Tolerability and efficacy of an oral collagen supplement for the improvement of biophysical and ultrasonographic parameters of skin

Oral hydrolyzed collagen is one of the newest and most popular systemic supplementations for skin rejuvenation. However, there are limited information in case of Middle Eastern consumers. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of an oral collagen supplement for improvement of skin elasticity, hydration and roughness.

It was a 12-week, before-after clinical study, conducted on 20 participants (18 women and two men) aged 44.15±5.36 years with skin type III-IV. Skin elasticity parameters (R0, R2, R5 and R7), skin hydration and friction, as well as the thickness and echo density of the dermis, were measured after six and 12 weeks daily intake of the study product, as well as four weeks after stopping its use (week 16). Participants’ satisfaction was assessed on the basis of their answers to the standard questionnaire, and tolerability of the product was assessed by monitoring the adverse effects.

A significant improvement was detected in R2, R5 and skin friction at week 12 (P<0.041, P<0.012 and P<0.01, respectively). At week 16, the values remained at an increased level, which indicates the stability of the results. The increase of dermis density in week 16 was also significant (P=0.03). Moderate overall satisfaction was reported with the treatment, and a few gastrointestinal complications were reported.

The study demonstrated that oral collagen peptides could significantly improve the skin elasticity, roughness, and dermis echo density, and they also proved to be safe and well-tolerated.