So you’ve discovered the benefits of collagen supplements and want to experience the hype for yourself! We don’t blame you. Your next question is, “how long should I take collagen supplements before I start seeing some results?”
Unfortunately, the answer isn’t so cut and dry. How long it takes to see your collagen supplements kick in varies due to several factors. Luckily, this is our area of expertise.
If you recently incorporated collagen into your daily routine (or have been considering doing so) and are wondering, “how long should I take collagen supplements?” we’re here to fill you in on everything you need to know.
Types of Collagen Supplements
Before we get into how long you should take collagen, it’s important to remember that there are different kinds of collagen products. And not all of them are made equally. Each is formulated with different ingredients and is delivered to your body in various ways. As such, results vary from product to product.
To give you a better idea, here are some of the most common types of collagen supplements you might come across:
Each has its pros and cons. However, some of these collagen supplements do work better than others. For instance, liquid collagen absorbs faster into the bloodstream than pills or tablets.
Bottom line? Answering “how long should I take collagen supplements?” depends on what kind of supplement you’re taking. The same goes for how much collagen you need.
A Daily Dose of Radiance
Before narrowing down how long you should take collagen, you’ll need to know how much of it you should be using. For the most part, collagen as a protein source is incredibly safe. But is there such a thing as too much?
Just as collagen supplements aren’t made equally, neither are we. Some people may need more collagen, while others might not need as much. That said, too much of a good thing, even collagen, is possible, but uncommon.
Although there are 28 types of collagen, the ones commonly used in supplements are:
- Type I
- Type II
- Type III
- Type V
- Type X
They generally come in three forms: Hydrolyzed collagen (collagen peptides, collagen powder, collagen hydrolysate, and hydrolyzed gelatin), gelatin, and undenatured type II collagen. As for dosage for adults, here are some general guidelines you can go by:
- Hydrolyzed collagen: 2.5 to 15 grams.
- Undenatured collagen: 10 to 40 milligrams.
- Gelatin: If sold as a food product, use serving guidelines.
That said, taking more than what’s recommended won’t necessarily yield faster results. Your best bet is to stick to the directions and recommended dosage on your supplements’ packaging.
If they don’t include any, you might consider switching to a different brand, like Forever Beaumore, that breaks everything down for you — from ingredients and directions right down to what you can expect afterward.
So how long should I take collagen supplements before I start reaping the benefits?
#CollagenGlow Incoming: Expectations and Side Effects
As much as we wish the benefits of collagen were instant, the truth is that it requires a little patience and consistency on your part. But, we promise it will be so worth it in the long run!
In terms of how long I should take collagen supplements, here are some estimated time frames for each area:
- Skin support benefits: 4 to 12 weeks (1 to 3 months)
- Muscle mass and strength (combined with resistance training): 3 months
- Less soreness after physical activity: within a few days
- Joint health support: 4 to 6 months
- Tendon support (combined with strengthening exercise): 3 to 6 months
- Bone-density support: 12 months
- Hair and nails: 24 weeks
Research is lacking on whether you can overdose on collagen or not. However, that’s not to say that taking too much is entirely harmless.
Taking more than your recommended dose could potentially bring some not-so-ideal side effects of collagen supplements, like:
- Amino acid imbalance (causing headaches, digestive issues, and fatigue)
- Gastrointestinal problems (constipation, loss of appetite, digestive issues)
- Elevated calcium levels (causing bone pain, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue)
- Kidney stones (calcium oxalate crystals that build up and block your urinary tract)
- Scleroderma (skin condition resulting from an overabundance of collagen)
- Allergic reaction (resulting from hypersensitivity to excess collagen)
Maybe she’s born with it. Maybe it’s collagen.
So how long should I take collagen supplements before I get that #CollagenGlow everyone’s raving about? Short answer: it depends.
Your results could show up sooner or later — depending on your health, collagen dose, type, underlying conditions, diet, or genetics.
One way to ensure you’re not investing your hope in empty promises? By opting for collagen supplements from a brand you trust.
Forever Beaumore is where ancient Japanese beauty rituals and traditional ingredients come together with modern science and innovation. The result? Safe and effective beauty solutions rooted in time-honored tradition.
Don’t want to wait forever to see what collagen can do for you? Our Caviar Collagen Beauty Drink works in as little as three months.
Tag us on Instagram and show us your favorite way to sip to supple skin!