Certain supplements, particularly collagen and certain polyphenols, have shown effects on skin hydration or elasticity in clinical studies. However, the quality of the evidence remains variable, and results cannot be generalised to all dietary supplements.
In the absence of a deficiency, a balanced diet remains the priority for providing the nutrients needed for normal skin function.
Why are some dietary supplements marketed as “anti-ageing”?
Dietary supplements intended for the skin generally contain substances that contribute to its structure or function, or help protect cells against oxidative stress.
Collagen is an essential protein in the dermis, and vitamin C contributes to its synthesis. Vitamins C and E, carotenoids and certain polyphenols have antioxidant properties. Other supplements contain hyaluronic acid, fatty acids or a combination of several nutrients.
These substances therefore have a biological role in the skin. However, this does not mean that consuming them as dietary supplements slows skin ageing.
To demonstrate their effectiveness, studies must show a measurable improvement in humans, for example in hydration, elasticity or wrinkles. Scientific data remain limited for many supplements marketed as “anti-ageing”.
Is drinking collagen effective against skin ageing?
The effectiveness of oral collagen on skin ageing has not been clearly demonstrated. Some studies report improvements in hydration, elasticity and wrinkles, but results depend strongly on the quality of the studies analysed.
Ingested collagen does not directly replace collagen lost from the skin. It is digested into peptides and amino acids. Some of these peptides may then act on fibroblasts and influence the production of extracellular matrix components.
Several clinical trials have reported favourable results. A meta-analysis published in 2023 covering 26 randomised trials notably found improved skin hydration and elasticity after taking hydrolysed collagen.
However, an analysis published in 2025 covering 23 randomised trials and 1 474 participants qualified these results. When all studies were pooled, collagen appeared to improve hydration, elasticity and wrinkles. When only higher-quality studies or those not funded by industry were analysed, these benefits were no longer found.
Current data therefore do not establish that collagen supplementation actually slows skin ageing.
Can vitamin C supplements stimulate collagen?
Vitamin C is essential for normal collagen production, but vitamin C supplementation does not necessarily stimulate further production when intake is already sufficient.
A significant vitamin C deficiency disrupts collagen synthesis and wound healing. Correcting this deficiency therefore restores normal function. However, in someone who consumes enough vitamin C, additional supplementation has not been shown to slow skin ageing.
Vitamin C requirements can generally be met through a balanced diet, particularly by eating fruit and vegetables.
A distinction must therefore be made between correcting a deficiency, which is medically justified, and routinely taking vitamin C for anti-ageing purposes. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that healthy adults prioritise food to meet their vitamin and mineral requirements.
Can antioxidants protect the skin against ageing?
Certain antioxidants can help protect cells against oxidative stress involved in skin ageing. However, their effectiveness as dietary supplements remains variable and has not been demonstrated for every substance.
Ultraviolet radiation, pollution and smoking promote the production of reactive oxygen species. When produced in excess, these can damage cellular lipids, proteins and DNA and contribute to collagen breakdown.
Vitamins C and E, carotenoids and various polyphenols have therefore been studied for their antioxidant properties and potential role in preventing skin ageing.
A meta-analysis published in 2025 on supplements intended for photoageing found some favourable results with flavanols and other polyphenols. However, results were not significant for several other substances studied, including oral hyaluronic acid, lycopene and carotenoids for the outcomes analysed. The authors also emphasise that the number of studies remains limited for many supplements.
The presence of antioxidants in a dietary supplement is therefore not enough to demonstrate its effectiveness in preventing or slowing skin ageing.
Do hyaluronic acid supplements improve skin hydration?
The effectiveness of oral hyaluronic acid on skin hydration has not been clearly demonstrated. A few studies report favourable results, but the evidence remains insufficient to recommend this supplementation as a standard measure against skin ageing.
Hyaluronic acid occurs naturally in the skin and has a strong ability to retain water. Its quantity and distribution change with age, but this does not mean that orally consumed hyaluronic acid directly increases the amount present in the skin.
