Collagen has become a buzzword in the anti-ageing sphere, and for good reason, too. The most abundant protein in the human body, it is produced by cells deep in the dermis to give the skin structure and support.
Over time, the body's collagen levels deplete, falling between one per cent and 1.5 per cent a year from as early as 25 years old.
This leads to signs of skin ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles, not to mention brittle and thin hair.
However, hope is not lost, as many experts believe that both topical application and oral supplementation can boost collagen levels as you get older, as long as you make it a habit – not a one-off.
Commenting on the rise of coffee shops offering collagen "beauty shot" add-ons, skin care expert Darcy Laceby warned that drinking one or two a week will not deliver lasting benefits.
While topping your morning smoothie or cup of Joe with collagen may have an anti-ageing effect, even reversing wrinkles over time, it can only work its magic if taken regularly.
Darcy, who co-founded Absolute Collagen, explained: "We love treating ourselves to the occasional morning coffee from your favourite cafés, especially when exciting new flavours are popping up every season.
"However, we're also seeing a rise in coffee shops offering a collagen add-on to your order with the promise of adding pep to your step and to your skin.
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'Taking collagen only once or twice a week will not give you the results you are looking for'
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"Don't get me wrong, collagen supplements do work to improve your skin, hair and nails. However, taking collagen only once or twice a week – such as with a coffee shop add-on – will not give you the results you are looking for."
Her warning comes as more and more people seek skin solutions in collagen-infused cuppas, with searches for 'adding collagen to coffee' and 'benefits of collagen coffee' increasing by 67 per cent and 50 per cent over the last year.
To truly reap the benefits of collagen, Darcy advised swapping your twice-weekly collagen coffee for a daily supplement, citing it as the most effective route to "radiant skin, shiny hair, and stronger nails".
"In fact, to see results, you'll need a daily dosage of collagen for at least six weeks, which allows your body to build up the proteins and tackle signs of ageing effectively," she said.
A daily collagen supplement can promote 'radiant skin, shiny hair, and stronger nails'
| PA"Taken every day, it is four times more effective at improving skin quality than taking it every other day."
The expert concluded: "This will not only provide you with better results but also save you from wasting your money on one-off collagen add-ons. Collagen isn't a once-in-a-while treat."
In conversation with Healthline, certified holistic nutritionist Krista Goncalves confirmed that oral collagen can provide excellent skin benefits.
"Diet plays a surprisingly large role in the appearance and youthfulness of your skin – and that all comes down to collagen," she said.
If you're looking to enjoy a collagen-rich diet, tough cuts of meat full of connective tissue, the skin of fresh and saltwater fish, bone broth, and gelatin all contain the essential protein.
Meanwhile, fish, poultry, meat, eggs, dairy, legumes, and soy may boost collagen production because they contain the amino acids that make collagen: glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline.
Collagen production also requires zinc (found in shellfish, legumes, meats, nuts, seeds, and whole grains) and vitamin C (citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, bell peppers, and tomatoes).
According to experts at Harvard Medical School, oral collagen (via supplements or foods) is "believed to be more effectively absorbed by the body" than topical treatments.
However, the researchers provide a word of warning, stating: "Some scientific evidence suggests collagen supplements can help improve skin elasticity, strengthen hair and nails, reduce joint pain, and enhance bone density. When it's taken as part of a strength-training regimen, it may also help boost muscle mass.
"But the research that's been done on collagen supplements is still early, and large-scale studies need to confirm these benefits.
"Talk to your doctor about your desire to take collagen supplements to get their take on the pros and cons."