Collagen supplements have taken social media by storm, with countless users claiming that the health of their skin, hair, and nails has dramatically improved.
The wellness trend gained traction, especially on TikTok, where health influencers and doctors started promoting the supplement.
Despite its growing popularity, scientists remain skeptical about its benefits because the evidence is very limited.
But social media users continue to share dramatic changes, with some claiming that collagen supplements have reversed their apparent age.
Content creator claimed supplements were accelerating her aging in the opposite direction
TIKTOK / Aging gracefully
“This was me six months ago. Honestly, people mistakenly thought I was in my 40s, but now people think I’m in my 20s,” she told viewers before. She shared while showing the after photo.
The TikToker, who goes by @AgeingGraceively on the app, said she started taking collagen supplements after seeing multiple endorsements from influencers and medical professionals on TikTok.
What is collagen?
Collagen is an important structural protein that serves as a basic building block throughout the body’s tissues.
In the skin, it works with hyaluronic acid and elastin to maintain elasticity, volume, and moisture levels.
This protein also plays an important role in the formation of keratin, which is essential for healthy skin, hair, and nails.
Over time, natural collagen levels decrease, leading to a decrease in skin elasticity and hydration. This has given rise to the claim that supplements can restore elasticity even after a certain age.
Many social media users report improved appearance within a few months of starting taking the supplement.
Lauren O’Connell, a nearly 40-year-old YouTuber, is one of many influencers who claim her complexion improved in less than a month after taking the supplement.
Many users report improved skin texture
TIKTOK / Aging gracefully
“I, [supplement] “27 days ago, today the 28th, I’m going to spend it with you,” she said. “I didn’t notice any changes in my skin at first. It wasn’t until about the third week that other people noticed how my lips looked,” she says. ”
As the days passed, the changes in Lauren’s skin became more and more noticeable.
“I looked in the mirror and thought, ‘Wow, my skin definitely looks toned.’ It looked plumper,” she said.
Despite collagen’s growing popularity, scientists continue to emphasize the lack of substantial evidence supporting the effectiveness of collagen supplements.
