At What Age Should You Start Taking Collagen Supplements? Our Answer

In the wellness realm, collagen supplements are revered for their science-backed and anecdotal benefits for the skin. Yet, when the popular ingredient is associated with words like "firmer skin" and "youthful," it can be tricky to know at what age you should start taking it. Let's look at how—and when—collagen supplements might fit into your routine.

As the most abundant protein in the human body, collagen is undeniably important—and consuming supplements could help up your body's levels. But if you're new to the collagen train, you might be wondering when you should hop on.

When it comes to collagen supplements, there isn't a "right" age to start taking them. There also isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. The optimal time for you depends on many factors, including genetics and lifestyle habits. (More on that in a sec.) With that said, there are some things to consider when deciding the best time to begin: 

For starters, your collagen levels naturally decline with age. Generally, this begins in your 20s and continues to decrease about 1% each year5. So, it's not a bad idea to start thinking about supporting your body's collagen levels early on—before they dip too low.

In terms of collagen degradation, sun exposure is one of the worst offenders. (It's also one of the easiest to change, by the way.) "UV light exposure causes generation of free radicals, [which] trigger reactions that damage healthy cells," explains Blair Murphy, M.D., FAAD, board-certified dermatologist. In the skin, "this oxidative damage breaks down collagen." Other harmful habits include eating excess sugar, smoking cigarettes, and environmental pollution. Even lack of sleep and poor nutrition can speed up collagen decline.

While you're at it, Murphy recommends defending your skin from sun exposure as early as possible. This will safeguard the collagen you already have and set you up for a lifetime of excellent sun protection habits. "It's easier to prevent collagen loss in the first place than to stimulate new collagen formation and replace it later in life," she adds. 

"Collagen is like the stuffing in your mattress—it keeps your skin plump and smooth," says Cheung. But since collagen production slows down with age, "it's never too early to start investing in your skin's health." If there's only one thing you remember, make it this: Collagen supplementation is a preventive measure. This means it works best before the onset (or progression) of deep wrinkles and severe sagging. So, if you're ready to get serious about your skin health, it's certainly worth thinking about taking collagen supplements and practicing other skin-friendly habits.