Collagen May Help Boost Skin Elasticity, Hydration, and Wrinkling

Skin naturally and gradually loses its elasticity, ability to hold and lock in moisture, and ability to produce collagen quickly and in large quantities as you age. A recent study suggests that taking a low-molecular-weight collagen peptide may help improve skin health by improving hydration and elasticity.

Participants in the study included 64 women between the ages of 40 and 64 who took either a type I collagen hydrolysate derived from fish or a placebo daily for 12 weeks. The supplement had a tripeptide content of at least 15%. Parameters of skin hydration, wrinkling, and elasticity were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks and 12 weeks.

The researchers noted significantly higher skin hydration values after six weeks and 12 weeks in the collagen group. After 12 weeks, visual assessment score and three parameters of skin wrinkling were significantly improved in the collagen group compared to the placebo group.

For skin elasticity, one parameter out of three was significantly improved in the collagen group after 12 weeks. When compared to the placebo group, two parameters out of three in the collagen group were significantly improved.

Researchers from CHA University in Korea led the study. It was published on June 26, 2018, in Nutrients.