This Is How Long It Takes Collagen To Work For Skin, If You're Curious

Now, the next question becomes: How long does it take to see results? Skin is outward facing, after all, and any changes (like a firmer, more radiant complexion) are relatively easy to spot. So how much time should you give your supplement before you make the final call on its efficacy? Here's what the science says. 

Allow us to start by saying that different health support areas have different benchmarks. For example, if you're looking for joint support, research shows it can take anywhere from 12 weeks to six months; if you're hoping for enhanced nail strength, the studies available were measured at 24 weeks3.* (Here's a breakdown of all the time frames, if you're curious.) 

That was a lot of science speak (told you collagen had a noteworthy breadth of clinical evidence!), so what does this mean for your supplement routine? Well, you can start to see results after the second month of use (8 weeks), but if you want full results, you should stick with collagen until at least three months (12 weeks). Again, that's assuming you're taking the collagen daily, but then you can assess whether or not it’s actually working—if it's not, you may want to double-check you have the proper dosage (research points to 10 to 20 grams per serving), a clean, high-quality formula with clinically backed ingredients, and the best types of collagen based on your needs.

When you incorporate a new supplement into your routine, it's important to give the formula enough time to work before you judge its efficacy. In the case of collagen and skin health, research suggests you give it at least three months before deciding if it's the right formula for your complexion goals. You may start to see some changes after two months (call it a bonus!), but be sure to give it the full 12 weeks before making the call. And if you still don't notice any results? Perhaps give another one a go—here's a list of our favorite collagen powders, just in case.