434 Collagen & Our Skin [21 August 2017]

I wrote about the benefits of collagen supplements back in February of this year [#406] for strong and healthy skin, bones, muscles, tendons, cartilage and ligaments. This week I want to concentrate on just one of these – skin health.

As we age the collagen matrix in the dermis of our skin becomes damaged, fragmented, and less dense. The result is dry, inelastic skin with … (gasp!) wrinkles! Introducing small collagen peptides in the blood stimulates the fibroblast cells to synthesize and reorganize new collagen fibers and to produce hyaluronic acid [see #015 June 2009]. This increases the density, strength and elasticity of the skin making it look and feel younger.

Two clinical studies done in 2008, in Tokyo Japan and in Lyon France, measured the effects of oral collagen supplementation on skin properties. Both studies used 10 grams daily of Peptan™, a hydrolyzed collagen made by Rousselot in France. The studies found that after 8 to 12 weeks Peptan™:
• increased skin hydration by 28%
• improved skin smoothness by reducing the number of micro-relief furrows by 26%
• prevented the formation of deep wrinkles, and
• improved skin suppleness 19%

Until recently the collagen I sold in my store was bovine (from cattle). I now have marine (fish source) collagen as well. Peptan™ marine collagen is made from the bones, scales and fins of North Atlantic tilapia. The peptides in Peptan™ are very small (9 times smaller than most on the market) and are therefore much more readily absorbed. Fortunately, marine collage has no fishy taste or odour.

Like bovine collagen, marine collagen is a Type 1 collagen which is essential for healthy skin, hair, nails, tendons and bones. Marine collagen has an amino acid profile that makes it especially beneficial for the skin while bovine collagen is slightly better for bones, tendons and cartilage.

So if you want smooth, firm younger-looking skin (and who doesn’t?), feed it fish collagen peptides!

For more information on this or other natural health topics, stop in and talk to Stan; for medical advice consult your licensed health practitioner.