How Soon Can You Expect Results with Collagen Supplements?
How long does collagen take to work?
If you're taking collagen for skin, hair, nails or joints, the most common question is simple: when will I notice a difference?
Based on published clinical research, reported timelines typically look like this:
- Skin: 4–12 weeks
- Hair: Around 8 weeks
- Nails: 8–24 weeks
- Joints: 3–6 months
Individual results vary, but consistent daily use at clinically relevant doses is key. Below we break down what the research shows for each area.
Skin: 4–12 Weeks
Facial skin is often the first area where people report visible improvements.
The Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published findings from placebo-controlled clinical trials investigating collagen supplementation and skin ageing.
One trial examining skin hydration found that collagen significantly increased moisture levels by 16% after 4 weeks, rising to as much as 28% after 8 weeks.
The same journal reported improvements in wrinkle depth, with minor changes visible at 4 weeks and reductions of up to 31.2% by week 12.
In a separate double-blind placebo study, women taking collagen peptides saw a 20% reduction in wrinkle depth after 8 weeks.
What this means: Skin hydration can begin improving within one month, with more visible structural changes appearing closer to the 8–12 week mark.
Hair: Around 8 Weeks
A clinical trial published in Nutritional Reports International examined subjects taking collagen for 62 days.
Hair thickness and strength were measured at baseline, at completion, and after stopping supplementation.
Results showed a significant increase in both thickness and strength, with women experiencing greater improvement than men. Interestingly, after collagen use stopped, hair thickness gradually returned to baseline levels.
What this means: Improvements tend to appear after approximately 8 weeks, and consistency matters.
Nails: 8–24 Weeks
Research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology reported that a 24-week trial of oral collagen peptides resulted in:
- 12% increase in nail growth rate
- 42% reduction in broken nails
- 80% of participants reporting visible improvement in nail appearance
Some participants noticed reduced breakage within 8 weeks, with more significant structural improvements over 3–6 months.
Joint Support: 3–6 Months
Joint tissue remodels more slowly than skin, so improvements typically take longer.
The Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition reported that 120 days of collagen supplementation improved knee joint extension and increased the duration of pain-free activity.
Further research in women aged 40–70 with knee osteoarthritis found that daily collagen peptide supplementation over 6 months resulted in a 32% reduction in joint pain and 44% improvement in stiffness.
This is where undenatured Type II collagen becomes particularly relevant. Unlike hydrolysed collagen peptides, which provide structural building blocks, undenatured Type II works through immune modulation to help protect cartilage integrity. Combining both mechanisms may support more comprehensive joint care.
What this means: Noticeable joint improvements typically require at least 12 weeks, with more meaningful changes often seen closer to 6 months.
What Affects How Quickly Collagen Works?
Timelines vary depending on:
- Daily dosage (many clinical studies use 5,000–10,000mg per day)
- Type of collagen used
- Your age and baseline collagen levels
- Consistency of use
- Overall diet and protein intake
Collagen works gradually by supporting natural tissue turnover. It is not an overnight solution, but rather a cumulative one.
So, How Long Until You See Results?
- Skin: 4 to 12 weeks
- Hair: Around 8 weeks
- Nails: 8 to 24 weeks
- Joints: 3 to 6 months
Most people begin noticing at least one visible change within the first 4–8 weeks when taking collagen consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to take collagen every day?
Yes. Consistency is important, as collagen works cumulatively over time.
What happens if I stop taking collagen?
Research suggests that some benefits may gradually reduce once supplementation stops, particularly for hair and nail thickness.
Is marine or bovine collagen better?
Different collagen types support different tissues. Marine collagen is rich in Type I, while bovine sources typically provide Types I and III. For joints, Type II collagen is especially relevant.
Can collagen support weight management?
Collagen is a protein and can contribute to satiety, but it is not a weight loss medication.
Want a collagen that covers both hydrolysed and undenatured collagen for joint support?
Peptigen+ combines five hydrolysed collagen types (I, II, III, V and X) with undenatured Type II, designed to support skin, hair, nails and long term joint mobility in one daily scoop.
- 10,000mg collagen per serving
- Multi type support for beauty and movement
- Mixes easily with no clumps
Plus we offer a 90 day money back guarantee, so if you do not see the results you are hoping for, you can return the empty packs for a full refund.