Drinkable Collagen: Smoothness Sans Injections?

by Emily Disher

Beautiful skin starts from the inside out, and collagen is the primary protein responsible for smooth, fresh-looking, hydrated skin. Because collagen is so vital to healthy skin, collagen injections have become a popular method of rejuvenating the appearance of skin. If you’ve watched the luster of your skin fade with the passing years, but shy away from the prospect of needles and scalpels, you may have considered drinkable collagen—that is, if you’ve even heard of it.

Drinkable collagen comes in two forms: liquid collagen and a powder collagen that you mix with water or juice. All forms of drinkable collagen have a viscous texture and most brands of drinkable collagen recommend taking three doses per day. Distributors of liquid collagen claim that in addition to youthful skin, the product strengthens bones and aids in weight loss. Drinkable collagen has been very popular throughout Japan for its purported improvement of skin texture and appearance.

Because drinkable collagen is a new phenomenon, however, it has not yet been thoroughly tested. The makers of one brand of drinkable collagen tested their product on a group of women for only eight weeks. While the collagen concentration in the blood of these women was elevated after ingesting the collagen, the remainder of the test relied on “visual assessments,” not scientific data. Long-term side-effects, as well as long-term effectiveness, has not been measured. Currently, drinkable collagen is almost $200 for a two-month supply. If regular consumption of the collagen is required for flawless-looking skin, it will become a rather expensive habit.

If you are interested looking for the most long-lasting, cost-effective approach to skin rejuvenation, it is best to consult a licensed skin care specialist. He or she can help you evaluate various options to improve the beauty of your skin, based on your skin type, medical history, and desired outcome.

Popular Treatment Cities