Collagen supplementation for skin health: A mechanistic systematic review

A review of the efficacy of popular eye cream ingredients

Background

Due to the periorbital region's high susceptibility to damage from external factors, along with its tendency to demonstrate early signs of aging, periorbital skin is a common target for antiaging therapy.

Objective

This review aims to evaluate the efficacy of active ingredients commonly found in eye creams, particularly focusing on their impact on periorbital skin concerns.

Methods

A comprehensive review of the literature on active ingredients in eye creams, including retinoids, vitamins C and E, peptides, ceramides, hyaluronic acid, caffeine, and niacinamide, was conducted. Clinical studies assessing the efficacy of these ingredients in addressing periorbital concerns were examined.

Results

Studies demonstrate the potential of these ingredients to improve various aspects of periorbital skin, including hydration, elasticity, collagen synthesis, and reduction of inflammatory mediators. Ingredients such as retinoids, vitamin C, and caffeine show promise in addressing wrinkles and hyperpigmentation, while peptides and hyaluronic acid aid in collagen production and hydration. Niacinamide and ceramides offer benefits in reducing wrinkles and enhancing the skin barrier function.

Limitations

The lack of clinical trials specifically targeting eye cream formulations and periorbital skin is a notable limitation. Furthermore, the variability in study designs, sample sizes, and concentrations of active ingredients across studies complicates direct comparisons.

Conclusion

The reviewed studies highlight the potential of active ingredients in eye creams to address various periorbital concerns. Further research, particularly large-scale clinical trials focusing on eye cream formulations and their efficacy on periorbital skin, is warranted to establish their significance and comparability with other dermatologic products.

Research Progress on Bioactive Factors against Skin Aging

The relentless pursuit of effective strategies against skin aging has led to significant interest in the role of bioactive factors, particularly secondary metabolites from natural sources. The purpose of this study is to meticulously explore and summarize the recent advancements in understanding and utilization of bioactive factors against skin aging, with a focus on their sources, mechanisms of action, and therapeutic potential. Skin, the largest organ of the body, directly interacts with the external environment, making it susceptible to aging influenced by factors such as UV radiation, pollution, and oxidative stress. Among various interventions, bioactive factors, including peptides, amino acids, and secondary metabolites, have shown promising anti-aging effects by modulating the biological pathways associated with skin integrity and youthfulness. This article provides a comprehensive overview of these bioactive compounds, emphasizing collagen peptides, antioxidants, and herbal extracts, and discusses their effectiveness in promoting collagen synthesis, enhancing skin barrier function, and mitigating the visible signs of aging. By presenting a synthesis of the current research, this study aims to highlight the therapeutic potential of these bioactive factors in developing innovative anti-aging skin care solutions, thereby contributing to the broader field of dermatological research and offering new perspectives for future studies. Our findings underscore the importance of the continued exploration of bioactive compounds for their potential to revolutionize anti-aging skin care and improve skin health and aesthetics.

Low-molecular-weight collagen peptides supplement promotes a healthy skin: A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study

BACKGROUND

Oral collagen peptides supplementation was reported to improve skin integrity and counteract skin aging.

AIMS

A randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled study was conducted to clinically evaluate the impact of low-molecular-weight collagen peptides on the human skin.

PATIENTS/METHODS

Healthy adult participants (n = 100) were randomly assigned to receive a test product containing low-molecular-weight collagen peptides or a placebo. Parameters of skin wrinkles, elasticity, hydration, and whitening (melanin and erythema indexes) were measured at baseline and after 4, 8, and 12 weeks.

RESULTS

Compared with the placebo group, the average skin roughness, maximum of all peak-to-valley values, maximum peak height of the wrinkle, and average maximum height of the wrinkle were significantly improved in the test group. Parameters of skin elasticity, including overall elasticity, net elasticity, and biological elasticity, were also significantly improved in the test group at Week 12 as compared with the placebo group. Moreover, skin hydration and whitening parameters changed more significantly in the test group than in the placebo group. None of the participants experienced adverse events related to the test product.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these findings suggest that low-molecular-weight collagen peptides supplementation can safely ehance human skin wrinkling, hydration, elasticity, and whitening properties.

The association of pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance and blood parameters in patients with beta-thalassemia major: a cross-sectional study

Background

Oxidative stress due to iron accumulation in patients with beta-thalassemia major (BTM) causes complications such as tissue damage and destruction. This study aimed to assess the association between the serum prooxidant/antioxidant balance (PAB) and blood parameters in patients with BTM.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included 92 patients with BTM. In this study, PAB was measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Serum ferritin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), complete blood cell count (CBC), and history of blood transfusion were recorded. The association of the blood parameters was assessed across the tertiles (T) of serum PAB (highest T vs. lowest T).

