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Marie Lanen
Head of parenting sections (baby, pregnancy, family), psychology and beauty
Collagen, this protein important for the vitality of our tissues, begins to decrease from the age of 20. But when and how should we go about compensating for this natural loss? Maxime Barret, collagen expert, enlightens us on the key moments to start a treatment, the benefits to expect and the best practices to maximize its effects.
Collagen has become an essential supplement for people looking to preserve the youthfulness of their skin, the health of their joints or their general vitality. However, many questions persist regarding its optimal use. From what age is it really useful to consume collagen? What is the ideal duration of a treatment to maximize its effects? And finally, what is the best time of day to take it? Doctissimo and expert Maxime Barret answer the three most frequently asked questions about collagen.
From what age is it useful to consume collagen?
According to Maxime BARRET, co-founder of the TWENTY DC brand, Collagen specialist in France, “There is no exact or precise age at which it is recommended to start supplementing with collagen. The importance of collagen supplementation is linked to several factors that influence the natural production of this protein in the body. These factors include age, smoking, UV exposure, pollution and intensive sporting activities..”
Indeed, you should know that the natural production of collagen begins to gradually decrease from the age of 20 to 25. From this point on, the body produces about 1.5% less collagen each year. This decrease contributes to the appearance of signs of aging such as wrinkles and joint pain. Therefore, it may be useful to start collagen supplementation as soon as natural production begins to decline, around the age of 20 to 25, or in response to specific needs such as signs of aging or joint pain. Regular intake of collagen helps compensate for the natural decrease and maintain the health of connective tissues.
How long does a collagen treatment last?
Maxime BARRET specifies that “on average, the recommended duration of a collagen treatment, according to the consensus of clinical studies, is 3 months.“
The first months allow:
- Initial tissue restructuring: During the first month, the ingested collagen begins to restructure the tissues. The first cell regeneration generally occurs between 20 and 25 days. This phase makes it possible to obtain an initial response from the body to the additional supply of collagen.
- Recognition by the body: Once the body recognizes and begins to use the ingested collagen, the benefits begin to appear, although often still subtle.
During the 2nd and 3rd months, the treatment allows:
- Continuous supply: During the second and third months, the continuous supply of collagen provides a sufficient quantity to rebuild collagenous tissues effectively and sustainably. The results become more visible and tangible during this period.
- Tissue Strengthening: The accumulation of collagen helps strengthen the structure of skin, joints, and other connective tissues, improving their elasticity, firmness, and overall health.
When is the best time to take collagen?
“It’s time to demystify some preconceived ideas about the ideal time to take Collagen. Historically, recommendations suggest taking it either in the evening or on an empty stomach in the morning” explains Maxime BARRET before adding: “The idea of taking collagen in the evening comes from the belief that skin cell regeneration occurs primarily at night. In theory, providing collagen at this time could optimize regeneration. Some studies support this hypothesis, while others show no significant difference. In the absence of scientific consensus, it is difficult to firmly recommend taking collagen in the evening as being more beneficial. As for the idea of taking collagen on an empty stomach in the morning, it is based on the notion that the absorption of nutrients will be better at that time, before the digestive system is occupied by other foods. Here again, the studies are not unanimous. Some suggest a slight improvement in absorption, while others don’t see any noticeable differences. What experts agree on is the importance of consistency. Taking collagen daily for at least 3 months is essential to achieve optimal results. Consistency is more crucial than the specific time of day“.