Marine Collagen

What is it?

Collagen is the most plentiful protein in your body, forming up to 35% of our whole-body protein content. A major component of connective issues, collagen is found in our bones, skin, muscles, blood vessels, eyes and teeth. The word comes from the Greek word “kólla” meaning glue, as collagen acts as the glue that holds our body together.

Collagen constitutes over 70% of the skin’s dermis and is essential in supporting skin barrier integrity and dermal cellular metabolism–all of which contributes to the skin staying healthy and young. Starting in our twenties our collagen production naturally slows down, declining as much as 30% by the time we hit our 40s. This decrease in collagen causes dermis structure and support for the epidermis to deteriorate, leading to skin textures, wrinkles, fine lines, and dryness.

The good news is, ingested collagen’s positive impact on skin has been extensively studied and well documented.

What are the benefits?

  • Improve skin elasticity, hydration and structural integrity
  • Healthier hair and nails
  • Reduce joint pain and bone loss
  • Helps with building muscle mass

Summary of Select Clinical Studies:

  • Significant improvement in skin hydration, appearance of wrinkles and elasticity 1 
  • Up to 50% reduction in eye wrinkle volume in 8 weeks 2
  • Significantly increased skin moisture by up to 28% and 8% increase in collagen density in the dermal layer at 8 weeks 3
  • 76% less dryness, 12% fewer visible wrinkles, better blood flow in the skin, and a 6% higher collagen content at 12 weeks 4
  • Significantly improves wound healing at 8 weeks 5

References

  1. Kim, Do-Un et al. “Oral Intake of Low-Molecular-Weight Collagen Peptide Improves Hydration, Elasticity, and Wrinkling in Human Skin: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study.” Nutrients vol. 10,7 826. 26 Jun. 2018, doi:10.3390/nu10070826 
  2. Proksch, E et al. “Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis.” Skin pharmacology and physiology vol. 27,3 (2014): 113-9. doi:10.1159/000355523
  3. Asserin, Jérome et al. “The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: evidence from an ex vivo model and randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials.” Journal of cosmetic dermatology vol. 14,4 (2015): 291-301. doi:10.1111/jocd.12174
  4.  Schwartz, Stephen R, and Joosang Park. “Ingestion of BioCell Collagen(®), a novel hydrolyzed chicken sternal cartilage extract; enhanced blood microcirculation and reduced facial aging signs.” Clinical interventions in aging vol. 7 (2012): 267-73. doi:10.2147/CIA.S32836
  5.  Lee, S Kwon et al. “Pressure ulcer healing with a concentrated, fortified, collagen protein hydrolysate supplement: a randomized controlled trial.” Advances in skin & wound care vol. 19,2 (2006): 92-6. doi:10.1097/00129334-200603000-00011