We hope we don’t lose you with our references to last decade’s sci-fi, but we just couldn’t resist. The quotes are just too juicy, and altogether relevant to the BFT quest.
Trinity: I know why you’re here, Neo. I know what you’ve been doing… why you hardly sleep, why you live alone, and why night after night, you sit by your computer. You’re looking for him. I know because I was once looking for the same thing. And when he found me, he told me I wasn’t really looking for him. I was looking for an answer. It’s the question that drives us, Neo. It’s the question that brought you here. You know the question, just as I did.
Neo: What is the Matrix?
Trinity: The answer is out there, Neo, and it’s looking for you, and it will find you if you want it to.
So….What is the Matrix? (in skin care terms) The stuff produced by cells (generally fibroblasts) and secreted into the environment in which the cells are embedded; contains collagen, proteoglycans, glycosaminoglycans, fluid, cytokines & all sorts of biochemical which can influence the behavior of nearby cells.
The principle component of matrix in skin is collagen. Collagen is in fact the most abundant protein found in mammals and makes up 25 to 35% of total protein content of the body. Tough bundles of collagen called collagen fibers are a major component of the extracellular matrix that supports most tissues and gives cells structure from the outside, but collagen is also found inside certain cells. It is nearly ubiquitous in the body – strengthening all but the tiniest blood vessels, playing a major role in most tissue development, and in its transparent crystalline form, even comprising the cornea and lens of the eye. In contrast to globular proteins such as enzymes, the protein of most collagen exists in elongated fibrils that provide great tensile strength to the fascia, cartilage, ligaments, tendons, intestines, bone, inter-vertebral discs and connective tissue of the inner layer of the skin, the dermis.
Along with soft keratin, collagen is responsible for the strength and elasticity of the skin and its degradation leads to the wrinkles that accompany aging. The fibroblast, the largest population of cells in the dermis, is the most common cell that creates collagen. Collagen makes up from 70% to 80% of the dry weight of the skin.
Historical importance of collagen
The Greek word for glue is koll and the word collagen means “glue producer”. It refers to the early process of boiling the skin
and sinews of horses and other animals to obtain glue. Collagen adhesive was used by Egyptians about 4,000 years ago, and Native Americans used it in bows about 1,500 years ago. The oldest glue in the world, carbon–dated to be more than 8,000 years old, was found to be collagen—used as a protective lining on rope baskets and embroidered fabrics, and to hold utensils together. Animal glues are thermoplastic, softening again upon reheating, and so they are still used in making musical instruments such as fine violins and guitars, which may have to be reopened for repairs, an application incompatible with tough, synthetic plastic adhesives which are permanent. Animal sinews and skins, including leather, have been used to make useful articles for millennia. Well preserved historical artifacts with collagen have be found only in dry climates as collagen undergoes hydrolysis over time resulting in gelatin, the same gelatin in Jello, which is colored, sweetened, flavored hydrolyzed cow skin…yum.
Chemistry and synthesis of collagen
Collagen is a composed of a triple helix, which generally consists of two identical polypeptide chains and an additional chain that differs slightly in its chemical composition. Synthesis starts with a three dimensional single stranded structure called procollagen that is assembled with the amino acids glycine and proline as principal components, with Vitamin C having an important role in this process. The triple helix structure results from substitution of the hydroxyl group for a hydrogen atom in the proline residues at 
certain points in the chains converting them to hydroxyproline. The hydroxylation, next, of the amino acid lysine into hydroxylysine creates the cross-linking of the triple helices into the fibers and networks found in tissues. The amino acid composition of collagen is atypical for proteins, particularly with respect to its high hydroxyproline content.
The synthesis of collagen occurs inside and outside of the cell. It begins with certain DNA genes within the nucleus coding messenger RNA which enters the cytoplasm where pre-pro-collagen is then created. This is enzymatically converted into the triple helix, procollagen, that is transported to the surface membrane of the cell is specialized transporters known as secretory vesicles that are “jettisoned” at the cell membrane into the extracellular space (the space between cells). Once outside the cell, membrane bound enzymes known as collagen peptidases, remove the “loose ends” of the pro-collagen molecule leaving tropocollagen. Lysyl oxidase, an extracellular enzyme, produces the final step in the collagen synthesis pathway. This enzyme acts on lysines and hydroxylysines producing aldehyde groups, which eventually undergo covalent bonding between tropocollagen molecules. This polymer of tropocollogen is known as a collagen fibril.
