Supplement: 8 grams of hydrolyzed collagen peptides and 60 milligrams of vitamin C.
Placebo: Matched in taste, texture, color and viscosity.
Assessments: Advanced tools including confocal microscopy, ultrasound and visual grading scales were used to measure changes in skin collagen, hydration, elasticity and scalp health.
Key findings: Transformative benefits for skin and hair
After 12 weeks of daily supplementation, the participants experienced several significant improvements:
Improved Skin Health
Collagen fragmentation: A 44.6% decrease in skin collagen fragmentation, indicating a reduction in the breakdown of collagen fibers.
Hydration: Skin hydration increased by 13.8%, crucial for maintaining skin health and appearance.
Elasticity: The R2 elasticity index increased by 22.7%, suggesting improved skin firmness and reduced sagging.
Wrinkles: Wrinkle depth decreased by 19.6%, a notable reduction in visible signs of aging.
Hair density: The total number of hairs per unit area increased by 27.6%, suggesting more robust hair growth.
Hair appearance: Expert visual grading showed a 31.9% improvement in hair health, with participants reporting thicker, more voluminous and shinier hair.
The broader implications: Beyond skin and hair
While the study primarily focused on skin and hair, the implications extend to other areas of health. Collagen and vitamin C are also known to support:
Digestive health: Research from the journal Marine Drugs shows that collagen peptides support the structural integrity of the intestinal wall, crucial for healthy digestion.
Cardiovascular health: Collagen peptides contain proline, an amino acid essential for maintaining healthy blood vessels and overall cardiovascular function.
Muscle and joint health: Collagen peptides are rich in glycine and arginine, which support the growth and development of healthy muscles and tissues, as well as maintaining optimal bone mineral density.
Integrating collagen and vitamin C into your routine