An Overview of the Beneficial Effects of Hydrolysed Collagen as a Nutraceutical on Skin Properties: Scientific Background and Clinical Studies

Abstract

Skin, the main barrier to the external environment, is subject to deterioration caused by dermatological disorders, environmental conditions and the intrinsic ageing process. This damage to both structure and function may be accelerated by smoking, alcohol consumption and chronic sun exposure (extrinsic components). All these factors may lead to the formation of wrinkles, the appearance of brown spots and skin thickening. One effective strategy to managing the skin ageing process is adopting a healthy nutritional approach to life, maintaining a balanced diet and a good supply of food supplements. This can restore the homeostasis of macro and micronutrients and support the physiology of cells and tissues in the skin. Hydrolysed collagen, an increasingly popular nutraceutical, is composed of low molecular weight small peptides, which are easily digestible, absorbed and distributed in the human body. Numerous clinical trials have now been performed showing the efficacy and benefits of collagen peptides on skin properties, such as hydration, elasticity and reduction of wrinkles. As a result, hydrolysed collagen can be considered an important weapon in the everyday fight against skin ageing.

Collagen‐derived peptides modulate CD4+ T‐cell differentiation and suppress allergic responses in mice

“…This dose is physiologically relevant because approximately 100–140 μM of Hyp‐containing peptides have been reported as being detected in human plasma 2 h after ingestion of collagen peptide . Furthermore, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and other public organizations have recognized gelatin hydrolysate as safe . Overall, the present study suggested that collagen peptides seem to be a promising agent having both anti‐allergic and anti‐inflammatory actions in humans.…”

Nutraceuticals and skin appearance: Is there any evidence to support this growing trend?

“…Hydrolysed collagen (small collagen peptides with low molecular weight 0.3–8 kDa) may be systemically absorbed and distributed into different tissues including the skin (Sibilla et al . ). Animal studies, using radioactively labelled collagen peptides, have demonstrated that the absorbed peptides reach the skin (Watanabe‐Kamiyama et al .…”

“…Particularly popular is liquid hydrolysed collagen or collagen peptides (where collagen is hydrolysed into di-and tripeptides), as collagen in this form is thought to be more easily absorbed (Sibilla et al 2015). Hydrolysed collagen (small collagen peptides with low molecular weight 0.3-8 kDa) may be systemically absorbed and distributed into different tissues including the skin (Sibilla et al 2015). Animal studies, using radioactively labelled collagen peptides, have demonstrated that the absorbed peptides reach the skin (Watanabe-Kamiyama et al 2009).…”

Collagen: A review on its sources and potential cosmetic applications

“…It has been proven also that the collagen hydrolysate has shown bioactivities such as antioxidant properties, antihypertensive activity, lipid‐lowering activity, as well as reparative properties in damaged skin . Also, it has been observed that this particular presentation of collagen has a double action in the skin that in first instance provides the building block for elastin and collagen formation, and in second to act as ligands or binding receptors in fibroblasts to stimulate the prior‐mentioned components and hyaluronic acid …”

“…8 Also, it has been observed that this particular presentation of collagen has a double action in the skin that in first instance provides the building block for elastin and collagen formation, and in second to act as ligands or binding receptors in fibroblasts to stimulate the prior-mentioned components and hyaluronic acid. 9 It is important to mention that collagen has different types, and few efforts have been carried out to comprehend which types are the most suitable for cosmetic application. Through this review the reader can observe what types have been acknowledged until now, which ones are the most used in cosmetic industry, sources available, and future tendencies on the molecule usage in cosmetic industry in a general scope.…”