5 Signs Collagen is Working on Skin, Hair & Nails

While collagen is known for its beauty benefits, the signs can be subtle and take time to appear. If you’re taking a collagen supplement to support your skin, hair, and nails, you might wonder – how do you know the signs that collagen is working?

Whether you’re using Natural Marine Collagen, Collagen Liquid Advance, or Pro Collagen+, knowing what to look for can help you track your progress and feel confident that your collagen is doing its job.

Here’s what to look for as your collagen begins to deliver results.

First, what is collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It’s responsible for the structure of skin, hair, nails, and connective tissue. As we age, collagen production naturally declines, contributing to visible signs of ageing like fine lines, brittle nails, and thinning hair.

Marine collagen, sourced from fish, is recognised for its high bioavailability. It’s easily absorbed and used by the body. Learn more about marine collagen benefits and why it’s a standout choice. Plus, check out the 5 signs collagen is working.

5 Signs to Look Out For

1. Enhanced skin hydration and elasticity

Improved skin hydration and firmness are one of the earliest signs on how to tell if collagen is working. Collagen is important for supporting the skin’s extracellular matrix, which helps maintain its structure and resilience.

With Vida Glow’s Collagen Liquid Advance, designed for those who want a high-dose, fast-acting option, many users feel that their skin is plumper and more hydrated within weeks. This high-dose marine collagen formula is designed to deeply hydrate, leaving your skin visibly plumper and more resilient. If your skin feels more supple and your makeup applies more smoothly, take it as one of the positive signs that collagen is working for you.

2. Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles

Consistent intake of collagen and anti-ageing supplements can help soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles ⁵. This is due to collagen supporting dermal density which can be compromised with age.

Our Pro Collagen+ formula, which contains hydrolysed marine collagen peptides ¹ alongside powerful active ingredients like hyaluronic acid and lutein, has been clinically proven to reduce fine lines in as little as 6 weeks. This advanced formulation supports collagen production while delivering antioxidant protection ². Watch areas prone to wrinkles – forehead, eyes, mouth – for signs of smoothness.

3. Stronger, faster-growing nails

Collagen supplementation may help with fragile and brittle nails. When the body is replenished with the building blocks of keratin production, nails can grow stronger and resist breakage ³. Look for fewer splits, less peeling, and noticeably faster nail growth. This is particularly noticeable when using Natural Marine Collagen, which promotes nail strength with consistent daily use. For those with weak nails, combining your collagen with a fragile nails treatment routine can help amplify the results.

4. Thicker, shinier hair

If you want to know how to tell if collagen is working, observe your hair’s condition. Healthier hair can take time to show, but if you start noticing extra shine, reduced breakage, and thicker strands, it’s a strong sign your collagen supplement is doing its job. Vida Glow’s Natural Marine Collagen supports keratin formation and hair follicle health, contributing to stronger, healthier-looking hair. Users often report reduced shedding and fuller-looking hair after consistent use ⁶. You can also pair your collagen with targeted hair growth supplements for a boosted approach.

5. Improved skin tone and radiance

An even skin tone and natural glow are subtle yet powerful signs your collagen supplement is supporting skin health from within ⁸. You might notice reduced redness or blotchiness, and more consistent luminosity over time. Both Collagen Liquid Advance and Pro Collagen+ deliver these results thanks to their antioxidant and skin-evening ingredients.

Other signs beyond hair, skin and nails

Other than beauty improvements, collagen is also crucial in reduced joint pain, bone density, and wound healing. Users often notice less stiffness, particularly after exercise, and faster recovery from minor skin injuries. While Vida Glow’s collagen range focuses more on beauty benefits, those bodily effects are additional good signs that your supplement is working wonders.

How long does it take to see results?

While collagen supplementation results don’t appear overnight, consistent use does have visible improvements. Clinical studies have shown that Pro Collagen+ contributes to skin firmness and fine lines in as little as 6 weeks ⁷, thanks to its advanced formulation. It combines hydrolysed marine collagen peptides with skin-supporting actives. If you’re using Natural Marine Collagen, daily use over 8 to 12 weeks will result in changes in skin hydration, hair health, and nail strength ⁴, as the body gradually rebuilds its collagen stores. 

For those who want faster results, Collagen Liquid Advance is designed for accelerated action, with many users noticing improvements such as enhanced skin hydration and elasticity within just 4 weeks. You can learn more about how long collagen takes to work and the benefits that may influence these timelines, including dosage, lifestyle, and unique needs.

Tips to maximise your collagen results

Consistency is everything when it comes to seeing results from your collagen supplement. Make sure you take your collagen daily and follow the recommended collagen dosage. It helps maintain steady support for your skin, hair, and nails. With a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals, they can further enhance collagen synthesis and protect existing collagen. 

Staying hydrated is also important, as collagen works best when your skin and tissues are hydrated enough. Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of collagen breakdown, hence protecting your skin from UV damage is a major step. More importantly, avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol helps preserve your collagen levels.. It gives your body the best chances to maximise the benefits of collagen supplements.

Improved skin hydration and elasticity, fewer fine lines, stronger nails, thicker, shinier hair and a more, radiant complexion are one of the key 5 signs collagen is working. Over time, you might also notice benefits like reduced joint pain and faster wound healing. 

These improvements build over time with consistency and a healthy lifestyle. To get the most out of collagen supplements, keep track of your progress and adjust as needed. You can explore Vida Glow’s collagen range or learn more about the science behind marine collagen.

Sources:

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2. Reilly, David M., and Jennifer Lozano. "Skin Collagen through the Lifestages: Importance for Skin Health and Beauty." Plastic and Aesthetic Research, vol. 8, 2021, article 2. OA Publishing, https://doi.org/10.20517/2347-9264.2020.153.
   
   

3. Hexsel, Doris, et al. "Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, vol. 16, no. 4, 2017, pp. 520–526. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12393
   
   

4. Siahaan, Evi Amelia, et al. "Potential Cosmetic Active Ingredients Derived from Marine By-Products." Marine Drugs, vol. 20, no. 12, 2022, article 734. MDPI, https://www.mdpi.com/1660-3397/20/12/734
   
   

5. Evans, Malkanthi, et al. "A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study to evaluate the efficacy of a freshwater marine collagen on skin wrinkles and elasticity." Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, vol. 20, no. 3, 2020, pp. 385–390. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13676
   
   

6. Oesser, Steffen. "The Oral Intake of Specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides Has a Positive Effect on Hair Thickness." Nutrafoods, vol. 19, 2020, pp. 9–14, https://doi.org/10.17470/NF-020-0019.
   
   

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