Results

The results showed that high serum ferritin was directly associated with serum PAB [odds ratio (OR), 12.80; 95% confidence interval (CI), 2.98‒54.91; T3 vs. T1]. Also, direct associations were found for high TC (OR, 4.97; 95% CI, 1.42‒17.32; T3 vs. T1), high ALT (OR, 4.95; 95% CI, 1.33‒18.46; T3 vs. T1) and high TSH (OR, 3.78; 95% CI, 1.10‒13.02; T3 vs. T1).

Conclusion

The findings of the present study showed that serum PAB levels were directly associated with ferritin, ALT, TC, and TSH levels. This indicates that improvements in blood parameters, especially ferritin and TSH levels, occur by ameliorating oxidative stress in patients with BTM.

Non-invasive assessment of skin hydration and sensation with diffuse reflectance spectroscopy

The skin is a vital organ in the human body, providing essential functions such as protection, sensation, and metabolism. Skin hydration is one of the crucial factors in maintaining normal skin function. Insufficient skin hydration can lead to dryness, shedding of the stratum corneum, a decrease in skin barrier function, and may cause skin inflammation. Therefore, maintaining or improving skin hydration is critical in promoting healthy skin. Currently, the commonly used method for measuring skin hydration is bioelectrical capacitance analysis, which is often affected by environmental humidity and can only provide limited information. To overcome these limitations, this study used diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (DRS) in the wavelength range of 400-1000 nm to quantify skin absorption and scattering modulation caused by changes in skin hydration states. The advantages of this technique include rapid measurements, non-invasiveness, a straightforward optical setup, and suitability for prolonged skin monitoring. We found that DRS-derived skin absorption coefficients had a correlation coefficient of 0.93 with the skin capacitance at various skin hydration states. In addition, our findings reveal that absorption and scattering coefficients may be useful in discerning skin hydration enhancement induced by applying soaked cotton pads or cosmeceutical facial masks, as well as evaluating skin sensation. This study verifies that the DRS method could be a convenient and effective tool for evaluating skin hydration related information.

The collagen market and knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Brazilian consumers regarding collagen ingestion

Collagen is considered a nutraceutical, and its consumption has been expanding due to the increased life expectancy, rising per capita income, and increased consumer awareness of health care. This study aimed to evaluate consumers' perceptions, knowledge, attitudes, and practices about the consumption of collagen-based products by using an online questionnaire and to correlate them with socio-economic data. A market survey (pharmacy stores and online) was also conducted to evaluate the available products. In total, 275 participants answered the survey, 73.3% from the Southeast region, mostly female (84.0%). Most participants reported three months as the period of collagen intake (31.6%), and the consumption period was associated with the perception of the health benefits (p < 0.001). Furthermore, the participants' knowledge and perceptions regarding collagen intake are frequently associated with dermatological and orthopedic changes. Collagen-based products supplementation is a growing market with a broad target audience (genders, age groups, and socio-economic levels). The commercial presentation of collagen has been diversified over the years, and powder collagen is the most consumed (52.7%) and cheapest compared with capsules, pills, or gummies. The results of the present study demonstrate that most consumers of this type of supplement associate its benefits with aesthetic care such as skin, hair, and nails, although the scientific literature has shown its effects in treating osteoarticular diseases, for example. Undoubtedly, the correct dose prescription, treatment time, and choice of product presentation must be analyzed carefully, as they significantly impact treatment results.

TFOS Lifestyle: Impact of nutrition on the ocular surface

Nutrients, required by human bodies to perform life-sustaining functions, are obtained from the diet. They are broadly classified into macronutrients (carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins), micronutrients (vitamins and minerals) and water. All nutrients serve as a source of energy, provide structural support to the body and/or regulate the chemical processes of the body. Food and drinks also consist of non-nutrients that may be beneficial (e.g., antioxidants) or harmful (e.g., dyes or preservatives added to processed foods) to the body and the ocular surface. There is also a complex interplay between systemic disorders and an individual's nutritional status. Changes in the gut microbiome may lead to alterations at the ocular surface. Poor nutrition may exacerbate select systemic conditions. Similarly, certain systemic conditions may affect the uptake, processing and distribution of nutrients by the body. These disorders may lead to deficiencies in micro- and macro-nutrients that are important in maintaining ocular surface health. Medications used to treat these conditions may also cause ocular surface changes. The prevalence of nutrition-related chronic diseases is climbing worldwide. This report sought to review the evidence supporting the impact of nutrition on the ocular surface, either directly or as a consequence of the chronic diseases that result. To address a key question, a systematic review investigated the effects of intentional food restriction on ocular surface health; of the 25 included studies, most investigated Ramadan fasting (56%), followed by bariatric surgery (16%), anorexia nervosa (16%), but none were judged to be of high quality, with no randomized-controlled trials.

