I tried the £3 miracle drink that promises to take years off your appearance – a month later I can’t believe the results
FROM Instagram to TikTok, collagen shots are everywhere, promising to plump up your skin with every sip.
And if a drink doesn’t appeal, you can also buy collagen in gummies, powders and capsule form.
But are these wonder shots as effective as their makers would have you believe?
Collagen is a protein which contains important amino acids that gives our skin bounce and makes it feel firm.
Different types of it are found in the body, skin, bones, tendons and ligaments.
But as we age, levels naturally decline.
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“Collagen helps give the skin structure and elasticity.
It makes it look springy and healthy,” explains leading cosmetic nurse and independent prescriber Nina Prisk, of Update Aesthetics.
“But as a natural part of the ageing process, from our mid-twenties onwards, our collagen levels decline and this impacts the appearance and feel of the skin, which in time begins to wrinkle and sag.”
Trying to replace lost collagen is not a new thing.
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For decades, scientists have been trying to find a way to keep skin looking young.
“Applying collagen topically on the skin isn’t ideal because collagen doesn’t absorb well,” Nina explains. “Injecting collagen was used in medical skincare but that is no longer popular as it didn’t last as long as fillers and in some cases, it caused a reaction.
That’s why collagen supplements were developed.”
Improve elasticity
Many foods such as salmon, leafy greens, eggs, berries and pumpkin seeds contain the nutrients our bodies need to make collagen.
But some people may benefit from a supplement if they don’t get enough of these in their diet.
Collagen drinks have flooded the market and many brands promise several anti-ageing benefits from improving hair and skin to repairing joints and even healing the gut.
There are three main types.
Bovine collagen is sourced from beef cattle, plant-based collagen is made from sources that make up a protein and have high levels of vitamins and fat to boost your body’s collagen production, while marine collagen usually comes from fish skin, scales and bones.
“Marine collagen supplements absorb well into the body,” Nina says.
“Bovine collagen is slightly cheaper. Research is ongoing but it’s believed that marine collagen is absorbed into the body more easily than bovine.”
Nina recommends speaking to your GP before taking any collagen as there are some potential side-effects including bloating, hypercalcaemia, constipation, bone pain, tiredness, irregular heart rhythms and hypersensitivity to allergens or food and diarrhoea.
But there is some evidence they work.
Numerous studies have found they can improve skin elasticity and dermal collagen density but the best dose and duration are yet to be determined.
“There is ongoing research about the most effective ways to ingest collagen and there are pros and cons to each method,” Nina explains.
“Gummies and capsules are preferable for many people in terms of convenience, however it is important to check the serving size as one pill or gummy doesn’t always equate to your recommended daily amount.
“There is also concern that while pills and gummies are more convenient, they might not be absorbed as easily as collagen that comes in liquid or powder form.
“Collagen drinks are good for hydration, and because they’re made up of collagen peptides, some of it has been broken down into smaller elements which makes it more easily absorbed.”
With Nina’s advice in mind, mum-of-three Lynsey Hope, 41, from West Malling, Kent, tried out a £3-a-day collagen shot for one month to the effect on her skin.
Here, she shares her diary of what happened.
WEEK 1
I HAVE three children, Jacob, eight, Olive, five and Ivy, two, and the early mornings are starting to take their toll on my face.
While I’ve always been reasonably happy with my skin, since hitting my 40s, I can see more fine lines and wrinkles appearing and my skin is losing the elasticity it once had.
I’ve never much believed in miracle cures but agreed to try LQ Collagen for four weeks.
These little shots from Boots cost £30 for a ten-day supply so it costs roughly £3 a day.
When these shots launched they sold out in 24 hours. I was excited to find out if they lived up to all the hype.
They contain marine collagen — basically fish skin and bones — which doesn’t sound terribly appealing but I’m happy to try them anyway if they’ll take a few years off my appearance.
It’s a small 50ml bottle which you shake before drinking.
These are passion fruit flavour but it’s awful. It’s like rotting fish trying to be disguised in sweet juice.
After the first one, I look at my skin, taking in the lines under my eyes and on the forehead and hope to see a difference soon.
After seven days, I can’t say I noticed much and was wondering whether it was worth shelling out on more.
WEEK 2
I STILL didn’t see much difference in my skin, though my nails were beginning to look better and felt less brittle.
As well as the collagen and vitamins, these also contain selenium which is good for nails.
My hair also looked fuller so I ordered a second box.
I’d have a good look at my skin every day in the mirror but couldn’t really say I noticed a great deal of difference.
By the middle of week two, I tested positive for Covid and though I didn’t feel particularly unwell with it, it didn’t help my skin as I looked a bit grey in colour and washed out.
I did start to get used to the taste, though, and the drinks were getting easier to knock back.
Some people claim to have experienced bloating, tiredness and diarrhoea while taking them but so far, I haven’t suffered any side effects.
I had to cancel a hair cut due to the Covid test but I didn’t mind as I thought my hair was looking thicker and fuller than usual.
One thing I really hated was all the plastic bottles which ended up going in the recycling.
WEEK 3
NOW recovered from Covid, my skin was starting to improve again.
I wasn’t sure at the start of the week whether this was down to the collagen shots or me shaking off the infection.
I had to order another supply only to find Boots had run out.
Amazon stock them and Holland & Barrett sell a smaller bottle so they’re easy enough to get hold of.
In terms of convenience, I found the shots quite easy.
I wouldn’t have wanted to mess around mixing up powders and probably would have forgotten to take them.
Drinking these quickly became part of my morning routine.
By the middle of week three, I thought my complexion had really improved.
My skin looked bright and clear and it felt firm.
The biggest difference could be seen on the skin under my eyes and at the top of my cheekbone, it was looking plumper and more youthful.
My hair was shiny.
The results don’t come overnight but I was definitely starting to see an improvement and was keen to keep on taking them.
WEEK 4
AFTER drinking one of these every day for a month, I felt really pleased with the results.
I noticed a significant improvement in my skin and hair.
I’ll never enjoy drinking them — they are very sharp and it’s not a nice taste but it’s drinkable and if they can take a few years off my appearance then I’m happy to persevere.
The skin under my eyes was noticeably firmer and my bags reduced.
There were fewer lines in my forehead and around my lips.
My complexion was much better and I had several people tell me my skin was glowing.
My hair was thicker and felt glossy and soft.
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But they’re expensive — £3 a day may not sound much but for a month’s supply you’re looking at about £90, which is more than most of us can afford right now.
I’m going to keep drinking them but may only use them every other month or when my skin is looking a bit lacklustre and in need of a pick me up.