Are Collagen Coffee Creamers Really Good For You?

By now you've probably come across the growing number of celebrities and social media influencers bragging about how powdered collagen has changed their lives. The claims can range from improving skin texture, strengthening hair and nails, and even increasing energy levels. But are collagen add-in powders and coffee creamers really all they've been chalked up to be? Let's get to the facts.

There is no denying the importance of collagen throughout the body, particularly for the skin. Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the body and is responsible, along with elastin, for giving your skin its "plumpness" (via Health). The bad news is that around the age of 25, natural levels of collagen start to decline, which can cause fine lines, duller skin, and creaky joints. The idea behind ingestible collagen is that it can supplement your body's natural collagen, thus preventing or slowing down some of the physical signs of aging. In theory, it makes  sense, but the scientific backing is not so strong.

Drs. Lindsey Zubritsky and Ranella Hirsch, both board-certified dermatologists, told Byrdie, the science behind collagen supplements is inconclusive at this current time. Dr. Zubritsky goes on to discuss a literature review published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, whose preliminary results demonstrated some short- and long-term benefits of oral collagen on wound healing and skin aging, but emphasized the need for stronger, more robust scientific studies before evidence-based conclusions could be made.

So while in reality the science behind collagen creamers and supplements is still up for debate, anecdotally many have noticed benefits to their overall well-being. The good news is there really is not very much downside to incorporating collagen into your diet. Most people experience no side effects and when they do, it is usually mild abdominal fullness or heartburn.

Drs. Zubritsky and Hirsch continue to emphasize the importance of more traditional anti-aging measures such as, wearing sunscreen regularly, eating an antioxidant-rich, well-balanced diet, not smoking, and using retinoid products, to name a few. So if you've been influenced to buy that new flavored collagen creamer to spice up your latte, feel free to try it, just be realistic with your expectations.