Learn about the biggest benefits of marine collagen for the skin, hair and nails.

Collagen is one of the body's most abundant proteins and has gained popularity in cosmetics because it is also very abundant in the skin; in fact, collagen protein makes up 70-80% of healthy skin. Collagen plays a vital role in maintaining skin elasticity. Collagen fibres interlink, creating a strong but elastic matrix in the dermis layer of the skin.

As we age, the collagen matrix begins to weaken and fragment. A weakened collagen matrix can lead to wrinkles, fine lines and sagging skin – the hallmarks of aged skin. We lose collagen as a result of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that cannot be avoided; however, many people choose collagen supplementation to help address this decline in collagen levels. There are different types of collagen supplements – you can find marine or bovine collagen, hydrolysed collagen or bone broth. It is important to understand the benefits of each kind before choosing a supplement.

This article will explain what marine collagen is and briefly how it compares to other types of collagen. We will also cover the benefits of fish collagen for supporting hair, nail, and skin health. Finally, you will become aware of the evidence behind marine collagen supplements for the skin, hair and nails.

What is marine collagen

Only animals produce collagen, so it must always be taken from animal sources. Marine collagen is simply, collagen taken from fish (usually from fish skin). The most crucial characteristic of fish collagen is that it is classified as Type I collagen. There are over 40 types of collagen fibres, but the most abundant in the body are Type I, followed by Type II collagen. Type I collagen fibres are abundant in our joints, tendons, connective tissue and most importantly, in our skin. Marine collagen contains predominantly type I collagen fibres, so it is classified as such.

Marine collagen derived from fish may also be the preferred source of collagen for those who follow a pescatarian diet or want to eat more sustainably. Marine collagen, produced by Peptan Marine, is a great sustainable, high-quality marine collagen supplement option.

Marine collagen for the skin

As mentioned, marine collagen contains predominantly Type I collagen fibres. Human skin also contains primarily Type I collagen fibres, and because of this, it is believed that marine collagen is very bioavailable.

Supplementing with marine collagen supplies the body with the right 'building blocks' for producing Type I collagen found in the skin . We may be able to replenish some of the collagen lost with age. In fact, collagen peptides have been shown to stimulate natural collagen formation by encouraging cells in our skin called fibroblasts to make more collagen. These fibroblast cells do not only produce collagen; they also produce hyaluronic acid. Hyaluronic acid is a vital molecule for maintaining moisture in the skin; it may contribute to why skin moisture improvements have been reported after collagen peptide supplementation.

As we know, fish collagen is a very bioavailable type of collagen, and collagen hydrolysate (peptides) has been demonstrated as beneficial for collagen production. It would therefore be helpful to explore the possible benefits of marine collagen peptide supplements to support skin health.

Marine collagen supplements for the hair and nails

Marine collagen has a similar amino acid profile to the proteins in our hair and nails (keratin). When you supplement orally with marine collagen, the amino acids may be used to make new collagen fibres, but they may also be used to make other proteins such as keratin.

As we have discussed, marine collagen is the same type of collagen found in our skin, and we have established why it may benefit skin health. This possible effect is also important to consider for the hair and nails, as these are extensions of the skin. In fact, hair follicles lie within the dermis layer of the skin, which is also where the collagen matrix sits. Our hair follicles may be affected when our collagen matrix loses its structure.

Furthermore, since collagen peptides support skin hydration, this may also help to prevent the scalp from losing moisture over time. Marine collagen peptide supplements may be the most bioavailable to the skin and scalp, so they would be a good ingredient for helping to support the skin, hair and nails simultaneously.

Is marine collagen effective?

We have explored the possible benefits of marine collagen for the hair, skin and nails and the efficacy of collagen peptides for stimulating natural collagen formation. Marine collagen has been less extensively studied.

A case study of marine collagen for the skin

'Peptan Marine' is the leading global producer of marine collagen peptides. A pioneer study found that daily collagen supplementation with fish collagen peptides significantly reduced eye wrinkles by 13% and nose wrinkles by 10% after 90 days. These findings have been supported by a previous study that found that supplementation with Peptan collagen peptides increased skin moisture and decreased collagen fragmentation in the skin.

A case study of marine collagen for the hair

In the same Pioneer study as above, it was found that daily collagen supplementation with Peptan Marine collagen peptides increased hair's mechanical strength by 13% after 90 days. Additionally, 67% of participants who received marine collagen hydrolysate reported improved hair quality.

Beauty Complex collagen supplement

Although limited, the evidence builds on the benefits of marine collagen for the hair, skin and nails. Beauty Complex supplements contain a high dose of Peptan Marine collagen peptides and additional ingredients known to support the skin, hair and nails. Our supplement has been scientifically formulated to contain potent doses of marine collagen, vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, phytoceramides, biotin and more.

Common queries

Is marine collagen safe?

Typically, marine collagen is well tolerated as a food supplement. However, consuming marine collagen is unsafe for individuals with a fish allergy. We recommend taking one sachet of Beauty Complex in 250-300ml of water to ensure controlled nutrient doses each day.

Is it worth taking marine collagen?

Hydrolysed marine collagen may be the best collagen supplement for the skin, for its superior bioavailability and fibroblast-stimulating effect. If you are considering investing in a marine collagen supplement, opt for a powdered, hydrolysed supplement for more effective nutrient delivery and higher doses.

Sources

1. Aging of the skin connective tissue: how to measure the biochemical and mechanical properties of aging dermis
2. Skin collagen through the lifestages: importance for skin health and beauty
3. Collagen types. Molecular structure and tissue distribution.
4. Environmental performance of blue foods
5. 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
6. Effects of collagen-derived bioactive peptides and natural antioxidant compounds on proliferation and matrix protein synthesis by cultured normal human dermal fibroblasts
7. Ingestion of an Oral Hyaluronan Solution Improves Skin Hydration, Wrinkle Reduction, Elasticity, and Skin Roughness: Results of a Clinical Study
8. Cosmetic Potential of Marine Fish Skin Collagen
9. COLLAGENS FOR BEAUTY FROM WITHIN
10. COLLAGEN PEPTIDES ROOTING FOR HAIR BEAUTY

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