Collagen craze: Youth in a jar or marketing hype?

Collagen supplementsare the latest obsession among beauty and skincare enthusiasts. They promise beautiful skin, shiny tresses, and strong nails and bones. Aditi Chauhan (25) from New Delhi has been taking collagen supplements for a year.“The buzz around its promising benefits made me try it. It hydrated my skin and hair, but it is not a miracle cure. I complement it with a healthy diet and skincare routine.”On the contrary, Vrushali Wani (25) from Mumbai, who took collagen gummies for six months to address skin concerns, shared that she didn’t notice any visible improvements.Similarly, Megha (35) from Pune took collagen for five months. However, she didn’t get the desired benefits. “My hair and skin did improve a bit, but the supplement didn’t meet my expectations, especially for the price I paid for it.”Dr Zara Dadi, a cosmetologist and aesthetician, says, “Studies suggest that collagen supplementation may help improve skin elasticity and hydration while supporting joint health, however, their results vary. The effectiveness of the supplements depends on collagen type, source, and individual absorption.”Collagen, a natural protein in our bodies, supports skin, bones, joints, and tissues. With age, its production declines, leading to wrinkles and joint discomfort. Supplements claim to restore collagen, enhancing skin elasticity and easing joint pain.It is crucial to note that the body doesn’t absorb the whole of the supplement consumed. Dr Trishna Gupte, a cosmetologist, shares, “There is data which states that marine and animal collagen are the only ones that can get absorbed to a certain extent and offer little hydration and bone health."She adds, “In India, many prefer to take vegan supplements, but it is difficult to derive benefits from them.” Further, collagen single-handedly doesn’t work. She says, “You also need calcium, vitamin D3 and C.”Additionally, Dr Agni Bose, a dermatologist, says, “Collagen is beneficial but certain concoctions people consume as collagen also have other antioxidants which make it hard to determine collagen’s true effectiveness.”Dr Gupte informs, “There are mainly three types of collagen molecules – type I, type II and type III. Collagen supplements are effective only if they contain all three molecules.” Most supplements contain two types of collagen: marine collagen or animal collagen.Social media, celebrity endorsements and the desire to look youthful are common reasons behind the hype, opines Dr Zara Dadi.Celebrities like Jennifer Aniston, Kourtney Kardashian and Halle Berry have long endorsed collagen supplements. While Aniston promoted a collagen brand on Instagram, Kardashian has teamed up with the same brand in the past to release a line of exclusive flavours under her brand Poosh. The powder even featured on season 14 of Keeping Up With the Kardashians. Berry, too, has told Business Insider that she swears by collagen to stay youthful and healthy.As for social media influence, Dr Bose says, “It is responsible for the hype. Content available online can be misleading in terms of cost-benefit analysis.”Dr Gupte adds, “I have not come across anyone, apart from paid influencers, who says collagen supplements have improved their skin and health.”Healthy young adults don’t need collagen supplements, but it’s generally safe to consumeHelpful for those with ageing signs or joint issuesEvaluate if you truly need it or are lifestyle changes enough. A balanced diet and exercise suffice for mostAlways consult a medical expert before starting any supplement(As suggested by cosmetologists, Dr Trishna Gupte and Dr Zara Dadi)