19/02/2025
Clinical Trial Shows Improvement in Skin Collagen, Hydration, Elasticity, Wrinkles, Scalp, and Hair Condition Following 12-Week Oral Intake of a Supplement Containing Hydrolyzed Collagen
Background: Hydrolyzed collagen supplements are known to combat aging signs and enhance skin appearance. However, more clinical evidence is needed to substantiate their effectiveness.
Aim: This study evaluates the efficacy of a supplement containing hydrolyzed collagen and vitamin C (Absolute Collagen, AC) on biophysical parameters and visible aging signs for skin, scalp, and hair, taken either daily or every 48 hours.
Methods: Dermal collagen was measured using confocal microscopy and high-resolution ultrasound. Hydration, elasticity, wrinkles, and clinical trichoscopy were assessed, alongside expert visual grading. Efficacy was recorded at baseline, week 6, and week 12.
Results: After 12 weeks of daily AC supplementation:
- Collagen fragmentation decreased by 44.6% (p < 0.01).
- Skin hydration increased by 13.8% (p < 0.01).
- Skin elasticity improved by 22.7% (p < 0.01).
- Wrinkles decreased by 19.6% (p < 0.01).
- Scalp scaling improved by 11.0%, and hair count increased by 27.6% (p = n.s.). Clinical grading showed a 31.9% improvement in hair appearance (p < 0.01).
Conclusion: The AC supplement demonstrated clinical benefits for skin, scalp, and hair, whether taken daily or every 48 hours, over a 12-week period.
1. Introduction
Collagen is crucial for skin strength, stability, and resilience. As we age, collagen production declines due to intrinsic (genetics, hormonal changes) and extrinsic factors (UV radiation, pollution). This leads to visible signs of aging, including wrinkles and sagging.
Hydrolyzed collagen (HC) supplements are believed to combat these signs by stimulating collagen production. When ingested, HC is broken down into peptides, such as proline, hydroxyproline, and glycine, which can stimulate fibroblasts in the skin to produce more collagen.
Vitamin C plays a vital role in supporting collagen production by stabilizing the collagen triple-helix structure and cross-linking collagen fibers. It also acts as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals that damage the skin, particularly from UV exposure.
This study aims to provide authoritative evidence for the benefits of HC supplements on skin, scalp, and hair health, and assess their effects through advanced techniques like confocal microscopy and ultrasound imaging.
2. Methods
Study Design: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial following Good Clinical Practice principles. Ethical approval was granted, and informed consent was obtained from participants.
Subjects: 140 participants (aged 40-60) with visible signs of aging were enrolled. The majority (90%) were female. Participants had a Glogau Wrinkle Score ≥2 and a hyperpigmentation score ≥4.
Test Products: The AC supplement contains 8000 mg of hydrolyzed marine collagen and 60 mg of vitamin C. The placebo matched the supplement in taste, texture, and appearance.
Measurement Conditions: Various skin measurements (hydration, elasticity, wrinkles) were performed at controlled temperatures and humidity, using specialized instruments like the Corneometer® and Cutometer®.
Key Measurement Tools:
- Confocal Microscopy: Used to visualize collagen structure, density, and fragmentation.
- Ultrasound: Measured collagen in the dermis and calculated the ratio of collagen in the upper vs. lower dermis.
- Skin Hydration and Elasticity: Measured using the Corneometer® and Cutometer® to assess moisture levels and skin firmness.
3. Results
The trial showed that the AC supplement significantly improved skin quality. Key findings include:
- Collagen Fragmentation: Decreased by 44.6% in the AC group compared to placebo (p < 0.01).
- Hydration: Increased by 13.8% (p < 0.01).
- Elasticity: Improved by 22.7% (p < 0.01).
- Wrinkles: Reduced by 19.6% (p < 0.01).
- Scalp and Hair Health: Scalp scaling improved by 11.0%, and hair count increased by 27.6% (although not statistically significant). Clinical grading showed a 31.9% improvement in hair appearance (p < 0.01).
4. Discussion
These results demonstrate the potential benefits of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation, with significant improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, collagen density, and the appearance of wrinkles. The positive effects on scalp health and hair count also highlight the broader potential of collagen for overall skin and hair health.
5. Conclusion
The study confirms that hydrolyzed collagen supplementation with vitamin C offers significant benefits for skin, scalp, and hair health. Daily use of the supplement resulted in enhanced collagen content, improved skin hydration and elasticity, and a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles. These findings support the use of collagen peptides in anti-aging treatments.