Daily Collagen Intake Delays Visible Signs of Skin and Nail Aging

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The skin is the primary site where visible signs of aging first appear, reflecting both internal health and lifestyle choices. Its main roles include providing a barrier against external threats, regulating body functions like temperature and hydration, and contributing to immune defense and vitamin D synthesis.¹ Aging disrupts the balance between collagen synthesis and degradation, leading to reduced skin density, dryness, sagging, and wrinkles.² Nails, similarly affected by aging, show decreased growth and increased fragility.³

In response to these aging signs, dietary supplements, particularly collagen peptides, have emerged as a popular means to support skin and nail health. Collagen peptides are known for their high bioavailability and their beneficial effects on skin hydration, elasticity, and wrinkle reduction.⁴ A recent study aimed to assess the effectiveness of daily collagen peptide supplementation on skin aging and health within an East Asian population, given that skin responses to such supplements may vary based on demographic factors.⁵

Materials and Methods

The study, conducted from September 2019 to January 2020, involved 85 women ages 40 to 65 with signs of facial aging, such as dry skin, reduced elasticity, and visible wrinkles. The study was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial where participants were assigned to receive either collagen peptides or a placebo (maltodextrin). Both groups used the same moisturizing face cream and followed strict guidelines to avoid other skincare products or treatments. Measurements of skin and nail parameters were taken at various intervals (28 days prior to treatment, day 0 of treatment, day 28 and day 84) to assess the effects of the collagen peptides. Statistical analyses were performed to compare results between the treatment and placebo groups, using the following standard tests to determine the significance of changes observed:

• Dermis Echogenicity: Researchers used an ultrasound scanning of a randomly selected temple to quantify on a gray scale (0-255; higher values indicate higher density).
• Cutaneous State: A visual and tactile assessment was performed and quantified on a scale of 0 (none) to 9 (very high).
• Wrinkle Visibility: Crow's feet wrinkles were evaluated using photographs to measure their area, length, depth, and volume, with pixel data and luminosity differences analyzed to quantify.
• Self-Scoring: Participants performed self-scoring of skin beauty by visual and tactile assessment quantified on a 0 (not at all) to 9 (very beautiful) scale.
• Nail Color Assessment: High quality photographs were analyzed and ranked on a scale of 0 (black) to 100 (white) and a* (green to red) and b* (blue to yellow)

Results

The study stated ultrasound scans of the skin's temple area revealed that collagen peptide supplementation significantly increased dermis density over time, with a notable 6.3% improvement compared to the placebo group at 84 days. Clinical assessments showed that both groups experienced increased skin elasticity and moisture, but the collagen peptide group had a greater improvement in skin elasticity and hydration, particularly after 28 days.

Wrinkle visibility showed that the collagen peptide group experienced a significant reduction in wrinkle depth after 28 days, with both groups showing decreased wrinkle length, area, and volume after 84 days. Researchers stated self-reported skin beauty improvements were observed earlier in the collagen peptide group compared to the placebo group, reflecting the clinical findings.

Nail color analysis indicated that the collagen peptide group had less yellowing in their nails compared to the placebo group after 28 days, and there was no increase in nail darkness over time, unlike the placebo group.

Conclusion

The study found that daily consumption of 5 grams of collagen peptides can effectively mitigate age-related declines in skin density, elasticity, and moisture, addressing issues caused by collagen fragmentation. By controlling for variations in facial care routines, researchers ensured that observed improvements in skin aging were attributed to the collagen supplementation. Participants also reported enhanced skin beauty, aligning with the objective findings. The study stated that these results support the beneficial effects of collagen peptides, regardless of their source—porcine, bovine, or fish—on both skin and nail health.

References

1. Lai-Cheong JE, McGrath JA. Structure and function of skin, hair and nails. Medicine. 2017; 45 (6): 347–51. doi:10.1016/j.mpmed.2009.03.002
2. Cole MA, Quan T, Voorhees JJ, et al. Extracellular matrix regulation of fibroblast function: redefining our perspective on skin aging. J Cell Commun Signal. 2018;12(1):35-43. doi:10.1007/s12079-018-0459-1
3. Abdullah L, Abbas O. Common nail changes and disorders in older people: Diagnosis and management. Can Fam Physician. 2011;57(2):173-181.
4. Kleinnijenhuis AJ, van Holthoon FL, Maathuis AJH, et al. Non-targeted and targeted analysis of collagen hydrolysates during the course of digestion and absorption. Anal Bioanal Chem. 2020;412(4):973-982. doi:10.1007/s00216-019-02323-x
5. Vleminckx S, Virgilio N, Asserin J, et al. Influence of collagen peptide supplementation on visible signs of skin and nail health and -aging in an East Asian population: A double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2024; 00: 1-9. doi:10.1111/jocd.16458