Collagen / Hyaluronic Complex with MSM+

Collagen

Collagen is a protein that occurs in the body in large quantities and has an important role in the buildup of the space between cells (in the extracellular matrix), the flexibility of bones, the buildup of cartilaginous tissue, and the elasticity of the skin and connective tissue, and their hydration. Its quantity and hydration decrease with ageing.

In one meta-analysis [1] 19 studies were chosen with 1125 participants between 20–70 years of age. When compared to placebo, the intake of hydrolyzed collagen beneficially effected the hydration, elasticity and wrinkles of the skin. According to the results, the 90-day-long intake of hydrolyzed collagen effectively decreases the ageing of the skin, since it decreases wrinkles, and improves the elasticity and hydration of the skin.

In another randomized controlled trial [2], they studied the effects of fish-derived hydrolyzed collagen with weight of 5kDa. The amount of collagen peptides increased the water content of the stratum corneum and the epidermis and decreased the water loss through it. Moreover, the level of the natural hydration factor of the stratum corneum increased. However, the flexibility and thickness of the skin did not change.

Oral collagen peptide (Peptan P, Peptan F, Rousselot) intake for 8 weeks significantly increased the hydration of the skin. The density of collagen in the dermis significantly increased, and the fragmentation of the collagen network significantly increased after 4 weeks of supplementation. Both effects were maintained after 12 weeks. Ex vivo experiments showed that the intake of collagen peptides induces collagen and glycosaminoglycan production.[3] The consumption of collagen peptides effectively improves the ageing indicators of the skin.

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study 69 women participated between the age of 35–55 years. They received 2.5 g or 5.0 g of hydrolyzed collagen or placebo daily for 8 weeks. The elasticity and water content of the skin, transepidermal water loss and the roughness of the skin was objectively measured prior to the first oral administration (t0) and after 4 weeks (t1) and 8 weeks of regular administration. The elasticity of the skin was also measured 4 weeks follow-up after the last dose of hydrolyzed collagen (t3, 4-week regression phase). At the end of the trial, the elasticity of the skin showed a significant improvement in case of both doses when compared to placebo. 4 weeks after the treatment, a statistically significantly higher level of skin elasticity was measured in elder women.[4]

In contrast to the placebo group, the skin hydration values have been significantly better in the low molecular weight collagen peptide (LMWCP, Newtree, Korea) group after 6 and 12 weeks. After 12 weeks in the LMWCP group, the visual evaluation score and the three parameters of skin wrinkling significantly improved in contrast to the control group. As regards to the elasticity of the skin, in the LMWCP group, one out of three parameters improved significantly compared to the baseline value after 12 weeks, while when compared to the placebo group, the LMWCP group had two out of three parameters significantly higher after 12 weeks. [5]

MSM

In a trial [6] the oral administration of MSM (3 g/day for 16 weeks), significantly decreased the signs of ageing for example, the wrinkles on the face (p <0.05) and the roughness of the skin (p <0.05), when compared to the placebo group. In the second part of the trial, the detailed analysis of the instrumental evaluation showed that when compared to the baseline value, a significant improvement (p <0.05) was shown in the depth of the wrinkles on the face, and the tightness, elasticity and hydration of the skin also improved. In a higher dose (3 g/day), MSM was more effective, but the lower dose (1 g/day) also caused a significant improvement in the signs of ageing on the face. It can be stated that MSM effectively decreases the visual signs of ageing even in a 1 g/day dose.

The purpose of the study [7] was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of a multicomponent product (200 mg hyaluronic acid, 500 mg L-carnosine, and 400 mg MSM) on the skin of the face. A randomized, placebo-controlled, single-blinded study was performed.

For two months, the volunteers were daily treated with a product containing 200 mg hyaluronic acid, 500 mg L-carnosine, and 400 mg methylsulfonylmethane or placebo. On day 0 (t0) and Day 60 (T60), the hydration of facial skin, it elasticity and sebumetry was measured with an instrumental skin testing device, and the digital pictures of the wrinkles of the skin were scored. MSM was found useful in the hydration, elasticity, sebum secretion, wrinkle development, tonicity and pigmentation of the skin and the mucosa. MSM is a sulfur-based compound that contributes to the stabilization and sinergization of peptide-peptide connections, and decreases inflammatory mediators. Sulfur is indispensable for the creation of glutathione which is the most important antioxidant molecule in the human body.

