Skin aging is an inevitable and complex biological process, influenced by both intrinsic factors such as genetics and hormonal changes, and extrinsic factors like chronic sun exposure, pollution, and microbial imbalances. These factors lead to a gradual decline in skin’s regenerative capacity and visible signs like wrinkles, sagging, roughness, and pigmentation. Deep wrinkles are especially prominent.
Central to maintaining skin structure and elasticity is Type I collagen, which makes up 80–85% of the dermal extracellular matrix. With age, collagen production declines, and breakdown increases—especially under UV exposure, which upregulates enzymes (MMPs) that degrade collagen. The imbalance between collagen synthesis and degradation is a major driver of aging skin. This review explores the importance of Type I collagen and evaluates clinical studies focused on interventions that aim to support or restore it.
Key Findings
Oral Collagen Supplementation:
- Low-molecular-weight collagen peptides improved hydration, elasticity, and reduced wrinkles.
- Marine collagen supplementation showed a 35% wrinkle reduction and visible improvements in radiance and firmness.
- Collagen combined with vitamins and minerals improved fiber organization and dermal structure.
- Hydrolyzed fish cartilage peptides enhanced dermal morphology and reduced nasolabial/periorbital wrinkles.
- Supplementation with or without hyaluronic acid improved dermal density and reduced wrinkle volume.
Topical Treatments:
- 1% 10-hydroxystearic acid increased Type I collagen, inhibited UV-induced degradation, and reduced stress markers.
- Angelica gigas extract boosted collagen by 40%, reduced crow’s feet, and suppressed collagen-degrading enzymes.
- Hyaluronic acid (HA2k) lotion enhanced dermal density and skin elasticity through collagen remodeling.
- Lemon Balm Extract improved collagen levels, decreased wrinkle severity, and lowered MMP-1 expression.
Mechanical Stimulation:
- Mécano-Stimulation promoted collagen synthesis, fibroblast migration, and improved skin firmness and elasticity.
Mechanisms of Degradation and Counteraction:
- Collagen loss is driven by increased MMP activity and disrupted TGF-β signaling.
- Interventions help by reducing MMPs, improving fiber structure, and stimulating fibroblast attachment and collagen synthesis.
- Some treatments increased collagen gene expression but not protein levels if MMPs were still high, as seen in topical estrogen studies.
Type I collagen is a cornerstone of youthful, elastic skin. This review highlights that targeted interventions—oral peptides, topical formulations, and mechanical stimulation—can measurably boost collagen levels, enhance elasticity, and reduce wrinkles. Especially promising are marine-based and hydrolyzed collagen peptides.
The review also calls for larger, longer-term trials and a deeper investigation into optimal dosages, synergistic ingredient combinations, and personalized approaches for collagen-based therapies.
Link to the study: https://www.mdpi.com/2079-9284/12/4/129
