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Once & For All: Should You Start Taking Collagen Supplements In Your 30s?

Author:

Hannah Frye

June 08, 2023

Assistant Beauty & Health Editor

By Hannah Frye

Assistant Beauty & Health Editor

Hannah Frye is the Assistant Beauty Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in women’s, gender, and queer studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written across lifestyle sections including health, wellness, sustainability, personal development, and more.

Image by ohlamour studio / Stocksy

June 08, 2023

Given that everyone flashes their handful of capsules that "changed their life" on social media nowadays, finding the best supplements for your unique lifestyle may feel more confusing than ever.

What's more, knowing when you should start taking said supplements is a whole other piece of the puzzle. This is especially true when it comes to skin aging supplements, like collagen.

Should you start taking collagen in your 30s?

beauty & gut collagen+ powder

Before we dive into age logistics, let us clear up one thing: Research shows that ingesting hydrolyzed collagen peptides can, in fact, support skin elasticity and dermal collagen density 1—despite common myths that collagen supplements don't work.*

How? Well, hydrolyzed collagen peptides have been shown to help promote the body's natural production of collagen 2 and other molecules that make up the skin, like elastin and fibrillin.*

But of course, you don't necessarily need to take collagen supplements when you're 15 years old, so when does the collagen clock start ticking? According to research, your collagen production decreases about 1% a year 2 after your mid-20s.

That's not to say you need to spend your last dollar on collagen supplements the second you turn 25, but it is a good idea to incorporate them into your lifestyle earlier rather than later for the sake of skin longevity.*

A caveat: When looking for a worthwhile collagen supplement, you should be extra picky. These products run on the expensive side, so you'll want to make sure you're getting the best of the best. Below, a few tips to keep in mind when shopping:

Opt for bovine collagen peptides over vegan formulas.
Look for additional beauty ingredients like hyaluronic acid and biotin.*
Make sure vitamin C is in the mix (as it supports collagen).*
Find a formula you'll actually take every day.

If you'd rather not search high and low for the perfect formula, a safe bet is the mindbodygreen beauty & gut collagen+. This unique blend checks every box above plus many more, bringing you a dynamic blend of ingredients for healthy skin aging in an easy-to-use powder formula.*

Place a scoop in your coffee, add it to your morning smoothie, or try the rich chocolate variety in your overnight oats or yogurt parfait.

The takeaway

Your body's natural production of collagen begins to dip in your mid-20s, so it's best to start taking collagen supplements soon after that point if you can. Be sure to look for hydrolyzed collagen peptides and find a formula you'll actually take every day. For more information on collagen supplements (including full-body benefits) check out this guide.*

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medications, consult with your doctor before starting a supplement routine. It is always optimal to consult with a health care provider when considering what supplements are right for you.