Collagen Peptides Benefits: Skin Care Benefits and Side Effects (2024)

  • Collagen is the most common protein in the human body, and plays a key role in skin elasticity.
  • As we age, our collagen stores are depleted, leading to signs of aging such as fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Collagen molecules are too large to be absorbed properly, but collagen peptides, made by breaking collagen molecules down, can penetrate the skin and help stimulate new collagen growth.

Collagen peptides are made by breaking down full-length collagen molecules. Because they’re shorter than regular collagen, they can more easily enter the top layer of the skin when applied topically, or the bloodstream in the case of oral supplements.

Most collagen peptides on the market contain collagen extracted from hides, bones, or fish scales. Once applied or ingested, they deliver a range of anti-aging benefits by helping stimulate collagen growth in your body.

Contents

What Is the function of Collagen?

Collagen is the most important structural protein in the body, made up of the long-chain of amino acids (proline, hydroxyproline and glycine) which build our skin, connective tissue, organs, and bones. It also plays a role in forming clusters of cells, or fibroblasts, which allow new cells to replace dead ones. This makes collagen critical to skin firmness, elasticity, and an overall youthful appearance.

Although your body produces collagen on a regular basis, it slows down with age. Smoking, too much sun exposure, an unhealthy diet, or certain health conditions can also reduce your body’s collagen levels. Without enough collagen, you may begin to notice wrinkles and sagging skin, dryness, or even experience joint pain.

Collagen vs collagen peptides

Although collagen peptides (also known as hydrolyzed collagen) are made of the same amino acids as collagen protein, they are more bioavailable, meaning they circulate more easily throughout your body.

Because they’re shorter, collagen peptides supplements can more easily traverse your outer skin barrier and are better absorbed into the bloodstream than collagen. This makes collagen peptides better suited to providing the fibroblasts needed to create new collagen.

Collagen Peptide Benefits for Skin

Collagen peptides can defend against these signs of aging where products containing simple collagen are ineffective. With regular use, a product containing collagen peptides can provide your skin with a number of tangible benefits.

Reduction of wrinkles

By stimulating collagen production, peptides can give your skin the appearance of being more plump and firm, significantly reducing wrinkles.

Increased skin elasticity

The regular application of collagen peptides can boost skin elasticity, thereby reducing pore size and improving overall complexion.

Skin hydration

With age, collagen production decreases, in turn causing causing skin dryness. Collagen supplements can stimulate collagen growth and improve overall skin hydration.

Antioxidant properties

Antioxidants found in collagen peptides, particularly fish scale-derived peptides, can calm and soothe your skin, leading to less inflammation and protecting from harmful UV radiation.

Wound healing

Collagen peptides have been shown to repair skin from the inside out, accelerating the wound healing process.

Other Benefits of Collagen Peptides

Many people take supplements containing collagen peptides for reasons other than, or in addition to skin care. Additional health benefits of collagen peptides include:

Improvement of joint pain

Collagen may decrease painful symptoms in those with osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, largely by reducing inflammation and swelling in the joints.

Hair and nail care

Research on the effects of collagen on human hair is limited, but your body may be able to use the amino acids in collagen to encourage hair growth and strengthen your roots. Peptides may also strengthen nails and prevent them from getting brittle.

Gut health

Most of the gut microbiome and collagen research is still in its infancy, however there is some evidence that amino acids in collagen such as glutamine may reduce GI inflammation and improve digestion.

Forms of collagen peptides

There are many collagen peptide products on the market, most of which come in the form of moisturizers, pills, and collagen powders. Any of these forms may be beneficial to your skin, hair, nails, or joints, but before you choose a collagen peptide product, be sure you’re using the best type for your specific goals.

For instance, If you’re looking to maintain joint health, type ii collagen is the kind you want, whereas the more common type i is suitable to skin concerns.

If you’re interested in using collagen peptides to improve your hair quality, consider bone broth or collagen supplements mixed into food or drinks.

Collagen peptide supplements in the form of pills, or powders that can be added to smoothies are touted as beneficial to skin care concerns.

Collagen peptide creams that are left on the face without being washed off and applied regularly can lock in hydration and smooth fine lines and wrinkles.

Are There Any Side Effects?

There are not many known risks to taking collagen peptide supplements and they are typically considered safe.

However, since some supplements are made from potential food allergens such as fish, shellfish and eggs, it’s best to avoid collagen peptide products made with these ingredients if you suffer from allergies.