Cartilage-Related Collagens in Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis: From Pathogenesis to Therapeutics

Collagens serve essential mechanical functions throughout the body, particularly in the connective tissues. In articular cartilage, collagens provide most of the biomechanical properties of the extracellular matrix essential for its function. Collagen plays a very important role in maintaining the mechanical properties of articular cartilage and the stability of the ECM. Noteworthily, many pathogenic factors in the course of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, such as mechanical injury, inflammation, and senescence, are involved in the irreversible degradation of collagen, leading to the progressive destruction of cartilage. The degradation of collagen can generate new biochemical markers with the ability to monitor disease progression and facilitate drug development. In addition, collagen can also be used as a biomaterial with excellent properties such as low immunogenicity, biodegradability, biocompatibility, and hydrophilicity. This review not only provides a systematic description of collagen and analyzes the structural characteristics of articular cartilage and the mechanisms of cartilage damage in disease states but also provides a detailed characterization of the biomarkers of collagen production and the role of collagen in cartilage repair, providing ideas and techniques for clinical diagnosis and treatment.

Collagen supplementation in skin and orthopedic diseases: A review of the literature

Collagen is one of the main components of the extracellular matrix of the dermis and articular cartilage and influences the body's mechanical, organizational, and tissue formation properties. Produced from food industry by-products, it is considered a nutraceutical product widely used as an ingredient or supplement in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. This study aimed to conduct a literature review on the scientific evidence regarding the beneficial effects of collagen consumption in the treatment of skin and orthopedic diseases. Literature data have shown that hydrolyzed collagen supplementation promotes skin changes, such as decreased wrinkle formation; increased skin elasticity; increased hydration; increased collagen content, density, and synthesis, which are factors closely associated with aging-related skin damage. Regarding orthopedic changes, collagen supplementation increases bone strength, density, and mass; improves joint stiffness/mobility, and functionality; and reduces pain. These aspects are associated with bone loss due to aging and damage caused by strenuous physical activity. Thus, this review addresses the economic and health potential of this source of amino acids and bioactive peptides extracted from food industry by-products.

Oral Supplementation of Low-Molecular-Weight Collagen Peptides Reduces Skin Wrinkles and Improves Biophysical Properties of Skin: A Randomized, Double-Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Study

Orally administered collagen peptides could contribute to antiaging by replacing the degraded extracellular matrix proteins caused by photoaging. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-molecular-weight collagen peptides for treating photoaged and dry skin. In this randomized, placebo-controlled, parallel-group, double-blinded trial, we randomly assigned study participants (n = 100) to either the test product group or placebo group at a 1:1 ratio for 12 weeks. The wrinkle scale score, eye wrinkle volume, roughness parameters, such as the average maximum height of the wrinkle (Rz), arithmetic average within the total measuring length of the wrinkle (Ra), maximum profile valley depth of the wrinkle (Rv), and skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), overall elasticity (R2), and ratio of elastic recovery to total deformation (R7) were evaluated at baseline, 6 weeks, and 12 weeks. Safety assessments with serial blood tests were also conducted. Efficacy assessments of data from 84 participants were conducted as the per-protocol analysis. After 12 weeks, the 10-grade crow's feet photo scale score, eye wrinkle volume, skin roughness parameters (Rz, Ra, and Rv), skin elasticity (R2 and R7), skin hydration, and TEWL were significantly improved in the test product group compared to the placebo group. There were no adverse events or abnormalities according to laboratory analysis associated with using the test material during the study period. This study showed that the oral supplementation of low-molecular-weight collagen peptides could improve the wrinkles, elasticity, hydration, and barrier integrity of photoaged facial skin. This clinical study was registered with the Korean Clinical Research Information Service and International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (No: KCT0006500).

Is collagen supplementation friend or foe in rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis? A comprehensive systematic review

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) both are chronic diseases affecting joints. Immune response against collagen in both diseases may have a role in the initiation and progression of the disease. There is a hypothesis that suppression of immune response vs collagen could be a therapeutic approach in RA and OA. Exposure of gut immune system to collagen is a way to suppress immune response against collagen in the joints. So, the current systematic review is aimed to evaluate the effects of collagen supplementation in OA and RA patients. In the current systematic review, online electronic databases including PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Sciences and Scopus were searched and finally 19 articles were included. The enrolled articles evaluated the effects of collagen supplementation on treatment of OA (n = 9) and RA (n = 10). Intact (n = 4) and hydrolyzed (n = 5) collagen were used to treat OA. All of the studies on RA used intact and type II collagen in their intervention. The last trials on collagen supplementation in RA and OA patients were performed in 2011 and 2016, respectively. High adverse effects of collagen supplementation and its low efficiency compared to routine treatments were reported by several included studies. Also, risk of bias assessment showed that most of the studies had poor quality. Therefore, it is not possible to definitely decide on the beneficial or detrimental effects of collagen supplementation on OA and RA patients. Further studies are needed to reach a final decision.

