Written by Chrystal Moulton, Staff Writer. Collagen peptides derived from catfish skin significantly improved skin hydration, wrinkling and elasticity of sun-damaged skin in the participating 40 to 60 year old women.
Aging caused by exposure to UV rays accelerates the skin’s aging process.1,2 Common features include loss of elasticity, wrinkles, dryness, and pigmentation.3 Collagen, a protein commonly found in the skin, can be consumed as a supplement and serve as a preventative measure against aging skin. In an animal study, low molecular weight collagen peptide derived from fish was shown to promote recovery of skin collagen and elastic fibers that were degraded by UVB irradiation.4 In the current study, researchers investigated on human subjects the efficacy of low molecular weight collagen peptide previously used in the aforementioned animal study.5
A total of 70 women, aged 40 to 60 years, volunteered for this randomized, double blind, placebo controlled clinical study. Participants included in the trial had dermatologist- diagnosed wrinkles in the crow’s feet area and global photo-damage scores between 2 and 6. Exclusion criteria were excessive alcohol intake, any pre-existing conditions, previous skincare therapies such as lasers or peelings within three months, any history of depression or any other psychological disorder, or use of contraceptives or hormones, In the end, 64 participants were randomized into either the placebo (n=31) or test supplement group (n=33). Participants received daily for 12 weeks either placebo or 1000mg of liquid low molecular weight collagen peptides (LMWCP). These peptides were derived from the skin of sutchi catfish (Pangasius hypophthalmus) and contained 3% GLY PRO HYP.
Assessments were conducted at baseline, at six weeks, at 12 weeks, and two days after completion of the 12-week trial. Study participants were required to refrain from taking any similar dietary supplements and from using any skincare treatments. They were also prohibited from applying topical cosmetics except for those provided by the research team two weeks before the start of the trial and within the 12-week trial duration. Researchers measured skin hydration, wrinkling, and elasticity in a selected area on the cheek and the crow’s feet area. Lab tests were conducted at baseline and two days after completion of the trial to assess safety of the test supplement.
There was improvement after 12 weeks in all parameters for participants receiving the LMWCP supplement compared to baseline values and placebo. Skin hydration was significantly improved in the test group at six weeks and 12 weeks compared to baseline (P<0.001) and placebo (P<0.01). Research showed a 7.23-fold increase in hydration at 6 weeks and 2-fold increase at 12 weeks compared to placebo. Furthermore, all parameters of skin wrinkling, even in the crow’s feet area, were significantly improved in the test group at 12 weeks compared to baseline (P<0.01) and placebo (P<0.05). Skin elasticity also showed improvement compared to baseline (P <0.01) and placebo group (P <0.05). No adverse reactions were reported or observed. Bloodwork for all participants at baseline and two days after completion of trial were within normal ranges.
The study demonstrated that 12 weeks of a 1000mg daily oral supplementation with low molecular weight collagen peptides (LMWCP) derived from catfish skin safely and effectively improved the health of photo aged skin of the participating 40 – 60 year old women.
Source: Kim, D.U., Chung, H.C., Choi, 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. 2018;10(7):826.
Posted February 6, 2019.
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.
References
- Kelly RI, Pearse R, Bull RH, Leveque J-L, de Rigal J, Mortimer PS. The effects of aging on the cutaneous microvasculature. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 1995;33(5):749-756.
- Chung JH, Yano K, Lee MK, et al. Differential effects of photoaging vs intrinsic aging on the vascularization of human skin. Archives of dermatology. 2002;138(11):1437-1442.
- Ichihashi M, Ando H, Yoshida M, Niki Y, Matsui M. Photoaging of the skin. Anti-Aging Medicine. 2009;6(6):46-59.
- Pyun H-B, Kim M, Park J, et al. Effects of collagen tripeptide supplement on photoaging and epidermal skin barrier in UVB-exposed hairless mice. Preventive nutrition and food science. 2012;17(4):245.
- Kim D-U, Chung H-C, Choi J, Sakai Y, Lee B-Y. Oral intake of low-molecular-weight collagen peptide improves hydration, elasticity, and wrinkling in human skin: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Nutrients. 2018;10(7):826.