Takeaway

Your body’s natural collagen production declines with age and exposure to factors such as smoking and UV light, increasing your chances of developing sagging, fine lines, wrinkles, or dry skin.

The use of collagen peptides, either orally or topically, is an effective way of letting your skin know it has depleted its collagen stores and needs to make more in order to ensure the health and texture of your skin.

Collagen peptides come in a variety of different forms and are generally considered safe for integration into your daily skin health routine. However be sure to always follow the instructions on your chosen product carefully.

Sources

  • Trookman, N. S., Rizer, R. L., Ford, R., Ho, E., & Gotz, V. (2009). Immediate and Long-term Clinical Benefits of a Topical Treatment for Facial Lines and Wrinkles.The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology,2(3), 38–43. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2923951/
  • Proksch E, Segger D, Degwert J, Schunck M, Zague V, Oesser S. Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(1):47-55. doi:10.1159/000351376
  • Bauza E, Oberto G, Berghi A, Dal CF, Domloge N. Collagen-like peptide exhibits a remarkable antiwrinkle effect on the skin when topically applied: in vivo study. Int J Tissue React. 2004;26(3-4):105-11. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15648443
  • Maia Campos PMBG, Melo MO, Siqueira César FC. Topical application and oral supplementation of peptides in the improvement of skin viscoelasticity and density. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2019 Mar 4. doi:10.1111/jocd.12893
  • Asserin J, Lati E, Shioya T, Prawitt J. 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. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015 Dec;14(4):291-301. doi:10.1111/jocd.12174
  • Chen, Y. P., Liang, C. H., Wu, H. T., Pang, H. Y., Chen, C., Wang, G. H., & Chan, L. P. (2018). Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory capacities of collagen peptides from milkfish (Chanos chanos) scales.Journal of food science and technology,55(6), 2310–2317. doi:10.1007/s13197-018-3148-4
  • Felician, F. F., Yu, R. H., Li, M. Z., Li, C. J., Chen, H. Q., Jiang, Y., … Xu, H. M. (2019). The wound healing potential of collagen peptides derived from the jellyfish Rhopilema esculentum.Chinese journal of traumatology = Zhonghua chuang shang za zhi,22(1), 12–20. doi:10.1016/j.cjtee.2018.10.004
  • Crowley, D. C., Lau, F. C., Sharma, P., Evans, M., Guthrie, N., Bagchi, M., … Raychaudhuri, S. P. (2009). Safety and efficacy of undenatured type II collagen in the treatment of osteoarthritis of the knee: a clinical trial.International journal of medical sciences,6(6), 312–321. doi:10.7150/ijms.6.312
  • Trentham DE, Dynesius-Trentham RA, Orav EJ, Combitchi D, Lorenzo C, Sewell KL, Hafler DA, Weiner HL. Effects of oral administration of type II collagen on rheumatoid arthritis. Science. 1993 Sep 24;261(5129):1727-30. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8378772
  • Yang, F. C., Zhang, Y., & Rheinstädter, M. C. (2014). The structure of people’s hair.PeerJ,2, e619. doi:10.7717/peerj.619
  • Hexsel D, Zague V, Schunck M, Siega C, Camozzato FO, Oesser S. Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017 Dec;16(4):520-526. doi:10.1111/jocd.12393
  • Lin M, Zhang B, Yu C, Li J, Zhang L, Sun H, Gao F, Zhou G. L-Glutamate supplementation improves small intestinal architecture and enhances the expressions of jejunal mucosa amino acid receptors and transporters in weaning piglets. PLoS One. 2014 Nov 4;9(11):e111950. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0111950
  • Henrotin Y, Deberg M, Dubuc JE, Quettier E, Christgau S, Reginster JY. Type II collagen peptides for measuring cartilage degradation. Biorheology. 2004;41(3-4):543-7. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15299285

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Collagen Peptides Benefits: Skin Care Benefits and Side Effects (2024)

FAQs

Collagen Peptides Benefits: Skin Care Benefits and Side Effects? ›

This might help improve some skin and joint conditions. Collagen peptides are used for dry skin, aging skin and osteoarthritis. They are also used for osteoporosis, brittle nails, muscle strength, and many other purposes, but there is no good scientific evidence to support most of these uses.

What are the side effects of peptides in skin care? ›

Peptides for Skincare Side Effects

These side effects can include skin sensitivity, rash and itching. To avoid this, patch-test your skincare first when trying a new product to ensure your skin won't react to a Peptide-infused product.