Now that we have our collagen fibril, let’s see what happens to it.
28 Types of collagen!!
More than 90% of the collagen in the body is Type I (which is one of the principle types found within the dermis of the skin) but there are actually 28 distinct types. The higher you go in number, the weaker is the collagen. The five major types are:
- Type I is the strongest and is located in bones, skin, tendons, fascia, cornea, teeth and mature scars. Up to 90% of collagen is Type I.
- Type II has a little less strength and is in cartilage, vitreous humor of the eye, and the nucleus pulposus of the intervertebral disc in the back.
- Type III is weaker still and is present in granulation tissue, embryonic tissue, the uterus, blood vessels, and keloids (thickened, hypertrophic scars.)
- Type IV is the weakest, supports single rows of epithelial cells, and is found in basement membranes of the surface and interior of hollow organs and blood vessels. Being comprised of different sub-units, the basement membrane also has collagen Types III and VII.
- Type V is found on cell surfaces, in hair and the placenta.
Disorders of collagen can be dramatic and devastating, genetic or acquired
Genetic abnormalities can affect the synthesis of collagen in different ways. In Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, aberrations occur in either Type I or Type III collagen. Depending on the particular mutation, the severity of the syndrome can vary from mild to life-threatening. While hyperflexibility of joints and hyperelastic skin are the most visible manifestations, effects on internal organs can lead to intestinal, uterine, or heart valve rupture.
“Rubber man” with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
A variety of autoimmune diseases also target collagen – rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosis, and scleroderma are most notable. Some bacteria and viruses have virulence factors which destroy collagen or interfere with its production (e,g necrotizing faciitis, clostridium.)
Scleroderma is an inflammatory autoimmune disorder that results in excessive collagen deposition (Type I) that can affect the skin, lungs, esophagus, blood vessels, and other organs.
Scleroderma(“hard skin”) causes excessive collagen deposition (Type I) that can also affect the lungs, esophagus, blood vessels, and other organs.
OK, now that we know what can go wrong, what happens to the skin when things go right?
Aging of the skin occurs through genetic (intrinsic) and environmental (extrinsic) processes. The skin pays the price by becoming less flexible and elastic through the decades. The major part of the process is progressive replacement of more pliable, resilient Type III collagen with stiffer, less elastic Type I collagen. The table below illustrates the quantitative changes that occur.
Type I and Type III collagen content in normal skin (mean ± s).
|
Age group |
Specimens (n) |
Type I collagen (µg/g) |
Type III collagen (µg/g) |
Type I/III |
| Fetus |
10 |
264.71 ± 5.88 |
278.87 ± 6.18 |
0.95 ± 0.03 |
| Adolescent |
10 |
279.12 ± 7.65 |
123.27 ± 5.30 |
2.27 ± 0.13 |
| Adult |
10 |
241.79 ± 8.23 |
98.41 ± 5.58 |
2.46 ± 0.15 |
| Elderly |
10 |
209.50 ± 14.31 |
71.30 ± 7.41 |
2.97 ± 0.40 |
Table from: The content and ratio of type I and III collagen in skin differ with age and injury. African Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 10 (13), pp. 2524-2529, 28 March, 2011
The table shows that two phenomena are in play: The amount of Type 1 collagen is decreasing through the decades but not nearly as precipitously as the reduction in Type III collagen. Thus the stiffer, tougher, less elastic collagen predominates more and more through the years as the ratio of Type I to Type III collagen increases from 0.95 in the fetus to 2.97 in the elderly. In addition, the total amount of collagen decreases from 543.5 µg/g in the fetus to 280.8 µg/g – a reduction of over 50%. No wonder we wrinkle!
Understanding collagen types is critical to anti-aging therapy. Chemicals that stimulate collagen synthesis affect different collagen types differently. More on this later.
Vitamin C and collagen
Vitamin C molecule
As mentioned previously, Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a indispensible co-nutrient in the production of collagen. Ascorbic acid is a necessary cofactor for the enzymes prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase which are responsible for the hydroxylation of the proline and lysine amino acids in collagen. Hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine are important for stabilizing collagen by cross-linking the pro-peptides of pro-collagen. The reader is likely aware of the antioxidant nature of Vitamin C which is related to its ability to donate electrons easily, the same chemical function it plays in hydroxylation reactions.
