is essential. Daily SPF (factor 30-50) is the most important anti-ageing product for protecting the skin barrier and preventing collagen damage, they claim. Retinoids (vitamin A), is also mentioned. They say that retinoids are effective for skin cell turnover but must be introduced slowly (once or twice a week) to avoid irritation. Regulations have limited over-the-counter concentrations in the UK to 0.3%. They also point out that hormonal shifts during menopause, such as falling estrogen, can cause dryness, sensitivity, and even adult acne. Routines often need adjusting to include more hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides, they said. They also brought up LED masks. They say that while some modest results for wrinkle reduction have been observed in testing, the long-term clinical research is still developing.