Should Brides Really Be Taking Collagen Before the Wedding Day? Experts Break It Down

Collagen has become one of those bridal-prep buzzwords that refuses to go away. Type it into a search bar, and you’ll get everything from powders that promise ‘glass skin’ to serums claiming to rebuild firmness overnight. Add influencers, nutritionists, dermatologists, and brides sharing their own routines, and suddenly the collagen conversation becomes a confusing blur of claims. Should you eat it? Should you apply it? Does format matter? Most importantly, does any of it actually work in the short runway leading up to a wedding?

To cut to the chase, we consulted three experts who formulate collagen products and understand the science behind skin repair.

What is Excalty Collagen?

“Collagen is the protein that gives skin its firmness, smoothness, and natural glow,” says Atul Rajani, Founder and CIO of Be. “But from our mid-twenties, collagen naturally declines, and wedding prep adds stress that speeds up that loss.”

There are some external factors that can also accelerate the loss of collagen in the skin, which include exposure to the sun, excess sugar intake, stress and pollution, among other factors.

This explains why brides suddenly find themselves considering powders, shots, serums, and masks as they all promise to rebuild what stress is breaking down.

Can Collagen Be Absorbed through the Skin?

“The secret to effective topical collagen isn’t using whole collagen; it’s using the tiny, powerful pieces of it,” says Romita Mazumdar, Founder and CEO of Foxtale. “Collagen molecules are too large to pass through the skin’s protective layer. That’s why we break them down into collagen peptides, which are miniature messengers that signal your cells to ramp up natural collagen production.”

Topical products, then, do not insert collagen into the skin. They are nudging the skin to behave more efficiently. Mazumdar explains that ingredients like vitamin C or PDRN are “collagen boosters” rather than collagen replacements.

“These don’t contain collagen,” she says, “but they act like a skin coach, motivating your cells to protect and produce the collagen you already have.”

When asked what format works best for the absorptions, “Serums are the true workhorses,” Mazumdar says. “They’re concentrated and target deeper concerns like firmness and fine lines.” Masks, meanwhile, offer instant payoff. “They give temporary plumping and brightness, which makes them perfect right before an event.” “Peptides, too, in lip care smooth fine lines and improve hydration so your bridal smile looks soft and crease-free.”

Should You Also Drink Collagen?

“Collagen peptides act as bioactive messengers in the skin,” says Dr. Renita Rajan, Founder of CHOSEN by Dermatology. “After you ingest them, small peptides enter the bloodstream and are taken up by fibroblasts, the cells that make collagen and elastin. That kickstarts a controlled repair response.”

This internal repair follows a predictable clinical timeline. “Most studies show measurable improvements in four to eight weeks, with the best visible changes around twelve,” Dr. Rajan says. “This is why I recommend starting supplementation ideally three months before the wedding, or at least four weeks ahead.”

But she also warns brides to choose carefully. “It’s important to know that not all collagen supplements are the same,” she says. “Some may not have clinical evidence for the results brides expect. Our TOR collagen uses research-backed peptides with published data specific to hydration, firmness, and tone, which are key for Indian skin.”

The Recommended Timeline for Brides-to-be

“What makes a real difference for brides is that collagen works cumulatively,” Atul says. “Starting eight to twelve weeks before the wedding gives the skin time to rebuild firmness and elasticity.”

But he stresses that collagen cannot work alone. “Vitamin C is essential for collagen formation and brightening. Sodium hyaluronate boosts hydration and plumpness. Antioxidants such as vitamin E, glutathione, astaxanthin, and sesbania extract  protect both existing and newly formed collagen from UV and pollution.”

"I recommend starting supplementation ideally three months before the wedding, or at a minimum of four weeks ahead for meaningful results. Consistency matters: aim for 2.5–10 g of hydrolysed collagen peptides daily, and building it into your morning routine (for example, with coffee) helps maintain that habit,” Rajani says.

Adding that consistency matters more than intensity. “Each format plays a specific role, and together they achieve comprehensive skin health and that unmatched bridal radiance,” says Mazumdar.