Scurvy, the condition that develops when Vitamin C is deficient, notoriously plagued seafarers in bygone eras when fresh produce was unavailable for weeks and months on end. In fact, the chemical name for Vitamin C is ascorbic acid which has its root in the Latin name for scurvy, scorbutus. Scurvy is a serious, painful and ultimately fatal disease because defective collagen prevents formation of strong connective tissue. Gums deteriorate and bleed, with loss of teeth; skin discolors, and wounds do not heal.
So, what can I do about my skin? Can I do anything about the loss of collagen?
Save your Money!
Save your Money!
For those who do not have a medical background, it may make sense that If collagen loss leads to skin sagging and wrinkles, then replenishing collagen either orally or through creams should restore elasticity and health of aging skin. But, it doesn’t work this way. There’s no scientific proof that collagen, applied topically, can penetrate the epidermis. The collagen molecules are very complex and large and would not penetrate, and even if collagen did penetrate, it would not be able to incorporate itself within the complex collagen structure in the skin. As we discussed above, collagen is synthesized in situ within the extracellular space and new arriving collagen will not be incorporated into the pre-existing structure. As far as collagen topical creams are concerned, save your money.
Oral collagen supplementation is similarly futile is impacting dermal collagen production. Digestion of protein results in absorption of amino acids, not complex protein structures such as collagen. Studies have shown there may be improved wound healing with amino acid supplementation but there must be a significant dietary deficiency of protein to see any effect. That is very uncommon in our advanced society with its abundance of food of all types. As far as collagen supplement go, save your money.
So, what does work?
Ablative procedures
Procedures that physically or chemically remove the surface layers of the skin set the stage for rejuvenation within and from the dermal layer with collagen proliferation a major component. Included in this category are chemical peels, dermabrasion, and laser ablation.
Non-ablative procedures
The exact mechanisms of nonablative dermal remodeling are still under investigation; however, radio frequency or laser-induced injury to the dermis and/or the dermal vasculature theoretically results in a wound repair response, fibroblast stimulation, and collagen reformation. Radio frequency treatment heats the deeper tissues and laser rejuvenation modalities involve the application of mid-infrared lasers. An increasing body of evidence suggests that lasers in the mid-infrared range may be the best choice for safe nonablative resurfacing on a wide range of skin types.
Dermal rollers have multiple rows of small gauge needles that vary in length and are used to create many tiny perforations of the epidermis in order to promote penetration of topical agents or create subclinical injury to deeper layers to promote a healing response. Longer needles are used by professionals and may require the use of topical anesthesia. Shorter needles can be found in devices for home use.
Collagen injections
The is one technique which assures increased levels of collagen but one that is not natural at all– collagen injection. This procedure can fill in a deep furrow or plump a depression but should not be confused with the normal process of collagen deposition as the collagen is never incorporated into the native structure. It is merely a filler. And then there is that collagen lip injection fad of a few years ago. Duck lips. I sure hope none of our readers were tempted beyond their ability to resist.
Topical actives affecting collagen in the skin
There are several actives that can favorably impact dermal collagen when topically applied. Better branded products that are marketed as “anti-aging” products should have some of these included among their ingredients. Actives may benefit dermal collagen through protective effects (principally antioxidant defense) against deleterious assaults from sun or toxin (e.g. tobacco) exposure, or through stimulation of collagen synthesis per se. There is scant research that supports the ability to preferentially stimulate the synthesis of Type III collagen over Type I.
Topical fillers and optical formulations may provide the “look” of smoother skin but the effect is entirely on the surface through the “spackling” of uneven skin geography or optical tricks based on light reflection and diffusion. These are no more than fancy makeup that is gone with the first washing.
Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Increased production of collagen based on in vitro measurements, and decreased production of excess dermal glycoaminoglycans.
Retinoids (Vitamin A)
Vitamin A analogs comprise the retinoids and topical application has been shown to be effective in stimulating more rapid cellular turnover in the skin, and to promote synthesis of pro-collagen. (Please see the BFT posting on vitamin A.)
