Collagen may help reduce inflammation and improve skin elasticity in individuals with psoriasis. However, it is not a replacement for any treatment prescribed by your doctor.

Much of the evidence for collagen’s effectiveness in treating psoriasis remains anecdotal — and even then, the results are mixed.

Still, some people believe collagen’s ability to reduce inflammation could help decrease the severity of psoriasis.

It is important to note that collagen should not be used to replace any treatment prescribed by your doctor for psoriasis, but rather used as a complementary approach.

Countless collagen supplements exist, including some that claim to treat psoriasis. That said, research has yet to explore the benefits of collagen for psoriasis in depth.

Still, collagen may have some benefit for psoriasis treatment.

It may help reduce inflammation

The skin plaques that form with psoriasis are believed to result from inflammation, which can have long-term health consequences.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, 1 out of every 3 people with psoriasis go on to develop psoriatic arthritis, which involves joint inflammation. Psoriasis could even increase your risk of heart disease, with inflammation being a potential connection.

But 2018 research has suggested reducing inflammation in the body can help mitigate some of these health risks — and that’s where collagen comes in.

According to 2019 research linking psoriasis to other inflammatory conditions, including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and diabetes, reducing inflammation in the entire body may effectively help treat psoriasis.

It can improve skin elasticity

Some common psoriasis treatments, such as corticosteroids, may be harsh on the skin. For instance, corticosteroids can sometimes cause your skin to thin.

Collagen may support skin health. In particular, the amino acids in collagen promote the growth of strong, healthy skin. Collagen can also help reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Supplementing with collagen, then, may help you maintain the health of your skin while using the treatments recommended by your dermatologist.

You can take collagen in different forms, including:

You can find most collagen supplements and powders at your local pharmacy or grocery store.

Even though it is available over the counter, you should still talk with your doctor about whether taking collagen is appropriate in your situation. Your doctor will be able to take your individual needs into account when making a decision.

Note

While collagen injections may help reduce visual signs of skin aging, no research supports the use of collagen injections to treat psoriasis.

Types of collagen

While 28 different types of collagen exist, type 1 is the most common in your body.

According to a 2019 study on alternative treatments for psoriasis, some people use type 2 collagen, found mainly in eyes and cartilage, to treat psoriasis.

Collagen comes from many animal sources, including cows, pigs, and marine life, like fish. Marine collagen is often touted as the gold standard when it comes to supplements.

Bone broth is generally considered a high-collagen food, but 2018 research suggested that it may not contain reliable amounts of the amino acids that make collagen effective.

In other words, collagen supplements may offer a better option for getting more collagen into your system. Supplements contain anywhere from 2.5 to 15 grams of collagen per serving.

Keep in mind that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) doesn’t regulate supplements, so it’s always best to check with your dermatologist or another healthcare professional before you try a new supplement.

Generally speaking, experts consider collagen fairly safe for most people to take. It may cause mild side effects, including nausea or indigestion.

If you’re prone to kidney stones, you may want to avoid taking collagen. It contains an amino acid called hydroxyproline, which your body converts to oxalates. In some cases, this could contribute to kidney stones.

Additionally, collagen contains various animal proteins, which can cause allergic reactions in some people. You’ll want to check the ingredients of any supplement you’re considering to make sure it doesn’t contain any allergens that could trigger a reaction.

And since all naturally occurring collagen is animal-based, it isn’t suitable for vegetarian or vegan diets. However, some people who follow plant-based diets take vegan collagen or supplements that contain the same amino acids as collagen but from plant sources.

Again, it’s always a good idea to consult a healthcare professional before taking a new supplement, especially if you have any health concerns or take any medications.

Psoriasis may be a skin condition, but its causes typically run much deeper, with their roots in inflammation and your immune response. In other words, collagen supplements alone likely won’t cure psoriasis.

All the same, collagen can certainly benefit your skin and help soothe inflammation, so boosting a nutrient-rich and anti-inflammatory diet with more collagen could prove helpful.

Just keep in mind it’s always safest to check with a healthcare professional before trying collagen supplements.

Courtney Telloian is a writer with work published on Healthline, Psych Central, and Insider. Previously, she worked on the editorial teams of Psych Central and GoodTherapy. Her areas of interest include holistic approaches to health, especially women’s wellness, and topics centered around mental health.