What are the side effects of collagen peptides on skin? ›

Collagen side effects may, for instance, be a result of excessive collagen intake. It is advisable to cautiously watch your collagen intake as excessive consumption often leads to some mild reactions. Clinical symptoms include rashes, acne breakouts, or general skin inflammation.

Is collagen peptide good for your skin? ›

May improve skin health

As you age, your body produces less collagen , leading to dry skin and the formation of wrinkles. Several studies have shown that collagen peptides or supplements containing collagen may help slow the aging of your skin by reducing wrinkles and dryness.

Who should not use peptides on skin? ›

Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or living with a medical condition should avoid using peptides until they speak to their doctor.

What to avoid when using peptides? ›

For that reason, mixing peptides and glycolic acid is not recommended. Why shouldn't these acids be mixed with peptides? The reason peptides and salicylic acid as well as peptides and glycolic acid aren't efficacious ingredient combinations is because peptides are susceptible to hydrolysis when exposed to acids.

Why is collagen not recommended? ›

Collagen supplements are generally made from connective tissue, bones and other parts of cows, pigs, chicken and fish. They can contain toxins and heavy metals that could be harmful. As with all supplements, collagen is not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration.

Can collagen have negative side effects? ›

Collagen is considered to be well tolerated with no major side-effects. Minor side-effects include: a feeling of heaviness in your stomach. mild diarrhoea.

Can collagen peptides affect your heart? ›

One small study found that men who took collagen peptide supplements during a 12-week strength training program saw more increases in muscle mass and strength than those who didn't. Improved heart health. Collagen helps keep the shape of your arteries and blood vessels.

What happens to your body when you stop taking collagen peptides? ›

What happens if I stop taking Collagen? If you stop taking collagen for a couple of days there will not be any significant effects. However, research shows that if you stop taking the supplement completely the benefits will slowly disappear and your skin will return to its original state.

When should I take collagen morning or night? ›

Timing for collagen supplements depends on the reason you are taking them. If you have experienced gases or gut issues with these supplements, it is best to have them in the morning blended in with your smoothies or in a cup of coffee. If you want a good night sleep, you can take it at night with a glass of milk.

How long until you see the benefits of collagen peptides? ›

If you're taking a collagen supplement to experience skin benefits, it's important to understand that there are many variables involved. Collagen comes in a variety of concentrations with different frequency suggestions. Based on most studies, you can expect to see benefits in around 4 to 12 weeks with consistent use.

What do dermatologists think of collagen? ›

Collagen's role in the body. Collagen is a protein that serves as one of the main building blocks for your bones, skin, hair, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. "Collagen is what keeps our skin from sagging, giving us that plump, youthful look," says dermatologist Dr. Ohara Aivaz.

What do dermatologists say about collagen? ›

Dr. Hayag says not only do we naturally produce less collagen starting in our 20s, but we also lose collagen with age and other factors, like sun exposure, smoking, or sugar intake. In other words, as we age, we lose more collagen than we make.

Do dermatologists recommend taking collagen? ›

There's no guarantee that they'll improve your skin, but they shouldn't harm you. “Collagen peptides have not been found to cause noticeable side effects in healthy people. Your doctor should give you the go-ahead to try these supplements, if you're interested,” shares Dr. Young.

Do peptides have negative side effects? ›

Some possible side effects of peptide supplements include: Allergic reactions, such as hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Heart problems, such as high blood pressure, fast heart rate, and palpitations (fluttering or pounding heartbeat) Stomach problems, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Are skincare peptides safe? ›

Peptides remain one of the most popular skincare ingredients year after year, but the truth is that marketing claims about them are often exaggerated or even untrue. While peptides are safe and rarely cause side effects, they are not the most effective anti-aging skincare ingredients available.

What is the truth about peptides in skincare? ›

Peptides serve as the building blocks for not only new collagen, but also elastin fibers,” adds Dr. Deanne Mraz Robinson, partner at Modern Dermatology in Westport, CT. “These fibers are the building blocks of our skin and add to tissue firmness and elasticity.”

Can you overdo peptides in skincare? ›

Peptides suit most skin types, but as with everything else, don't overdo them. Because peptides can strengthen the skin barrier, they can work especially well in combination with Retinol and other forms of Vitamin A, which can otherwise aggravate sensitive skin.

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