Vitamins C and E
Because free radicals are a major culprit behind UVA-induced skin alterations, application of topical antioxidants would thus seem beneficial and studies confirm their efficacy. One study found that pro-oxidative factors that accelerate skin aging might activate a self-maintained micro-inflammatory process that interferes with skin elasticity and thickness Double-blind studies of topical application of blended aqueous and lipid borne vitamin C compounds showed decreased photoaging scores and increased collagen (Type I) synthesis. Vitamin C demonstrates protective effect against UVA radiation with addition of topical vitamin E showing combined protective antioxidant effect from UVB exposure.
Peptides & Cu++Peptides
KTTKS (a pentapeptide) is itself a fragment of dermal collagen, and stimulates collagen production in fibroblast cultures. At very low levels in culture, KTTKS reduces excess dermal GAG’s. GHK is a tripeptide fragment of collagen. Copper is a required cofactor for activity of lysyl oxidase, an enzyme involved in collagen synthesis. The complex of copper and a peptide (tri or penta) has been examined extensively in the wound healing literature, and shown to be effective at stimulating collagen as well as specific matrix remodeling MMP’s (matrix metalloproteinases). The specific mechanisms have been investigated at a deeper level and found to include induction of cytokines including FGF (fibroblast growth factor) and specifically the beta-3 version as opposed to beta-1. The latter contributes to scarring during healing, while the former has the opposite effect.
A double-blind, placebo-controlled, split-face, left–right randomized clinical study assessing two topical products: moisturizer control product vs. the same moisturizer product containing 3 ppm palmitoyl pentapeptide was well tolerated and provided significant improvement vs. placebo control for reduction in wrinkles/fine lines by both quantitative technical and expert grader image analysis. The National Institutes of Health carried out a rstudy and found pentapeptides increases production of collagen in sun-damaged skin. Subsequent studies have shown when pentapeptides are topically applied; it can stimulate the production of collagen and diminishes wrinkles and lines.
Decorin, a naturally occurring small cellular or pericellular matrix proteoglycan, is a component of connective tissue, binds to type I collagen fibrils, and plays a role cin ollagen fibrillogenesis, regulating excessive bundle-like aggregation of collagen. As skin ages, there is lack of functional decorin, which results in disrupted collagen fibres and in a reduction in the tensile strength of the skin. Two tetrapeptide sequences have been identified as the specific binding sites of decorin to collagen fibrils. These sequences were engineered to generate new tetrapeptides with improved affinity that would present a decorin-like activity. The candidates were screened with an in vitro collagen fibrillogenesis assay and the tetrapeptide with International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) name Tripeptide-10 Citrulline achieved the best results. Like decorin, this synthetic tetrapeptide proved, through in vitro tests, to regulate collagen fibrillogenesis and to influence the diameter of collagen fibres, making them thinner and more uniform. .
Palmitoyl Tetrapeptide-7 is a synthetic peptide comprised of four amino acids whose sequence is SSNA. Palmitic acid is attached to the peptide chain as a penetration enhancer to drive the peptide through the stratum corneum. PT-7 was formulated with the goal of suppressing the body’s production of excess interleukins, cytokines which trigger the body’s acute inflammatory response which leads to glycation damage. Remember, there are good cytokines and bad cytokines when it comes to scar free healing, and rejuvenation.
Coenzyme Q10 ( Nano-Lipobelle H EQ10 / Idebenone)
Coenzyme Q10 is a potent antioxidant able to penetrate into the viable layers of the epidermis and reduce the level of oxidation from UVA radiation. CoQ10 is also able to significantly suppress the expression of collagenase in human dermal fibroblasts following UVA irradiation. These results indicate that CoQ10 has the efficacy to prevent many of the detrimental effects of photoaging. Nano-Lipobelle H EQ10 is an enhanced penetrating modification based on liposome technology and Idebenone is a synthetic analog.
Phytessence Wakame (Japanese sea kelp)
This Japanese sea kelp contains an inhibitor of hyaluronidase, the enzyme that breaks down hyaluronic acid, and hence is protective of hyaluronic acid. The fetal wound matrix, which in contrast to adult skin, does not scar during healing, is rich in hyaluronic acid. In addition, topical hyaluronic acid has been associated experimentally with a reduced amount of scarring in postnatal wound healing. Hyaluronic acid extracted from human skin and scar tissue is associated with collagen and other proteins. In protecting hyaluronic acid from hyaluronidase, collagen scaffolding may be prevented from damage.
