When Should You Start Taking Collagen?

A clinical nutritionist's guide to the signs, the timing, and what to look for in a collagen supplement

If you've ever leaned in close to a mirror and wondered whether that fine line was new, you're not alone. Collagen is one of the most talked about nutrients in skin health, and the question I hear most is simple: when should I actually start?

What collagen does

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, and it's a key part of the structure of your skin, giving it firmness and bounce. Think of it as the scaffolding that helps skin look plump and smooth.

When collagen levels start to decline

Your body makes collagen naturally, but production begins to slow gradually from around your mid to late twenties. The change is slow, so you won't feel it happening. It tends to show up years later as skin that looks a little less firm and holds onto fine lines more easily. Sun exposure, smoking, high sugar intakes, poor sleep and ongoing stress can all speed that process along.

The signs many women notice first

• Fine lines around the eyes, forehead or mouth
• Skin that feels drier or looks duller than it used to
• Less "bounce" when you press and release your skin
• Makeup that sits differently in the lines

So, when is the right time to start?

There's no single perfect age. A sensible way to think about it:

• If you're in your mid to late twenties or early thirties and like to be proactive, this is a good time to start looking after your collagen levels through food, sun protection and supplements.
• If you've started to notice fine lines, that's a clear signal to begin, rather than waiting for them to deepen.
• If you're older, it's never too late. Consistency matters more than the age you start.

Whichever applies to you, give it time. Studies on collagen supplements typically run for 8 to 12 weeks, so patience is part of the plan.

What to look for in a collagen supplement

Not every collagen product is the same, and a bigger tub or a louder label doesn't mean a better formula. Here's the checklist I use as a clinical nutritionist:

1. A clear ingredient list. You should be able to see exactly what's in it and how much.
2. A form your body can absorb well. Look for hydrolysed collagen, also called collagen peptides.
3. Supporting nutrients. Antioxidants for example, plays a role in your body's own collagen formation.
4. No unnecessary fillers or additives.
5. Quality and testing. Ask where it's made and how it's tested.
6. Something you'll actually take every day. The best collagen is the one you stay consistent with.

Where Banging Beauty fits

Banging Beauty was formulated by a clinical nutritionist with that checklist in mind. It comes in easy-to-take capsules, with 90 capsules per bottle, and it's made in New Zealand.

What's in Banging Beauty?

The product's listed ingredients and amounts are:

• VERISOL bovine collagen peptides: 1100 mg
• Glycine: 500 mg
• N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine (NAC): 250 mg
• Hyaluronic acid sodium salt (sodium hyaluronate): equivalent to 122 mg hyaluronic acid
• Astaxanthin: 6 mg

No capsule replaces the basics, so pair it with daily sunscreen, good sleep, plenty of protein and colourful vegetables.

The takeaway

Collagen production starts slowing from your mid to late twenties, and fine lines are often the first visible sign. If that sounds like you, now is a good time to start, and to choose a formula you trust.