Researchers from Minerva Research Labs have published a paper reviewing “skin collagen production, structure and function throughout the lifestages, emphasising its relationship with health, appearance and beauty”.
The authors note that type I collagen is the main form found in skin, at roughly 80% of skin collagen. The fibre is understood to be an important contributor to the skin’s firmness and elasticity. It is produced by a mesenchymal cell type in the dermis called fibroblasts, however these cells become less active from adulthood, with collagen production declining at a rate of 1-1.5% a year. This rate of decline is further exacerbated by external factors such as smoking and exposure to sunlight.
The rate of decline in the body’s production of collagen is not uniform however. Post-pregnancy periods and menopause are associated with steeper drops in collagen. During and after pregnancy, collagen production sees a significant increase followed by rapid decrease, while during menopause, skin collagen content begins to decline by an average of 2.1% each year. The gradual age-associated decline in testosterone experienced by males has a less profound impact on collagen production.
Clinical studies have shown that ingesting collagen peptides can stimulate fibroblasts to produce more collagen
Clinical studies have shown that ingesting collagen peptides can stimulate fibroblasts to produce more collagen, mitigating the impact of ageing and other external factors on the health of skin and other tissues. Long term supplement use has been associated with a reported improvement in skin hydration and elasticity.
One recent study investigated the efficacy of Gold Collagen Forte, a hydrolysed collagen-based nutraceutical, on fibroblast function. The results of this study provided a “scientific, cell-based, rationale for the positive effects of collagen-based nutraceutical supplements on skin properties,” the authors say. The results built on earlier research which showed the supplement to significantly increase skin elasticity following 90 days of treatment.
Another open-label study on 217 female volunteers evaluated the effects of the Pure Gold Collagen nutritional supplement on visible ageing signs. Measuring the nasolabial folds, (which extend from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth), the study reported a 24% reduction in the average depth compared to the baseline.
In addition to the maintenance of firm and healthy skin, dietary supplementation may also provide protection against damage caused by acne during adolescence. Studies have suggested a diet rich in vitamins A, D, B3 and B5 can help reduce inflammation, lesions and scars, with vitamin B3 commonly being used to reduce swelling, redness and regulate skin tone. Vitamin B5 has also been shown in clinical studies to reduce mild to moderate facial acne in 8 to 12 weeks respectively.
The researchers conclude that finding mechanisms to mitigate fibroblast cells’ declining collagen production and replication is “an exciting area of research that may well offer new treatments in the fight against skin ageing”.
Full text of the paper can be accessed here.
