A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study.

2019-10-17
Nutrients 11(10)
- Liane Bolke
- Gerrit Schlippe
- Joachim Gerß
- Werner Voss

PubMed: 31627309
DOI: 10.3390/nu11102494

Study Design

Type: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT)
Population: 72 healthy women aged 35 years or older
Methods: Randomized, placebo-controlled, blind study; 12 weeks of drinkable nutraceutical ELASTEN® (2.5 g collagen peptides, acerola fruit extract, vitamin C, zinc, biotin, native vitamin E complex) vs placebo
Blinding: Double-blind
Duration: twelve weeks
Funding: Unclear

Rigorous Journal

The purpose of this randomized, placebo-controlled, blind study was to investigate the effects of the drinkable nutraceutical ELASTEN^® (QUIRIS Healthcare, Gütersloh, Germany) on skin aging and skin health. Drinking ampoules provides a blend of 2.5 g of collagen peptides, acerola fruit extract, vitamin C, zinc, biotin, and a native vitamin E complex. This controlled interventional trial was performed on 72 healthy women aged 35 years or older. They received either the food supplement (n = 36) or a placebo (n = 36) for twelve weeks. A skin assessment was carried out and based on objective validated methods, including corneometry (skin hydration), cutometry (elasticity), the use of silicon skin replicas with optical 3D phase-shift rapid in-vivo measurements (PRIMOS) (roughness), and skin sonography (density). The verum group was followed for an additional four weeks (without intake of the test product) to evaluate the sustainability of the changes induced by the intake of the test product. The test product significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density. The differences between the verum group and the placebo group were statistically significant for all test parameters. These positive effects were substantially retained during the follow-up. The measured effects were fully consistent with the subjective assessments of the study participants. The nutraceutical was well tolerated.

Research Insights

Vitamin B7→Improved Skin Density
The test product significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
contained in the drinking ampoule (blend with collagen peptides, acerola fruit extract, vitamin C, zinc, and native vitamin E complex)
Vitamin B7→Improved Skin Elasticity
The test product significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
contained in the drinking ampoule (blend with collagen peptides, acerola fruit extract, vitamin C, zinc, and native vitamin E complex)
Vitamin B7→Improved Skin Hydration
The test product significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
contained in the drinking ampoule (blend with collagen peptides, acerola fruit extract, vitamin C, zinc, and native vitamin E complex)
Vitamin B7→Reduced Skin Flakiness
The test product significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
contained in the drinking ampoule (blend with collagen peptides, acerola fruit extract, vitamin C, zinc, and native vitamin E complex)
Vitamin C→Improved Skin Density
The test product significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
contained in the drinking ampoule (blend with collagen peptides, acerola fruit extract, vitamin C, zinc, and native vitamin E complex)
Vitamin C→Improved Skin Elasticity
The test product significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
contained in the drinking ampoule (blend with collagen peptides, acerola fruit extract, vitamin C, zinc, and native vitamin E complex)
Vitamin C→Improved Skin Hydration
The test product significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
contained in the drinking ampoule (blend with collagen peptides, acerola fruit extract, vitamin C, zinc, and native vitamin E complex)
Vitamin C→Reduced Skin Flakiness
The test product significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
contained in the drinking ampoule (blend with collagen peptides, acerola fruit extract, vitamin C, zinc, and native vitamin E complex)
Zinc→Improved Skin Density
The test product significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
contained in the drinking ampoule (blend with collagen peptides, acerola fruit extract, vitamin C, zinc, and native vitamin E complex)
Zinc→Improved Skin Elasticity
The test product significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
contained in the drinking ampoule (blend with collagen peptides, acerola fruit extract, vitamin C, zinc, and native vitamin E complex)
Zinc→Improved Skin Hydration
The test product significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
contained in the drinking ampoule (blend with collagen peptides, acerola fruit extract, vitamin C, zinc, and native vitamin E complex)
Zinc→Reduced Skin Flakiness
The test product significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity, roughness, and density.
Effect
Beneficial
Effect size
Moderate
Dose
contained in the drinking ampoule (blend with collagen peptides, acerola fruit extract, vitamin C, zinc, and native vitamin E complex)

Adverse Events Reported

Zinc→Overall tolerability
The nutraceutical was well tolerated.
Finding
Reported
Vitamin B7→Overall tolerability
The nutraceutical was well tolerated.
Finding
Reported
Vitamin C→Overall tolerability
The nutraceutical was well tolerated.
Finding
Reported