Collagen Powder - Research on the Effects of Collagen Taken Together with MSM and Vitamin C on

The skin is the largest organ in the human body and serves as a shield against harmful environmental factors. With age, the skin gradually loses its elasticity, moisture, and density, which can lead to the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging. Many factors contribute to the aging process of the skin, including sun exposure, poor diet, smoking, and stress.

Collagen is the main protein in the dermal tissue, and it is responsible for the skin's strength and elasticity. MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a natural sulfur compound found in various foods and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Many studies have suggested that collagen and MSM supplementation may improve skin health. This study examined the effects of a daily 12-week supplementation with different combinations of hydrolyzed fish collagen (HC) and MSM on dermal density and other skin health parameters in middle-aged women.

Methods:

The study included 109 healthy women aged 40-65 years. The women were randomly divided into four groups:

• Placebo group (n=27): Received a placebo supplement with no active ingredients.
• Col-HD group (n=26): Received a supplement containing 10 grams of hydrolyzed fish collagen and 80 mg of vitamin C.
• ColMSM-LD group (n=27): Received a supplement containing 5 grams of hydrolyzed fish collagen, 1.5 grams of MSM, and 80 mg of vitamin C.
• ColMSM-HD group (n=27): Received a supplement containing 10 grams of hydrolyzed fish collagen, 1.5 grams of MSM, and 80 mg of vitamin C.

The women took the supplements daily for 12 weeks. Dermal density, skin thickness, skin moisture, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin elasticity, skin roughness, and wrinkles were measured at the beginning of the study, after 6 weeks, and after 12 weeks.

Results:

• Dermal density: All groups receiving active supplements (Col-HD, ColMSM-LD, ColMSM-HD) showed a significant improvement in dermal density compared to the placebo group. The improvement was greater in the groups receiving MSM (ColMSM-LD and ColMSM-HD) compared to the group receiving collagen alone (Col-HD).
• Skin thickness: The ColMSM-LD and ColMSM-HD groups showed a significant improvement in skin thickness compared to the placebo and Col-HD groups.
• Skin moisture: The ColMSM-HD group showed a significant improvement in skin moisture compared to the placebo, Col-HD, and ColMSM-LD groups.
• Transepidermal water loss (TEWL): No significant differences were observed between the groups in transepidermal water loss.
• Skin elasticity: No significant differences were observed between the groups in skin elasticity.
• Skin roughness improvement: The ColMSM-LD and ColMSM-HD groups showed a significant improvement in skin roughness compared to the placebo and Col-HD groups.
• Wrinkles: The Col-HD, ColMSM-LD, and ColMSM-HD groups showed a significant improvement in wrinkle depth and wrinkle texture compared to the placebo group.
  The improvement was greater in the groups receiving MSM (ColMSM-LD and ColMSM-HD) compared to the group receiving collagen alone (Col-HD).

The study findings indicate that a daily 12-week supplementation with collagen and MSM may significantly improve skin health in middle-aged women. This improvement was observed in a variety of parameters, including dermal density, skin thickness, skin moisture, skin roughness, and wrinkles.

The effect of collagen on skin health is attributed to its important role in the dermal tissue.
Collagen helps maintain the skin's strength and elasticity and promotes the production of new skin cells.
MSM may improve skin health through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help protect the skin from environmental damage.

The current study found that MSM supplementation may enhance the effectiveness of collagen in improving skin health.
It is possible that MSM aids in the absorption of collagen in the body and increases the production of natural collagen in the skin.

Study limitations:

It is important to note that this study was conducted on a population of healthy women aged 40-65 years.
The results may not be generalizable to other demographics, such as men, younger women, or older women.
Additionally, the results may be influenced by other factors, such as diet, lifestyle, and use of skincare products.
It is also important to note that the study was funded by Tosla Nutricosmetics, the manufacturer of the collagen and MSM supplements tested in the study, and therefore this is an efficacy study funded by the manufacturer, so the results should be read with awareness of this fact.

References:
https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1756464623004383