I’ve never been one to jump on supplement trends — especially ones that promise better skin, fewer wrinkles, and some kind of glow-from-within magic. The wellness world pushes a new “must-have” powder or pill every year, and most of them fade just as quickly as they arrive. Collagen felt like one of those.
Life Time provided me with samples of the LTH Rewind Collagen Elixir for this trial.
But over the past year, it’s gotten harder to ignore.
Searches for collagen supplements have surged, dermatologists keep weighing in on whether collagen actually works, and suddenly it’s not just influencers talking about it — it’s everywhere, from doctors’ offices to major health sites. Instead of fading out, collagen has stuck around, raising a bigger question: Is it actually worth taking?
So I decided to find out for myself.
For 90 days, I took a daily collagen supplement, skipping the powders in favor of a liquid shot (because realistically, I’m not mixing anything into my coffee at 6 a.m.). I tested the LTH Rewind Collagen Elixir — a product from Life Time, the athletic club brand that’s been expanding into supplements — to see if it made any noticeable difference in my skin, hair, or overall health.
Here’s what happened.
Does taking collagen really work?
LTH Rewind Collagen Elixir combines hydrolyzed peptides with hyaluronic acid, Lutemax Skinglo®, and vitamin C for skin and nail support.
(Becca Blond)
I had always assumed collagen supplements were just clever marketing, but science backs them up.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and is responsible for maintaining skin elasticity, hair strength, nail growth, and joint function. As we age, collagen production naturally declines, causing skin to dry out, joints to feel stiffer, and nails to become brittle.
Samantha McKinney, RD, CPT, a Master Trainer at Life Time, explains that not all collagen supplements are created equal. “It depends on the specific ingredients and quality of the collagen you’re taking, but yes, collagen can support the health of skin, hair, and nails. One way to ensure your product’s quality is to check if it’s third-party tested and that there are clear amounts of key ingredients.”
The LTH Rewind Collagen Elixir I took contains Verisol® and Fortigel® peptides, which McKinney says are research-backed for improving skin elasticity and supporting joints. It also includes hyaluronic acid for skin hydration and vitamin C, which helps the body naturally produce more collagen—a key factor many supplements leave out.
How long does it take to see results?
The first signs that collagen was working for me came at the four-week mark. My skin felt softer and more hydrated, but the most significant change was in my nail growth, which was borderline annoying. Because my nails grew so quickly, I had to shorten my dip manicure appointments by a week! But honestly, it is worth it for the strength and overall hydration
McKinney says this is common: “When you’re taking the right types of collagen at the right frequency, early signs include improved skin hydration and elasticity, reduced fine lines, and stronger nails. Many people also notice hair growth and healthier joints.”
Most studies suggest that collagen takes at least 4 to 12 weeks to show visible results, depending on dosage and lifestyle factors. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology found that women who took collagen peptides daily for 90 days experienced increased skin elasticity, hydration and reduced fine lines.
Is liquid collagen better than powder?
Liquid collagen shots are easier to absorb and more convenient than powders, which often require mixing into drinks.
(Becca Blond)
Collagen supplements come in powders, pills, gummies, and liquid shots. While they all provide similar benefits, I found it much easier to stick with liquid collagen.
“High-quality liquid elixirs, like our Rewind shots, are harder to find but designed for better absorption,” McKinney says. Hydrolyzed collagen peptides—also called collagen hydrolysate—are the most bioavailable, meaning they’re already broken down into smaller molecules so the body can absorb them more efficiently.
I had tried powders before, but I never stuck with them. Either I forgot to mix them into drinks, or I didn’t like how they changed the texture of my coffee or smoothies. The liquid shot fit into my morning routine without effort, which meant I actually remembered to take it daily.
Where does collagen come from?
If you’re vegetarian or vegan, you should know that collagen only comes from animal sources. Supplements are typically made from bovine (cow), porcine (pig), or marine (fish) collagen sourced from the bones, skin, or connective tissues of these animals.
McKinney explains that the most effective forms are collagen peptides (hydrolyzed collagen) because they are broken down for better absorption. Marine collagen is sometimes marketed as the “best” because it has a smaller molecular size. Still, bovine collagen is the most commonly studied and widely used for skin and joint benefits.
If you don’t eat animal products, there are collagen-boosting supplements that contain ingredients like vitamin C, silica, and amino acids to support natural collagen production, but they don’t contain actual collagen.
Is it safe to take collagen daily?
For most people, yes. “Taking liquid collagen daily is safe for most people, and consistency is key,” McKinney says. The biggest thing to note is that collagen isn’t a complete protein—it’s missing tryptophan, one of the essential amino acids. This means it shouldn’t replace your daily protein intake but rather supplement it.
McKinney also points out that quality matters. “Every batch of our collagen is tested for purity, contaminants, heavy metals, and microbes—which isn’t always the case with lower-quality brands.”
Final verdict: Is collagen worth it?
After 90 days, I’m convinced. My skin is more hydrated, my nails are growing like crazy, and I swear my hair is starting to feel stronger (collagen’s effect on hair is debatable, scientifically). While collagen won’t erase wrinkles overnight, studies—and my own experience—show that consistent, high-quality supplementation makes a difference.
The biggest lesson? Find a form you’ll actually stick with. The liquid shot made all the difference for me because I never skipped a day.
And if you start taking it, consider booking your nail appointments a little sooner than usual—trust me on this one.
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