Several trials have studied oral supplementation using different doses, protocols and assessment criteria. A meta-analysis published in 2025 on dietary supplements and photoageing found no significant benefit from oral hyaluronic acid on the main outcomes studied.
Oral hyaluronic acid should not be confused with Skinboosters. These are injected directly into the skin and involve a completely different route of administration.
Are dietary supplements useful in cases of deficiency?
Yes. Supplementation is appropriate when a deficiency or insufficient intake has been identified.
Vitamins, minerals, proteins and fatty acids are necessary for normal skin function. A deficiency can cause changes in the skin, hair or nails.
In this situation, the supplement aims to restore normal intake. Strictly speaking, this is not an anti-ageing treatment.
For a healthy person whose diet meets their nutritional needs, routinely taking additional vitamins or minerals does not necessarily benefit the skin. The American Academy of Dermatology therefore recommends prioritising a balanced diet and reserving supplementation for situations where it is genuinely necessary.
Can you take several anti-ageing dietary supplements at the same time?
Taking several anti-ageing dietary supplements at the same time does not necessarily increase their effectiveness and may lead to excessive intake or interactions.
Dietary supplements can cause adverse effects. At high doses, certain micronutrients can become toxic, and some supplements can also interact with medicines.
Biotin is one example: substantial supplementation can distort the results of certain laboratory tests, including some hormone assays. The American Academy of Dermatology also notes that supplements intended for skin, hair and nails can have adverse effects or interact with certain treatments.
A dietary supplement should therefore not be considered risk-free simply because it is available without a prescription or marketed as natural.
Can dietary supplements replace a balanced diet?
No. Dietary supplements can provide certain nutrients, but they do not replace the nutritional diversity of a balanced diet.
Fruit, vegetables, pulses, whole grains, nuts and seeds simultaneously provide proteins, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. A dietary supplement contains only one or more selected substances and does not reproduce this diversity.
Studies on dietary supplements generally assess a substance or combination of substances over a limited period. Their results therefore do not establish that supplementation has the same effects as following a balanced diet every day over the long term.
In healthy adults, food remains the main source of nutrients. Dietary supplements can meet a specific need, but do not replace a balanced diet.
Are dietary supplements more important than sun protection?
No. Sun protection is much more important than dietary supplements for preventing premature skin ageing.
Ultraviolet radiation is one of the main factors responsible for skin ageing. It promotes the breakdown of collagen and elastic fibres, pigmentation changes and damage to cellular DNA.
No dietary supplement can compensate for the effects of repeated ultraviolet exposure. Even substances studied for their antioxidant or photoprotective properties do not replace appropriate sun protection.
Preventing skin ageing therefore relies first and foremost on sun protection, not smoking and a balanced diet.
What role should dietary supplements play in preventing skin ageing?
Dietary supplements may be useful in certain situations, but they are not an essential measure for preventing skin ageing.
Supplementation is most appropriate when it corrects a deficiency or inadequate nutritional intake. For supplements specifically marketed for skin ageing, the evidence of effectiveness is more variable. Oral collagen is among the most studied, but its benefits remain debated because of variable study quality and the possible influence of funding.
Prevention relies primarily on measures whose value is better established: sun protection, not smoking, a balanced diet and suitable skincare.
When signs of ageing are already present, certain aesthetic medicine treatments can target specific changes. Skinboosters act mainly on skin hydration and quality, photorejuvenation lasers on certain signs associated with repeated sun exposure, Mesopeels on texture and certain superficial irregularities, and Sculptra gradually stimulates collagen production.
Dietary supplements therefore play a secondary role in preventing skin ageing and cannot, on their own, stop skin ageing.
Article written by Dr Valeria Romano
Dr Valeria Romano supports each patient through a comprehensive approach to facial, body and intimate aesthetics, as well as skin and hair quality. Every treatment is based on a personalised medical assessment.
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