An article [8] discussing the possible usage areas and safety of MSM mentions the therapeutic use of MSM in connection with the improvement of the quality and texture of the skin, since in case of keratin, sulfur acts as a donor, and moreover, due to its antioxidant effect, it may mitigate the oxidative stress affecting the body.

Methionine/cysteine [9]

Cysteine and methionine are amino acids containing sulfur; they are the precursors of a peptide called keratin that is found in the hair in large quantities. Although the human body can produce cysteine, its synthesis depends on methionine since the speed of the synthesis is not always adequate for the requirements of the body; certain authors describe cysteine as a “conditionally” essential amino acid. The speed of hair growth, the diameter of hair and keratin synthesis depend on cysteine. The active form of vitamin B6 (pyridoxal phosphate) increases the incorporation of L-cysteine into keratin.

Hyaluronic acid

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials [10] they found that the consumed hyaluronic acid increases the hydration of the skin and improves the treatment results of dry skin patients. The absorbed hyaluronic acid contributes to the synthesis of hyaluronic acid in the body, it facilitates cell proliferation in fibroblasts, hydrates the skin and expectedly improves the quality of life of people living with dry skin. On the third page of the study, a table mentions that 37.5 mg hyaluronic acid, if administered for 30 days, significantly improved the hydration of the skin.

In another article [11], the consumption of hyaluronic acid (Nutrihyl, ≥1MDa) solution significantly improved the elasticity, and hydration of the skin, and significantly decreased the roughness and the depth of the wrinkles.

In an animal study [12], the absorption and distribution of radioactive hyaluronic acid was researched in a rat model. According to the measurements, orally administered hyaluronic acid was absorbed and was distributed to the skin.

Zinc, copper, selenium [13]

Minerals, such as zinc, copper and selenium have an important role in the maintenance of the health of the skin. Zinc is an indispensable cofactor of several metalloenzymes. One of its roles is to protect the skin from light damage. Copper acts as an antioxidant, it protects the skin from the damage caused by the increase of free radical levels and stimulates the maturing process of collagen; therefore, it is critically important in the improvement of the elasticity and thickness of the skin. It has a role in melanin synthesis, and the pigmentation of the skin and hair. Selenium stimulates the activity of selenium-dependent antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase) found in the plasma membrane of epidermal keratinocytes, and therefore protects the skin from the oxidative stress caused by UV light.

The following health claims have been approved by the European Food Safety Authority: zinc contributes to the maintenance of the normal status of hair and nails; it contributes to the maintenance of the normal state of the skin.

The following health claims have been approved by the European Food Safety Authority: copper contributes to the protection against the oxidative damage of cell components; it contributes to the normal function of the immune system; contributes to the maintenance of the normal status of connective tissue; contributes to the normal pigmentation of the skin and hair.

The following health claims have been approved by the European Food Safety Authority for selenium: it contributes to the maintenance of the normal status of hair and nails; it contributes to the protection against the oxidative damage of cell components.

Vitamin B complex

The group of B vitamins have an important role in the maintenance of the health of the skin, since it is an important factor of several physiological processes like protein synthesis. Serious vitamin B deficiency may have serious signs and symptoms. The characteristic of vitamin B3 deficiency, pellagra, is that the skin becomes inflamed, and with time, it starts thickening and scaling. This serious deficiency rarely develops. Insufficient intake of vitamin B2 may cause skin inflammation, itchiness, cracks at the corners of the mouth (angular cheilitis), photosensitivity; in case of vitamin B5 deficiency, pimples occur, and the skin may become itchy.

From the B vitamins, for the protection of skin health, vitamin B2 and B6 were approved with a health claim by the European Food Safety Authority.

The following health claims have been approved by the European Food Safety Authority: riboflavin (vitamin B2) contributes to the maintenance of the normal status of skin; it contributes to the maintenance of the normal status of mucosa; it contributes to the protection against the oxidative damage of cell components.

The following health claims have been approved by the European Food Safety Authority: vitamin B6 contributes to the normal protein and glycogen metabolism.