Who Should Take Collagen and When Is the Right Time to Start?

Collagen is one of the most commonly used supplements for skin and joints, but the question patients most frequently ask is not what collagen is, but whether they specifically need it and when they should start. In this final part of the series on collagen, Dr Ivica Jeremić explains who supplementation is recommended for, in which life situations it makes the most sense and what one should realistically expect.

When is the best time to take collagen?

Follow the product instructions and take it at a time that fits your routine.

What is collagen good for?

Hydrolysed collagen (types I and III) has been the most researched for the skin. In studies, it has improved skin hydration and elasticity, and many people also notice firmer nails. Native type II collagen is used for osteoarthritis, where it can help alleviate joint pain and stiffness. Collagen does not replace medical treatment and does not work overnight. The effect is assessed after about three months of regular use. Read more about what the studies show in the text collagen peptides.

Who should take beauty collagen for the skin?

The so-called beauty collagens, intended for maintaining skin health, according to Dr Jeremić are most suitable for people who notice that their skin feels dry, loss of elasticity and the appearance of the first fine lines. It has also been shown that collagen can help people with brittle nails. Dr Jeremić particularly emphasises that it is important to start supplementation after entering the menopause. At the same time, he points out that the starting time is individual: there are people who will never be interested in this, while others will want to react very early on. In other words, there is no single recipe for everyone — the decision depends on what the individual notices and what they want to improve.

Is 30 too early?

There is a common fear that collagen supplementation at a younger age is “premature”. The answer is clear: there is no need to worry if younger people start taking it. To the specific question of whether it is too early at 30, the answer is essentially no. In studies, collagen has not shown serious side effects. Starting at a younger age is therefore not a cause for concern.

Collagen for joints and osteoarthritis

When it comes to collagen for joints, the primary indication is osteoarthritis, or knee osteoarthritis. This refers to joint wear and tear, which in most people typically occurs around the age of 40, and in some starts as early as 35. The right time to start is after the onset of the first symptoms. These are usually pain when initiating movement — when, after prolonged sitting, one feels knee pain — as well as pain in the hands due to hand osteoarthritis. If collagen is introduced early enough, it makes sense. The same applies to glucosamines and chondroitins: they help with mild to moderate symptoms. In advanced osteoarthritis, they will not be of much help. For athletes and people whose joints are subjected to increased loads, it makes sense to start earlier. Professional sport has proven to be one of the strongest risk factors for the development of joint osteoarthritis — almost every footballer will have knee problems after the age of 40 due to injuries accumulated during their career. Therefore, if joint injuries have already occurred, it makes sense to introduce supplementation earlier. Hydrolysed collagen supplements can be taken before training, i.e., before physical activity, and studies have shown that taking them before training increases collagen production.

Hyperelastic and hypermobile joints

A special group consists of people with hyperelastic or hypermobile joints — those who have a greater range of movement than usual. Such individuals are very prone to injuries: if they do not exercise, joint pain occurs, and even slight overexertion can easily lead to injury. Precisely for this reason, they fall into the category of candidates for whom collagen supplementation should be started relatively early.

How long does it take to see the effects?

It takes roughly three months to assess the effects. In practice, many people notice even sooner that their nails are stronger and less prone to splitting, and that their skin and hair look better. For some people, it takes longer, but the optimal period for evaluation is about three months. Realistic expectations therefore require patience — effects are not measured in days, but in months.

Safety: what to look out for

Collagen is well tolerated and has no serious side effects. In very sensitive individuals, when higher doses are taken, stomach discomfort may occur, but this usually happens with preparations that are not sufficiently hydrolysed. Before starting, it is useful to check a few things. First, allergies — whether a person is allergic to fish, seafood or beef — and pay attention to the source of the collagen accordingly. Second, the composition: some commercial preparations contain additives such as sugar and sweeteners, and this should be taken into account. Collagen is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, not because of proven harm, but because it has not been studied in this population and because most supplements are avoided during that period out of caution.

Types of collagen and the role of doctors and pharmacists

Finally, it is worth recalling the differences between the types. Types I and III are found in the skin, bones and nails, while type II is linked to cartilage and joints. Hydrolysed collagen provides peptides, and the native type works by inducing immune tolerance. The role of the doctor and pharmacist is to assess for which purpose the patient needs collagen and, in accordance with that goal, to choose the appropriate preparation. The advice does not stop at the choice of supplement: the patient should always be advised on how to live healthily, in order to preserve their own, endogenous collagen as well.

Drinking collagen – yes or no?

Yes, if there is a clear reason: dry skin and loss of elasticity, brittle nails or early osteoarthritis. It is important to choose the right type (types of collagen) and) and to be patient. No, if collagen is expected to solve wrinkles, sagging skin or advanced arthrosis on its own. Then an examination and a different approach are needed. For facial skin, these can be treatments like collagen stimulators.Collagen is not recommended during pregnancy and breastfeeding, as it has not been tested in those periods.

Conclusion

The answer to the question of who collagen is recommended for and when to start is not a one-size-fits-all — it depends on the skin, joints, age, stress levels and what the individual wants to achieve. What they all have in common is that starting on time, realistic expectations and a healthy lifestyle form the foundation. Supplements work from the inside and gradually. When the goal is visibly firmer facial skin, a doctor may also recommend a treatment at a polyclinic: collagen stimulators They are injected into the skin and stimulate it to produce new collagen on its own. All of this is explained in more detail by Dr Ivica Jeremić, complete with practical examples. Watch the full video to get a complete picture and clear medical guidelines.