Dermatologist warns millions taking collagen supplements - 'no good evidence'

Experts suggest that the remarkable rise in popularity of collagen supplements largely comes down to a combination of persuasive lifestyle marketing and the "beauty-from-within" movement. Consumers are also frequently reminded that the body's natural collagen production begins to decline from our twenties onwards.

However, the scientific evidence remains inconclusive. While clinical reviews suggest that eight to 12 weeks of daily hydrolysed collagen peptides may help support skin elasticity, hydration and joint mobility, evidence supporting the reduction of deep wrinkles, hair thickening or nail growth remains limited.

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."

She advises that a nutritious, protein-rich diet represents a far more effective approach. She outlines several crucial reasons for this position. She notes that the majority of existing studies on the subject are funded by the industry itself.