Effects of Oral Collagen on Facial Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review

Introduction: Collagen is a popular nutraceutical in the consumer market for its purported benefits to facial skin and hair aesthetics. This study aims to provide a summary of the current literature regarding collagen supplementation’s benefits on facial skin and hair.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted to identify clinical trials of oral collagen supplementation by searching three databases: Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines and inclusion criteria determined by the authors. Excluded studies were either: incomplete or not published in English.

Results: Two authors identified 26 studies that assessed the effect of PO collagen on facial skin and hair outcomes. The duration of studies ranged from 2 to 25 weeks. Effects of supplementation varied by active ingredients and the sources of collagen, including marine collagen (n=4), low-molecular-weight collagen (n=1), and chicken sternal collagen (n=2). Collagen supplementation demonstrated increases in skin elasticity, moisture, and dermis thickness, terminal and vellus hair counts, hair shine and strength, as well as reduced trans-epidermal water loss and wrinkle grade. No trials reported any side effects or adverse events to the intervention of choice. Limitations include a lack of diversity in skin properties, age, and ethnicity within the sample populations.

Conclusions: Oral supplementation of compounds containing collagen showed benefits in both short and long-term use of oral collagen compounds for facial skin and hair. Further studies are necessary to compare the different interventions and determine most effective combination of collage supplementation with other ingredients for achieving positive facial skin and hair aesthetics.