Are collagen supplements worthwhile for your skin?
Het Nieuwsblad, 9 March 2026
Do collagen supplements work for your skin? Dr Griet Voet in Het Nieuwsblad on the limited evidence, who they may be useful for and what to avoid.
Collagen is sold as powders, ampoules, sweets and creams. In Het Nieuwsblad, Dr Griet Voet and dietitian Michael Sels (UZ Antwerpen) look at whether these products do anything. From around the age of 25, our body makes less collagen, but collagen taken by mouth is broken down in the gut and it is unclear what the body does with it afterwards.
According to Dr Voet, studies show small effects at most, often measured in animals or through self-reporting. Supplements seem most useful for people with little protein in their diet, women after the menopause or those with thin, sun-damaged skin. If you do take them, she says fish collagen is the better choice. Plant-based collagen does not exist, and the experts advise against collagen creams. Not smoking, sun protection and healthy eating have more impact.
Key advice
Stopping smoking, eating healthily and sun protection do more than supplements.
If you do choose a supplement, preferably go for fish collagen.
Skip collagen creams: the molecules do not penetrate the skin.
“So your expectations should not be too high.” — Dr Griet Voet