You’ve invested in your health and started taking a collagen supplement, but you’re unsure if it’s doing anything. What are you supposed to look for, and how do you know if it’s worth continuing? If you have similar questions, then keep reading to discover the first signs that your collagen is starting to work.
How long does it take for a collagen supplement to work?
It can take approximately 3 months for a collagen supplement to take effect. This is because it takes time for your body to absorb the supplement, build the collagen, and dispense it to your cells. As your cells renew, they will become refreshed with collagen, and you’ll start noticing a difference.
How long does it take for the Arella Vegan Collagen - Liquid Supplement to work?
In clinical trials, 80% of participants taking Arella Vegan Liquid Collagen saw a 13% reduction in wrinkles after just 4 weeks. Their collagen density was 4.7% higher than in week 1, and after just 2 days, collagen production in the fibroblasts doubled compared to the control.
However, it’s important to remember that everyone is different, and results vary depending on the individual. Age and lifestyle also can affect how long it takes to start seeing changes.
The tell-tale signs that your collagen is working
There are many things to look out for to determine whether your collagen supplement is taking effect. These changes can be a mix of external and internal factors.
Reduced fine lines and wrinkles
One of the first signs that your collagen supplement is working is a slight softening of fine lines and wrinkles. You start getting wrinkles and fine lines because your skin cells don’t contain the same amount of collagen to keep your skin taut and smooth.
Collagen is like scaffolding for your skin, and the scaffolding weakens as you lose collagen with age. This results in the skin sinking into natural creases, creating lines. You typically see facial creases around delicate areas of skin, such as the eyes, around the mouth, and on the neck.
When you take a collagen supplement, it replenishes your collagen supply, strengthening your skin’s structure. Skin remains lifted, which smooths the appearance of fine lines. Although a collagen supplement will not eliminate wrinkles, it does help the appearance of youthful, springy skin.
Read more: Our Vegan Liquid Sachets: The Best Collagen Supplement For Sagging Skin.
Hydrated, bouncy skin
Collagen helps maintain a healthy skin barrier (also known as a derma or lipid barrier). It’s made from the outer layers of the skin, keeps hydration in, and prevents excess water loss.
When collagen levels drop, the derma barrier weakens, and it struggles to retain moisture, leading to dry or dehydrated skin. This can show up as dry, flaky patches or an overall tight feeling on your face.
A lack of hydration can lead to inflammation and irritation, such as redness and acne. The reduced water content can also make fine lines and wrinkles appear deeper.
When you start taking a collagen supplement, you may notice reduced dryness and an increase in a smooth, bouncy complexion. The extra collagen contributes to a healthy derma barrier, locking in conditioning ingredients like moisturiser for a dewy glow.
Read more: The benefits of collagen for skin and hair.
Less achy joints
Your joints are supported by ligaments that are strong and elasticated enough to move every day while still retaining their shape. When collagen levels dip, joints can feel weak and become prone to injury. You may experience aching and painful sensations, which affect everyday life.
Collagen contributes to muscle, tissue, cartilage, and tendon development to help maintain joint mobility. The amino acids in collagen provide lubrication so your joints can move smoothly without feeling stiff or painful. Collagen also reduces inflammation to minimise swelling and irritation that can cause achy joints.
Read more: This Is The Way To Treat Joint Pain Quickly.
Faster muscle recovery
When you exercise, your muscles experience micro-tears, which cause sore muscles. These tears are perfectly normal and are necessary to improve strength and flexibility.
When you’re young, you usually bounce back from muscle injury because your body has the collagen needed for quick recovery. However, a decrease in collagen means it takes longer, potentially leaving you feeling achy and sore for days or even weeks after a workout.
Therefore, one of the first signs that indicate a collagen supplement is working is less suffering post-workout. Your muscles repair more quickly, getting you gym-ready again (whether that’s a good thing or not!).
Read more: Does collagen help with weight loss?
Enhanced energy
A lack of collagen is often followed by a drop in energy, and this can be due to multiple reasons. A common culprit is poor blood flow, making it hard for your body to circulate nutrients and oxygen for energy. It also disrupts hormone transition, impacting your stamina and sleep quality. But what causes poor circulation?
Your body faces everyday stressors that can trigger inflammation in your cells, narrowing arteries and slowing blood flow. Collagen contains antioxidants that help reduce swelling, but when you don’t have enough, the inflammation worsens. Not enough collagen can also weaken the structure of your artery walls and reduce the width of your blood vessels.
Collagen is an anti-inflammatory that protects cells from becoming swollen and aggravated and gives arteries structure and flexibility. This contributes to healthy circulation, increases your energy levels, and is often a sign that your supplements are making a difference.
Read more: Always Tired? Why You're Exhausted and How to Fix It.
How long should I take a collagen supplement for?
You should consistently take your collagen supplement for at least 3 months and continue every day to replenish your supply.
Read more: How much collagen per day should I take?
Increase your natural collagen with an Arella Collagen Supplement
The Arella Vegan Collagen Liquid Supplement is formulated with the world’s leading vegan collagen, VeCollal®, combined with multiple health-enhancing ingredients. With Arella Beauty, you can help smooth fine lines, get bouncy skin, feel fewer aches and pains, and enjoy better energy. Get your collagen supplement today.
