Dietary Collagen Supplementation as a Strategy for Skin Health: A Narrative Review of Clinical Effects on Skin, Hair, Nails, and Wound Healing

This narrative review evaluates the effects of dietary collagen supplementation on skin, hair, nails, and wound healing, highlighting potential benefits such as improved skin hydration, elasticity, wrinkle reduction, and enhanced hair thickness and strength. Collagen-derived peptides, especially low-molecular-weight ones, are noted for their bioavailability and ability to improve skin structure by promoting extracellular matrix remodeling. While some studies, including those involving 80 postmenopausal women, show promising results, the evidence is limited by short study durations, small sample sizes, and methodological weaknesses. The review calls for larger, high-quality, independently funded trials to confirm these findings and better understand the mechanisms involved.