Topical estradiol and soy isoflavones
Collagen, elastin and dermal hyaluronic acid appear sensitive to and dependent on hormonal levels as hormone reduction produces skin dryness and losses in elasticity and volume. Some studies show woman’s skin can lose up to 1/3 of its collagen within five years of menopause. Because of possible systemic effects including increased risks of breast cancer, cardiovascular and thromboemboembolic disease, topical hormone application, rather than systemic administration, is recommended when skin effects are specifically targeted. . Evidence also suggests estrogens are stronger antioxidants than Vitamin C and E and that female face and chest skin are especially estrogen-receptive. Estrogen normally works by signaling genes in cells to be switched on or off, however one recent study has found that sun-damaged skin isn’t improved by topical estradiol(Topical 17-beta estradiol in ethanol/propylene glycol (ETOH/PG). Because photo-aging is superimposed on natural aging in sun-exposed areas of the skin, the results suggest that alterations induced by long-term sun exposure hinder the ability of topical estradiol to stimulate collagen production in aged human skin. Soy beans are rich in phytoestrogens that function as selective estrogen receptor modulators producing physiologic responses similar to natural estrogens. Plant derived isoflavones are therefore useful in topical applications to obtain estrogenic effects yet not so well absorbed as to pose a risk to male useage.
Growth factors and cytokines
In a very real sense, the “final common pathway” for stimulus of collagen production, as well as its timing, quality, and the type of collagen it will produce, is mediated by cytokines. To understand the role of cytokines, we should review their function in collagen biology, and in the skin in particular. Like with most things having to do with dermal regeneration, most of our knowledge derives from studies of wound healing.
Recall from other BFT posts that cytokines are the “chemical messenger” molecules manufactured and sent out (expressed) by some cells to communicate with other cells. Growth factors are a particular class of cytokines whose principal characteristic is to induce growth and proliferation in target tissues. Turns out however that growth is a very complicated topic. The table below gives a brief summary of various cytokines and growth factors involved in wound healing. Note that different cytokines predominate in different stages. The story in rejuvenation is much the same, but not divided into these phases. However, similar to wound healing, there is a cleanup phase (get rid of old collagen), a regenerative phase, and a remodeling phase.
There is evidence that applying certain cytokines to skin (e.g. TGF- β1,) are effective in reducing the visible signs of aging. However, it may also induce the wrong phase of healing and lead to scar tissue formation. TGF- β3, on the other hand, suppresses scar tissue formation. Even within the same cytokine family, minor variations of cytokine structure can have markedly different functions.
Other growth factors such as TGF-α, EGF, FGF, IGF-1, and PDGF have been examined for their effects on dermal regeneration. There are also examples of mixtures of cytokines derived by natural means, such as extraction from a culture of fibroblasts in the laboratory (e.g. Nouricel-MD, Skimmedica).
We won’t go into great detail here about the relationship between cytokines and collagen, as that is the topic of another upcoming post. But one thing we find in a lot of medical literature (be it in the realm of liver disease, heart disease, joint disease) is that inflammation leads to collagen deposition. The collagen produced by inflammation tends to be type I predominantly, and tend to lead to scarring. Note from the table that some of the cytokines growth factors that predominate in early wound healing are inflammatory. There are products that claim to be helpful for inducing collagen that may actually be doing more harm than good. You want those anti-inflammatory cytokines for rejuvenation, otherwise you are adding to the problem, not the solution.
That’s part 1 of our journey into The Matrix. Stay tuned for part 2: Matrix Reloaded – Elastin … coming soon.
—————-
Niesler, C.U. & M.W.J. Ferguson. (2001) “TGF-beta superfamily cytokines in wound healing” in TGF-beta and Related Cytokines in Inflammation (Breit, S.N. and S.M. Wahl, ed., Birkhauser, Basel, pp. 173-198.
Dr J – I thought the TGF beta 1 was the scar forming protein and that it was present in the inflammatory stage of healing. The information you’ve presented here seems to contradict that.
