FYI: This Is Why Your Collagen Supplement Isn't Working

When you invest in supplements like collagen, it's tempting to look for results right away. However, many collagen supplements take a few weeks (perhaps more, depending on the benefit you're hoping for) to show visible results—so remember, patience is key. 

You may have heard the term "fairy dusting" in the world of skin care before. This simply means including ingredients at such a small amount that they don't really have much of an impact yet advertising them as the hero ingredient. 

So when you're shopping for collagen supplements, you want to make sure you're getting enough of the good stuff, especially hydrolyzed collagen peptides (aka "no fairy dusting" of the main ingredient). 

In addition, your collagen supplement should contain vitamin C—especially if you don't take vitamin C supplements separately. Fun fact: Your body cannot effectively produce collagen without8 this antioxidant. 

Vitamin C is actually able to promote fibroblast production9, tend to damaged collagen DNA, and regulate collagen synthesis10, or the pathway in which collagen is made. So if you're not getting an adequate amount of vitamin C daily, your collagen production may suffer. 

To avoid "fairy dusting" in collagen supplements, make sure your pick has a large enough dose for the benefit you're after, and always look for a blend that contains vitamin C. (Plus, make sure to actually take it daily, as the research-backed benefits come from daily use.)