Collagen

How long does collagen take to work?

Updated 9 Nov 2026

Short answer

In trials, effects were measured after weeks to months. In one skin trial, wrinkles were smaller after 4 and 8 weeks.[1] A 2021 review concluded that 90 days of use improved skin.[2] Joint trials lasted 12 weeks to 6 months, and the bone trial 12 months.[3][4][5]

Sources (5)

  1. Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. Proksch E, Schunck M, Zague V, Segger D, Degwert J, Oesser S Skin Pharmacol Physiol, 2014. PMID 24401291
  2. Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis. de Miranda RB, Weimer P, Rossi RC Int J Dermatol, 2021. PMID 33742704
  3. Improvement of activity-related knee joint discomfort following supplementation of specific collagen peptides. Zdzieblik D, Oesser S, Gollhofer A, König D Appl Physiol Nutr Metab, 2017. PMID 28177710
  4. A randomized controlled trial on the efficacy and safety of a food ingredient, collagen hydrolysate, for improving joint comfort. Benito-Ruiz P, Camacho-Zambrano MM, Carrillo-Arcentales JN, Mestanza-Peralta MA, Vallejo-Flores CA, Vargas-López SV, et al. Int J Food Sci Nutr, 2009. PMID 19212858
  5. Specific Collagen Peptides Improve Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Postmenopausal Women-A Randomized Controlled Study. König D, Oesser S, Scharla S, Zdzieblik D, Gollhofer A Nutrients, 2018. PMID 29337906

More about collagen

What is collagen?Can you get collagen from food?What is collagen used for?Is collagen safe?Does collagen help joint pain?Does collagen help your skin?

For education; not medical advice. Talk to a doctor before you start, stop or change a supplement.