February 27, 2026

expert reaction to review study looking at collagen supplements, skin health, osteoarthritis symptoms and sports performance

A review study published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum looks at collagen supplementation for skin and musculoskeletal health. 

Dr Tamara Griffiths, President of the British Association of Dermatologists, and Honorary Lecturer in the Division of Musculoskeletal & Dermatological Sciences, University of Manchester, said:

“This welcomed review consolidates existing evidence, suggesting oral collagen supplementation may benefit skin integrity.  However, as indicated in the paper, a number of critical variables which significantly impact skin ageing, including UV exposure, smoking, sleep, environment and hormonal status, are not accounted for with any consistency in the existing literature.  This creates difficulty in the systematic interpretation of the available evidence.

“Skin hydration, which the review purports oral collagen may improve, is typically measured in the superficial layers of the skin (stratum corneum), via a mechanism known as trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL).  It is therefore surprising that skin roughness was not simultaneously improved, as this is reflected by stratum corneum uniformity and hydration.  It can also be impacted by the use of topical moisturisers, another variable omitted from consideration.

“Dermal matrix degradation is a hallmark of skin ageing, leading to wrinkles and thinning of the skin, and ultimately skin frailty with easy tearing and poor wound healing.  Any measures to postpone these changes would be beneficial, but further data with targeted, robust dermatological studies are required to build on the promise raised by this systematic review.”

‘Collagen Supplementation for Skin and Musculoskeletal Health: An Umbrella Review of Meta-analyses on Elasticity, Hydration, and Structural Outcomes’ by Roshan Ravindran et al. was published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum at 00:01 UK time on Friday 27 February 2026. 

DOI: 10.1093/asjof/ojag018/8446510

Declared interests

Dr Tamara Griffiths: “Shareholder and Director of skincare company The Skin Diary (start up in collaboration with University of Manchester).

Developed Night Repair Therapy via University of Manchester start-up company (2012) now trading.

Trustee of the Cosmetic Practice Standards Authority.

Trustee of the British Cosmetic Dermatology Group.

Research grant Walgreen Boots Alliance (University of Manchester).

Clinical trials with Allergan, Nuceiva, Galderma (University of Manchester).”