A Clinical Trial Shows Improvement in Skin Collagen, Hydration, Elasticity, Wrinkles, Scalp, and Hair Condition following 12-Week Oral Intake of a Supplement Containing Hydrolysed Collagen.

Abstract

Background: Hydrolysed collagen supplements are reported to fight the signs of aging and improve skin appearance, but more authoritative clinical evidence is needed to support efficacy.

Aim: This randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluated the efficacy of a supplement containing hydrolysed collagen and vitamin C (Absolute Collagen, AC) on biophysical parameters and visible signs of aging for skin, scalp, and hair, when taken daily or every 48 hours.

Methods: We measured dermal collagen using confocal microscopy and high-resolution ultrasound. Hydration, elasticity, wrinkles, and clinical trichoscopy were measured in parallel to expert visual grading. Efficacy measures were recorded at baseline, week 6, and week 12.

Results: Following 12 weeks daily use of the AC supplement, using confocal microscopy, we observed a significant 44.6% decrease in fragmentation vs. placebo (p < 0.01). We also measured a change in the ultrasound LEP (low echogenic pixel) ratio comparing upper and lower dermis (-9.24 vs. -7.83, respectively, p=0.05), suggesting collagen improvements occurred more in the upper dermal compartment. After 12 weeks vs. placebo, skin hydration was increased by 13.8% (p < 0.01), R2 elasticity index was increased by 22.7% (p<0.01), and Rz profilometry index was decreased by 19.6% (p < 0.01). Trichoscopy showed an average 11.0% improvement in scalp scaling and a 27.6% increase in the total number of hairs counted vs. placebo (p=n.s.). This was associated with a 31.9% increase in clinical grading score for hair healthy appearance (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: The AC supplement has shown clinical benefits for skin, scalp, and hair, when used either daily or every 48 hours, over a 12-week period.