Identification of a highly stable bioactive 3-hydroxyproline-containing tripeptide in human blood after collagen hydrolysate ingestion

There are increasing reports demonstrating high bioavailability of 4-hydroxyproline (4Hyp)-containing oligopeptides after oral ingestion of collagen hydrolysate and their bioactivity. In contrast, no study investigates the fate of another collagen-specific but minor amino acid, 3Hyp. Here, we identified Gly-3Hyp-4Hyp tripeptide in human blood at high concentrations, comparable to other 4Hyp-containing oligopeptides, after ingesting porcine skin collagen hydrolysate. Additionally, Gly-3Hyp-4Hyp uniquely maintained the maximum concentration until 4 h after the ingestion due to its exceptionally high resistance to peptidase/protease demonstrated by incubation with mouse plasma. In mice, oral administration of collagen hydrolysate prepared from bovine tendon, which contains a higher amount of 3Hyp, further increased blood Gly-3Hyp-4Hyp levels compared to that from bovine skin. Furthermore, Gly-3Hyp-4Hyp showed chemotactic activity on skin fibroblasts and promoted osteoblast differentiation. These results highlight the specific nature of the Gly-3Hyp-4Hyp tripeptide and its potential for health promotion and disease treatment.

Evaluation of the Efficacy of an Elastin-Inducing Composition Containing Amino Acids, Copper, and Hyaluronic Acid: Results of an Open Single-Center Clinical Trial Study

The degradation and reduction in number of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins are representative biological changes associated with decreased elasticity resulting in various skin problems. Elastin is an ECM protein that plays an important role in maintaining the skin’s structure. It is highly elastic and helps the tissue regain its shape after stretching or contracting. We aimed to evaluate the efficacy of the product containing amino acids, copper, and hyaluronic acid on the improvement of skin aging. A small open single-center study involved four treatments performed on five subjects at 1-week intervals with Elastic Lab®. As a result, eye wrinkles, skin moisture, inner elasticity, thickness, and density were improved 1 week after the last treatment in all subjects compared to the baseline. Among all evaluation items, skin elasticity, thickness, and density showed significant increases. Therefore, by using a composition containing amino acids, minerals, and hyaluronic acid, the biosynthesis of elastin and collagen in the skin increases, restoring skin elasticity and improving various skin problems.

Production of Plant Proteases and New Biotechnological Applications: An Updated Review

An updated review of emerging plant proteases with potential biotechnological application is presented. Plant proteases show comparable or even greater performance than animal or microbial proteases for by‐product valorization through hydrolysis for, for example, cheese whey, bird feathers, collagen, keratinous materials, gelatin, fish protein, and soy protein. Active biopeptides can be obtained as high added value products, which have shown numerous beneficial effects on human health. Plant proteases can also be used for wastewater treatment. The production of new plant proteases is encouraged for the following advantages: low cost of isolation using simple procedures, remarkable stability over a wide range of operating conditions (temperature, pH, salinity, and organic solvents), substantial affinity to a broad variety of substrates, and possibility of immobilization. Vegetable proteases have enormous application potential for the valorization of industrial waste and its conversion into products with high added value through low‐cost processes.

Application of Nonsurgical Modalities in Improving Facial Aging

Objective. This review aims to summarize different kinds of applications of minimally invasive surgery in improving facial aging to provide a comprehensive and accurate introduction on the issue of esthetic treatment of facial skin. Overview. In the twentieth century, facial rejuvenation has become a new beauty trend. Facial cosmetology has entered a period of antiaging and rejuvenation therapies and microplastic surgery. The pursuit of beauty has promoted the development of minimally invasive plastic surgery. This review introduces the possible causes of facial aging and its related topics with a focus on facial injectable drugs, such as botulinum toxin, main filler materials (hyaluronic acid, calcium hydroxyapatite, poly L-lactic acid, collagen, autologous fat, and polymethyl methacrylate), and some current antiwrinkle technologies, such as thread lift and radiofrequency rhytidectomy. Conclusions. Despite the difference in mechanisms of action, each technique can address facial aging involving the loss of collagen, displacement and enlargement of fat, and muscle relaxation. Combinations of these treatments can provide patients with reasonable, comprehensive, and personalized treatment plans.