Khaberni - Collagen is one of the most important proteins in the human body, making up about 30% of total proteins and entering into the composition of the skin, bones, cartilage, ligaments, and muscles, making it the internal framework that provides the skin with firmness, elasticity, and aids in tissue regeneration.
But as we age, natural collagen levels gradually decrease, leading to the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines and a loss of part of the skin's vitality.
Interest in marine collagen has increased in recent years as one of the leading supplements linked to skin health and resistance to the signs of aging, especially with increasing research that points to its greater effectiveness compared to other types such as bovine collagen. Registered dietitian Erin Ogden explains to "Vogue" magazine that the preference for marine collagen is due to its smaller peptide particle size, which aids in more efficient absorption, while also emphasizing that the body can also absorb bovine collagen well after it is broken down.
What is Marine Collagen?
Marine collagen is extracted from marine sources such as fish skin, bones, and scales, and is known for its richness in Type I collagen, which is the most abundant in the human body and largely responsible for the elasticity and strength of the skin and maintaining its tight appearance. This type is different from bovine collagen in that its particles are smaller, which helps the body absorb and benefit from it more efficiently.
It has also contributed to its wide spread within skincare products and dietary supplements linked to resistance to signs of aging.
The benefits of marine collagen extend not only to the aesthetic aspects but also to health and environmental dimensions, as its marine sources are not associated with the same concerns regarding certain infectious diseases linked to cattle derivatives. Furthermore, relying on fish waste and marine organisms for its extraction makes its production more sustainable and significantly reduces the environmental impact.
Why Does Collagen Decrease with Age?
Collagen acts as a supportive framework for the skin, providing it with firmness, elasticity, smoothness, and helping to maintain its tight and vibrant appearance. However, as we age, the body gradually begins to lose natural collagen at a rate of about 1% annually since the mid-twenties, which over time leads to the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, increased sagging of the skin, dryness, and loss of radiance.
This decline is not only linked to age, as there are many daily factors that accelerate the breakdown of collagen within the body, the most notable of which are excessive exposure to sunlight, smoking, environmental pollution, as well as chronic stress, lack of sleep, and diets poor in essential nutrients. These factors collectively make maintaining or replenishing collagen a primary goal for many seeking more radiant and youthful skin.
How Can Marine Collagen Be Beneficial?
The benefits of marine collagen on skin health are among the most widely focused aspects in scientific research in recent years. In a Canadian study published in 2020 in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, participants who took marine collagen daily for 12 weeks showed significant improvements in skin elasticity and a decrease in the appearance of wrinkles compared to a placebo group.
Results also indicate that collagen peptides help increase the skin's ability to retain water, which contributes to enhanced hydration and improved elasticity. In addition, collagen is linked to supporting the inner structure of the skin, which may help in reducing the appearance of fine lines and gradually improving skin elasticity, especially in individuals experiencing early signs of aging.
The benefits of collagen are not limited to the skin only, as it is also linked to supporting joint and connective tissue health by strengthening ligaments and improving movement, in addition to its role in promoting wound healing and tissue regeneration. It contains important amino acids such as glycine and proline, which are essential elements that help the body produce natural collagen.
Do Studies Confirm Its Effectiveness?
Despite the widespread use of marine collagen in the world of skincare, the scientific debate about its actual effectiveness continues, especially regarding its ability to directly support collagen production inside the skin.
On one hand, some studies indicate promising results, with participants noting improvements in skin hydration and elasticity after regular use of collagen supplements for several weeks. Some researchers believe that marine collagen is characterized by its easy absorption compared to some other types, which may explain its preference in some products.
On the other hand, researchers affirm that the body does not absorb collagen in its full form but breaks it down into amino acids that it reuses according to its different needs, which means its effect on the skin may vary from person to person. Harvard Medical School publications note that there are no conclusive human pieces of evidence yet proving that ingested collagen directly reaches the skin, hair, or nails.
A scientific review in the journal "Nutrients" explained that many studies indicate multiple benefits for the skin, but it noted that a large part of them is funded by dietary supplement companies, which underscores the need for more independent, broader research to confirm the findings more precisely.
How to Achieve the Best Benefit?
To achieve the best results from marine collagen, it is typically advised to take daily doses ranging from 5 to 15 grams and it is preferable to combine it with other nutritional elements such as vitamin "C" which plays an important role in helping the body naturally produce collagen.
The factor of continuity is also crucial in the success of this type of supplement, as the results do not appear immediately but may take several weeks or even a few months of regular use before they are clearly noticeable on the skin.
Despite its many benefits, marine collagen remains an auxiliary element within an integrated system for skincare and not an independent magical solution; maintaining skin health and radiance also depends on adopting a healthy lifestyle that includes balanced nutrition, adequate sleep, and protection from sun damage. It is also advisable to consult a specialist in nutrition or dermatology before using it or determining the appropriate doses, especially as each person's needs differ from another.
