Hair & skin are primarily made up of collagen protein. This fact has been commercially exploited to recommend collagen supplements to public for hair and skin health. It is promoted that collagen supplements, improve skin and texture & strength of hair. If you search YouTube for collagen supplements, you will see hundreds of videos by self styled health experts highlighting the merits of collagen supplementation for improving skin and hair health. Even large number of doctors including dermatologists recommend collagen supplements.
In this post we will scientifically analyze whether collagen supplementation improves hair and skin health. One study “Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study”. is often quoted as proof of benefits of collagen supplementation. The study was sponsored by the manufacturer.
The study appears to be very impressive proof of beneficial effects of collagen supplementation, however, when the study is scrutinized, the bias becomes evident. The test group, was given ‘Elasten’ (a product manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline), while the control group was given a placebo. So far so good. Elastin is a blend of 2.5 g of collagen peptides, acerola fruit extract, vitamin C, zinc, biotin, and a native vitamin E complex. So the intervention group was given a blend of collagen, vitamins and minerals, while control group got nothing. To prove a causation between collagen and improved skin texture, all the constituents less collagen (acerola fruit extract, vitamin C, Zinc, biotin and vitamin E) should have been given to the control group to neutralize the effects of these compounds. It cannot be concluded with confidence whether the effect was due to collagen, or other constituents or both. But this study is quoted by all as support to collagen supplementation.
The use of collagen supplements for targeted hair and skin care is not supported by basic biochemistry and physiology principles. Whenever any protein is consumed, it is broken down as amino acids and absorbed. They are distributed to different organs based on the requirements and converted to requisite proteins by liver. So a collagen supplement will be broken down into amino acids and distributed to all tissues and not exclusively to hair and skin.
In my opinion taking taking collagen supplements for skin and hair health is waste of money because it is a costly supplement, its benefits are not proven and they have not been evaluated for the long term safety. If you want to improve your skin and hair texture, your diet must contain adequate amount of proteins and micronutrients (Vitamin A, D, C and B complex).
Do not waste your money on collagen supplements to improve skin and hair texture
Hope this article gave you an insight into use of collagen supplement for hair and skin health. Your comments, criticism and feedback are welcome.
