Let’s Dive Deeper: The Science Behind Collagen Peptides and Tripeptides

Everything You Need to Know About Marine Collagen

Introduction

In the realm of skincare and health supplements, the buzz around marine collagen has been making waves. According to the latest scientific research, marine collagen peptides derived from fish skins provide numerous health benefits, including improved skin health, enhanced skin elasticity, wrinkle reduction, increased hydration, potential anti-aging properties, and support for overall physical well-being. But what exactly is marine collagen, and why has it gained such popularity? Let's explore the science behind its effectiveness and why it might be worth adding to your beauty regimen.

Understanding Collagen & The Science Behind It

Collagen, the most abundant protein in the human body, maintains skin structure, joint flex ibility, and bone strength, while also serving as the essential scaffolding for organs, providing support and stability to various tissues throughout the body. However, as we age, collagen production declines, leading to signs of aging and reduced mobility. This protein comes in several types, but types I, II, and III are the most common in the human body, supporting skin, bone, and cartilage health, respectively. While collagen can be sourced from dietary options like bone broth, these may not provide adequate support against aging effects. This gap has propelled the popularity of collagen supplements, with marine collagen emerging as a favorite for its unique properties.

Why Choose Marine Collagen? 

Marine collagen has gained popularity for its bioavailability and quality. It's primarily type I collagen, the same type that’s abundant in the human skin, making it particularly effective for skin health. Here’s why marine collagen is considered superior:

• Higher Bioavailability: Marine collagen has smaller peptides compared to those derived from bovine or porcine sources, making it easier for the body to absorb.
• Structural Similarity: Marine collagen is more similar to human collagen than the types from cows or pigs, which means it works better with our bodies and may produce better results in things like skin, hair, and joints.
• Biocompatibility and Safety: Marine collagen is considered safer because it’s less likely to carry certain diseases found in animals like cows, and it doesn’t come with the religious restrictions tied to pig products. This makes it a more acceptable choice for a wide range of people.

Scientific Evidence on Collagen’s Benefits

Marine collagen has gained considerable attention as a powerful ingredient in the skin health space, with numerous well-cited studies validating its benefits. Here, we highlight some of the top studies in this field that exemplify collagen’s potential to improve skin health and appearance.

For instance, De Miranda et al. (2021) reviewed the effects of hydrolyzed collagen on skin aging, noting significant improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, and overall reduction in aging indicators, thus affirming collagen’s anti-aging potential. Further supporting this, Rahman et al. (2024) in Marine Drugs emphasized marine collagen's high bioavailability and unique properties, making it an ideal choice for anti-aging solutions in line with the demand for sustainable, health-boosting marine ingredients.

Additional insights come from Asserin et al. (2015), who demonstrated that oral collagen peptides enhance skin moisture and strengthen the dermal matrix, highlighting the mechanisms by which collagen aids in hydration and elasticity. Similarly, Kim et al. (2018) found that low-molecular-weight collagen peptides improve hydration, elasticity, and reduce wrinkles, underlining collagen’s pivotal role in skin aging.

Together, these influential studies establish a strong foundation for marine collagen’s efficacy, showcasing its value as a potent solution for skin health.

Ready to experience the transformative power of collagen?

With mounting evidence supporting its benefits, marine collagen stands as a compelling addition to skincare routines aimed at maintaining youthful, hydrated skin. Its high bioavailability, sustainability, and compatibility with human skin make it a superior choice. For those seeking an effective, natural way to support skin health, marine collagen supplementation offers a scientifically-backed solution that is both effective and eco-friendly.

Sources

Asserin, J., Lati, E., Shioya, T., & Prawitt, J. (2015). The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: evidence from an ex vivo model and randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 14(4), 291-301. 

Kim, D. U., Chung, H. C., Choi, J., Sakai, Y., & Lee, B. Y. (2018). Oral Intake of Low-Molecular-Weight Collagen Peptide Improves Hydration, Elasticity, and Wrinkling in Human Skin: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study. Nutrients, 10(7), 826. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10070826 

de Miranda, R. B., Weimer, P., & Rossi, R. C. (2021). Effects of hydrolyzed collagen supplementation on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis. International journal of dermatology, 60(12), 1449–1461. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.15518

Rahman A, Rehmani R, Pirvu DG, Huang SM, Puri S, Arcos M. Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential of Marine Collagen: A Scientific Exploration for Delaying Skin Aging. Marine Drugs. 2024; 22(4):159. https://doi.org/10.3390/md22040159

Ali, M.K., Mir, S.H., Parvez, R. (2022). Marine Collagen: Promising Biomaterial in Delivery of Therapeutics for Cancer Therapy. In: Jana, S., Jana, S. (eds) Marine Biomaterials . Springer, Singapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-16-4787-1_8 

Farooq, S., Ahmad, M.I., Zheng, S. et al. A review on marine collagen: sources, extraction methods, colloids properties, and food applications. Collagen & Leather 6, 11 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1186/s42825-024-00152-y