Four-weeks daily intake of oral collagen hydrolysate results in improved skin elasticity, especially in sun-exposed areas: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Topical as well as oral ‘collagen’ is widely popularized and claimed to possess anti-aging properties for the past several years. Few placebo-controlled trials exist.

Objectives

Primary: To evaluate the effect of collagen hydrolysate (CH) ingestion for 4 weeks on skin elasticity. Secondary: To compare the effects of CH ingestion on skin elasticity between sun-exposed and sun-protected areas.

Materials and methods

This study was a prospective, randomized, double-blind placebo-controlled trial comparing the effects of daily intake of 5-g oral CH and placebo in post-menopausal women. Participants were evaluated for skin elasticity, using cutometer at baseline, 2 and 4 weeks after randomization and 4 weeks after discontinuation of study agents.

Results

A total of 36 participants were enrolled. Skin elasticity measured from left and right cheeks in participants receiving CH increased compared to placebo (p=.006, .03, respectively). After 4 weeks of discontinuation of study agents (week 8), skin elasticity measured from both left and right cheeks remained different between CH and placebo group (p=.01, .004, respectively).

Conclusions

We demonstrated significant improvement of skin elasticity in sun-exposed areas after 4 weeks ingestion of marine CH. The improvement of elasticity remained 4 weeks after discontinuation of study agents. There were no severe adverse effects during the study.

Keywords:

• Collagen
• aging
• elasticity
• photodamage

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

The authors wish to thank Ratchadapisek Sompoch Endowment Fund, Chulalongkorn University for the supporting grant.