Introduction

Prior studies demonstrated that the oral intake of bioactive collagen peptides induce beneficial effects on human skin structure and functioning (1-5). This placebo-controlled study was conducted to assess the impact of an oral intake of a special [HC]-collagen-complex together with specific synergistically acting dermo-nutrients provided by a food supplement.

Materials and Methods

72 female subjects aged 35 years or more with healthy skin of any type participated in this randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Subjects received either the test product (Elasten®) with 2.5 g collagen peptides, 666 mg acerola fruit extract, 80 mg vitamin C, 3 mg zinc, 2.3 mg vitamin E, and 50 μg biotin per one drinking vial per day or a placebo (drinking vials without nutrients). The study was registered in the German Clinical Trial Register and the ICTRP (no. DRKS00015664).

Effectiveness of products was measured objectively (relevant skin parameters, Table 1) under rested conditions of subjects and under stable physical environmental condition. After 12 and 16 weeks, participants filled out questionnaires regarding their subjective assessments of different parameters concerning the characteristics and performance of the product like efficacy, odor, taste, consistency or skin appearance. Tolerability was surveyed dermatologically and by questioning (Table 1). Study duration was 12 weeks plus 4 weeks follow up without intake of products (Figure 1).

Results

In comparison to placebo, after 12 weeks of intake the test product was superior in terms of improved skin hydration, skin elasticity, skin roughness and skin density (Fig. 2 and Fig. 3). Both products were very well tolerated. Dermatological examinations revealed no adverse effects, i.e. no pathological skin reactions, irritancy reactions or allergic reactions.

Subjective ratings of effects of the test product were mostly much more positive than ratings of placebo effects. Table 2 demonstrates the superiority of the test product.

Conclusion

This placebo-controlled study demonstrates that oral supplementation with special bioactive collagen peptides combined with other dermonutrients significantly improves skin hydration, skin elasticity, skin roughness and skin density after 12 weeks of intake. These effects could be substantially retained during the follow-up and were confirmed in the self-perception questionnaires.

Further studies will have to show the impact of these dermonutrients on skin structure and physiology.

References
1. Zague V, et al., 2018.
2. Asserin J, et al., 2015.
3. Watanabe-Kamiyama M, et al. 2010.
4. Proksch et al., 2014.
5. Schlippe G, et al., 2015.