As the most abundant protein in the body, collagen is widely recognised for playing a crucial role in maintaining the structure, elasticity, and hydration of the skin.
Published Jul 23, 2024 | 12:24 AM ⚊ Updated Jul 23, 2024 | 4:51 AM
Collagen supplements. (Creative Commons)
Malayalam actress Aishwarya Lekshmi, who is also a doctor, recently shared on her Instagram story about her use of collagen. She said that she uses collagen supplements for her skin.
In the short video shared on her story, she said, “So, there’s one thing that I always include in my morning routine, and if I can’t have it, I feel quite sad. It’s collagen. I used to mix it with oat milk, but when I wanted to manage my morning sugar levels, I switched to almond milk.”
“I just wanted to share this information with you. This is not an advertisement in any way,” she added..
However, she pointed out that there’s no evidence or research to suggest that taking collagen orally improves skin health or bone health.
Noting the anecdotal evidence, she added, “However, I know skin doctors who have been using collagen for over 10 years, and their skin looks amazing. This is also influenced by the number of hours of sleep you get, stress levels, and being mindful of what you consume.”
“I take my collagen in the morning and avoid eating anything for 30 minutes afterwards. If it works for you, try incorporating it into your routine, and I hope it helps,” she said.
Now comes the question, does collagen help improve skin health? And can Aishwarya Lekshmi’s suggestion be taken at face value?
Collagen is a protein that serves as a key structural component in various tissues throughout the body. It is found in skin, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage. Collagen provides strength, elasticity, and support to these tissues, helping to maintain their structure and function.
There are several types of collagen, but the most common ones in the human body are:
Collagen production naturally decreases with age, which can lead to common signs of ageing like wrinkles and joint pain. This is why collagen supplements and treatments are often used to support skin health and joint function.
As the most abundant protein in the body, collagen is widely recognised for playing a crucial role in maintaining the structure, elasticity, and hydration of the skin.
Here are some key points regarding collagen’s use for skin health:
Claimed benefits of collagen for skin health
Kochi based Hepatologist Dr Cyriac Abby Philips said that even though a recent high-quality meta-analysis (highest level of evidence) demonstrated no evidence that collagen use can make one’s skin “look healthier” in the long term some meta-analyses suggested that short-term of hydrolyzed collagen for 90 days reduced skin wrinkling by improving elasticity and hydration when compared to placebo
“The perfect dose and duration and type of collagen— collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen that can actually improve skin appearance is still unknown (because studies have used various formulations, different durations and in different types of people),” he said on X.
Someone shared this video with me and asked me for my comments.
If celebrities want to provide health information on supplements to the public and their non-medical followers, the least they should do, is to do it the way she does. Aiswarya Lekshmi is an actress and a doctor… pic.twitter.com/mJsdqyTKZ5
— TheLiverDoc (@theliverdr) July 20, 2024
Speaking on the types of collagen and their sources, Dr Philips noted, that some experts mention that for skin health, one should consume collagen types 1 and 3, and for joint inflammation, type 2 collagen, while others mention that type 2 collagen use will suffice for overall benefits on joints and skin. While some other formulations have multi-collagen.
“These are the confusing aspects which makes us understand that we know little about what supplementing oral collagen can really do for us and as rightly mentioned by Dr Lekshmi, there is no research to prove this with conclusiveness,” said Dr Philips.
He also pointed out that people should know about their collagen sources.
“Collagen of all types is available from only bovine sources (mostly type 1 and 2, naturally occurring collagen found in the cartilage, bones, and hides of cows).”
“While marine collagen (sourced from fish – typically from the skin of wild-caught cod that are not at risk of being endangered) is mostly type 1 collagen. There is no plant source of Collagen. So vegans and vegetarians beware before taking that collagen supplement for skin,” said Dr Philips.
He also said that collagen contains an amino acid called hydroxyproline that is converted into oxalate in your body. “Too much oxalate may lead to kidney stones. So collagen use of greater than or equal to 10g per day can increase the risk of developing kidney stones. Those with a history of kidney stones or at risk of kidney stones, please beware of oral collagen use.”
On Aishwarya Lekshmi’s claim, he said that she clearly mentions that there is no research to prove her claims and that it is a personal anecdote regarding oral collagen use and skin appearance.
“She also provides insight into other factors— sleep hygiene, diet and environmental stressors that can impact skin health— this is a wholesome discussion. Dr Lekshmi does not endorse a particular brand and advises people to research brands on their own. She cites her source of anecdotal information as Dermatologists (not chiropractors or wellness frauds). This is a better way to communicate health information,” he said.
(Edited by Sumavarsha Kandula)
