Chasing Life — Can Collagen Supplements Make Me Look Younger?

Host: Dr. Sanjay Gupta (CNN Podcasts)
Air Date: December 2, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Dr. Sanjay Gupta dives into two listener questions: whether collagen supplements can make you look younger and the effectiveness of transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) for depression. Sanjay examines the science behind these popular health topics, helping listeners separate hype from reality and offering practical, safety-centered advice.

Segment 1: Do Collagen Supplements Make You Look Younger?

[02:27–07:41]

Main Discussion Points

• What is Collagen?

  • Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body—about 30% of your body's protein is collagen.
  • There are at least 28 types, with type I being the most common, giving structure to skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments—essentially acting as scaffolding.
  • The body naturally produces collagen, but this production declines with age, prompting many to consider supplements.

• Why Take Collagen Supplements?

  • The belief is that supplements can offset collagen lost with age, maintaining skin elasticity and potentially benefitting bone and joint health.
  • The basic idea: supplements deliver collagen, which is absorbed by the gut and may, in theory, reach tissues like the skin to boost collagen production.

• What Does the Science Say?

  • Some studies are promising but inconclusive:
    • 2021 Review (International Journal of Dermatology):
      • Analyzed 19 studies with 1,100+ participants.
      • Users saw improvements in skin firmness, suppleness, moisture, and reduced appearance of wrinkles.
      • However, many supplements included additional ingredients (vitamins, minerals, antioxidants), so it's unclear what ingredient triggered benefits.
    • 2023 Meta-analysis (Taiwan):
      • Reviewed 26 studies, finding similar improvements in skin hydration and elasticity.
      • Also noted the need for large-scale, randomized trials focusing on oral collagen’s isolated effects.
    • Some evidence suggests collagen could aid those with osteoarthritis by reducing pain and stiffness, but again, these are small and inconclusive studies.

• Caution and Considerations

  • Safety:

    • Collagen supplements are generally not linked to harmful side effects.
    • However, they’re often combined with other ingredients, which may interact with medications or be unsafe for pregnant or nursing women.

  • Skin Health Basics:

    • Dr. Gupta strongly emphasizes that the best way to preserve your skin’s collagen is not supplements:

      "Dermatologists say the best thing you can do to protect the collagen you do have is…to wear sunscreen every day and take good care of your skin." (06:20)

    • Avoid smoking and excess sugar, both of which weaken collagen.

  • Supplement Quality and Regulation:

    • The FDA does not regulate supplements as it does drugs; they are not pre-approved for efficacy or safety.
    • Dr. Gupta advises to buy from reputable brands and do your research.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Sanjay Gupta:

  "The thinking goes that after your gut absorbs the collagen from a supplement, some of that might travel to tissues like your skin, and then help boost production of new collagen there. … But now the important question, are collagen supplements going to really address all that? Are they the real deal? And truth is, there's not enough scientific proof to be certain of that." (03:55)

• "Next time you reach for that candy, think about your skin." (06:24)

• "You should know that the FDA does not regulate these supplements the same way they approve drugs. … When you talk about supplements, you do have to do your homework." (06:50)

Segment 2: Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) for Depression

[08:42–13:24]

Main Discussion Points

• What is TMS?

  • TMS is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment primarily for major depressive disorder (MDD).
  • It's generally recommended for those who haven’t responded to medications or psychotherapy.
  • Uses focused magnetic pulses to stimulate areas of the brain—specifically the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, which is often underactive in depression.

• How is TMS Administered?

  • An electromagnetic coil is placed against the scalp, delivering magnetic pulses.
  • Therapy occurs five days a week for six weeks, with each session lasting 3–30 minutes—a significant time commitment.

• Effectiveness and Safety

  • Outcome studies indicate:
    • About 60% of patients unresponsive to other treatments benefit from TMS.
    • More than half of these patients maintain remission for at least six months after treatment stop.
    • Side effects are usually mild to moderate (e.g., scalp discomfort, headaches).
  • Not suitable for those with a history of seizures, head injuries, or substance abuse (higher risk of adverse effects).
  • Most insurance companies now cover TMS.

• Advice for Listeners Considering TMS

  • Have a detailed conversation with medical providers to clarify treatment plans, expected commitment, side effects, and how TMS fits into overall therapy strategy.
  • Realistic expectations are key; TMS is not a universal cure but can be a significant option when other treatments fail.

Notable Quotes

• Dr. Sanjay Gupta:

  "TMS is a well supported, non invasive treatment option for major depressive disorder. It's FDA approved. It's generally considered safe, may have some mild to moderate side effects like scalp discomfort or headaches." (09:13)

• "About 60% of people who didn't respond to other treatments for depression did respond well to TMS. And in fact, more than half of those patients stayed in remission at their six month follow up." (10:45)

• "You know, TMS to me, especially as a neuroscientist, is a great example of how technology can provide hope to those who might feel stuck or out of good options after trying traditional treatments." (11:45)

Memorable Moments & Practical Takeaways

• Sunscreen and Habits Trump Supplements
  • Simple lifestyle choices—like daily sunscreen, not smoking, avoiding excess sugar—are best for skin health.
• Be A Smart Supplement Consumer
  • Supplements aren't tightly regulated; always choose reputable brands and, if possible, consult a healthcare provider.
• Ask the Right Questions About Advanced Therapies
  • Anyone considering TMS or similar treatments should go into appointments with questions prepared, including about duration, risks, and how it fits with existing care.

Timeline of Key Segments

• [02:27–07:41] — Collagen supplements: what they are, science, risks, takeaways
• [08:42–13:24] — TMS for depression: what it is, evidence, safety, advice

Final Thoughts

Dr. Sanjay Gupta emphasizes a science-based, safety-first approach to health trends. While collagen supplements may show some minor benefits, the evidence is far from conclusive and widely overhyped by advertising. Meanwhile, TMS shows promise as a safe, effective therapy for some cases of depression—when used appropriately and with expert guidance.

He closes by encouraging continued listener curiosity and input, reinforcing that informed, proactive health choices are the foundation of "chasing life."