Written by Chrystal Moulton, Staff Writer. 12-week supplementation with Elasten® resulted in 28% increase in skin hydration, 26.8% reduction in roughness, as well as significant improvement in skin density and elasticity.
As we age, our skin’s natural elasticity and hydration decreases causing our skin to be rougher and more wrinkled. This occurs because collagen, the most abundant protein in the skin’s extracellular matrix, and elastin gradually decreases and their bonds begin to weaken. Collagen is necessary to build the fibers in the extracellular matrix that enables water retention, firmness, strength of skin 1,2. Elastin, another key element in the skin, is bound to collagen and contributes to the elasticity and flexibility of the skin 1. Skin integrity is dependent on collagen and elastin production 1,2. External factors such as a sunlight exposure, poor diet, smoking, alcohol abuse, and pollution can accelerate the break down collagen and other essential fibers in the skin 3,4. Since a reduction in collagen synthesis contributes to skin aging, replenishing collagen and elastin could reverse the look of aging in the skin. Previous trials have demonstrated that supplementation with collagen increased collagen production and improved the look and feel of the skin 5-7.
In a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study 8, 72 healthy middle age women aged 35 to 73 years old were recruited to a dermatological trial of Elasten®. Elasten® is a collagen complex made up of short chain oligopeptides composed of 5 and up to 26 amino acids. The supplement also contains acerola extract, biotin, vitamin E, zinc, vitamin C, and collagen peptides. Participants were required to take the supplement for 12 weeks followed by a 4 week follow up period without supplementation to assess sustainability of observed effects. Before intake of supplement or placebo, participants were assessed for safety, tolerability as well as skin elasticity, roughness, and density. The above assessment was also conducted following 12 weeks of supplementation and after 4-week follow up period.
After 12 weeks of supplementation, there were significant differences in skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density between the placebo and supplementation group. Average skin hydration increased by 28% in the test group compared to placebo (44.5± 4.4 AU vs.36.6± 5.7 AU, p<0.0001). Skin density was also significantly improved in the supplementation group (baseline=35.7± 7.2 μm, T12= 44.0± 8.6 μm; p<0.0001) as well as placebo (baseline=36.9± 8.6 μm, T12= 39.0± 8.7 μm; p<0.0109). However, the difference between the test group and placebo was significantly in favor of the supplement (p<0.0004). Skin elasticity also improved significantly among the test group (0.69 ±0.05AU at baseline, 0.81 ± 0.04AU at 12 weeks). Skin roughness decreased from initial mean values of 161.6 ± 11.4 μm to 118 ± 16.4 μm in the supplementation group. Maximum improvement in skin roughness among individuals within the supplementation group was 41%. Relative difference was 4 times higher in the test group compared to placebo (p<0.0004). Results were maintained in the test group after 4-week follow up. Skin elasticity reduced to 0.76 ± 0.07AU, skin roughness increased to 131.6 ± 21.9 μm, skin hydration decreased to 40.1 ± 4.9AU, skin density decreased to 36.7 ± 6.9 μm. However, in each case, the results were still significantly greater than placebo and baseline values (p<0.0001). All 72 participants completed the trial successfully. Elasten ® was well tolerated.
Source: Bolke, Liane, Gerrit Schlippe, Joachim Gerß, and Werner Voss. “A collagen supplement improves skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density: Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, blind study.” Nutrients 11, no. 10 (2019): 2494.
© 2019 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland. This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
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Posted January 6, 2020.
Chrystal Moulton BA, PMP, is a 2008 graduate of the University of Illinois at Chicago. She graduated with a bachelor’s in psychology with a focus on premedical studies and is a licensed project manager. She currently resides in Indianapolis, IN.
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- Bolke L, Schlippe G, Gerß J, Voss W. A collagen supplement improves skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density: Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled, blind study. Nutrients. 2019;11(10):2494.