“FFGF (fibroblast growth factor) and specifically the beta-3 version as opposed to beta-1. The former contributes to scarring during healing, while the latter has the opposite effect.”
foxe- you are reading closely! Yes, we got our former and latter crossed up. That’s what we get for talking like lawyers. Fixed it, thanks.
Can you tell me if the following products are also a waste of money…? (if taken together with hyaluronic acid and vit c). The reviews are very good…
http://www.iherb.com/Neocell-Super-Collagen-Type-1-3-7-oz-198-g/6074
http://www.iherb.com/Neocell-Fish-Collagen-H-A-With-Hyaluronic-Acid-120-Capsules/16756
Bunk.
Consumer reviews of people with less painful joints and more energy convince me of nothing except the placebo effect is still at work. I need to see a proper scientific study and not marketing hype before I’ll buy into this.
Notice the language the marketers use about how these supplements support healthy tendons, ligaments, skin, nails, etc. Since collagen is synthesized from amino acids, pinto beans, tofu, gelatin, and filet mignon are also good nutritional support. (I’ll have my filet medium rare, please.)
The problems with collagen supplements are: 1) the ingested supplement will undergo enzymatic digestion prior to absorption so that small peptides and amino acids enter the blood stream, not collagen; and 2) collagen within the intercellular matrix originates from precusor molecules synthesized from amino acids within cells (primarily fibroblasts). After precursor molecules are secreted, they are exzymatically con-joined with other similar molecules to form collagen fibrils. An incoming imported molecule from an oral supplement (even if it could arrive) cannot join the party …or be incorporated into the tissue.
Yes, vitamin C is required in the process of collagen synthesis, and yes, hyaluronic acid is found within the intercellular matrix, but so what? Unless you’re deficient in vitamin C, there’s enough around, and hyaluronic acid (aka hyaluron) can have molecular weights in the millions, so again there is a problem with it being absorbed, let alone surviving the attack of digestive juices and enzymes.
To expect collagen from a supplement to reach the intercellular space and participate in the local collagen structure is wishful thinking – wishful for sure on the part of the people selling this rubbish.
Warning!!! Marketing scam!! Hide your credit card!! Remember, marketers do not expect consumers to discern fact from fiction.
Better go for visualization/meditation on the subject you want to achieve than spending placebo money…
Thanks for your opinion…
I knew scleroderma ( too little collagen) and Ehler Danlos (excess) are collagen disorders. I discovered collagen comes from the Greek word glue. Now that I think about it, not surprising since collagen is a connective tissue protein. some beauty lotions claim to contain collagen.
But collagen is a huge protein that forms fibers, and really too big to get absorbed into skin. See our post “Let’s Talk Penetration”.
Type I collagen is by far the most abundant type in all mammals, comprising approximately 90% of total collagen and found in scar tissue, tendons, skin, arterial walls, cornea, fibrocartilage, and organic parts of bone and teeth. Supplements containing “Type I” collagen are obtained through hydroloysis of animal hides, tendons, ligaments, etc. Type I collagen is tough, strong, and inelastic. The supple reticular fibers of granulation tissue and fetal scar-less healing has larger amounts of Type III collagen than found in adult tissue.
The processing of tissues to obtain Type I collagen for supplements does not result in the macromolecules that make up collagen, but rather much smaller polypeptides. Collagen itself cannot be absorbed, only constituent peptide chains.
The thrust of your question presupposes oral supplements containing collagen derived peptides can indeed result in positive effects on the skin. There is limited literature on this subject but some can be found. One, cited below, was a double-blind, placebo’controlled study that examined the effects on skin in 69 women aged 35 to 55 years of age. Skin elasticity,skinmoisture, transepidermal water loss and skin roughness were measured. Skin examinations were made at 4 and 8 weeks. The conclusion was:
“After 4 weeks of follow-up treatment, a statistically significantly higher skin elasticity level was determined in elderly women. With regard to skin moisture and skin evaporation, a positive influence of CH treatment could be observed in a subgroup analysis, but data failed to reach a level of statistical significance. No side effects were noted throughout the study.”
This is a recently published article (2014.) BFT would expect additional studies to be forthcoming to confirm these findings. Until then, BFT remains skeptical of the value of hydrolyzed collagen supplements as being of significant value in improving the health and appearance of aging skin. We will keep an open mind.
Skin Pharmacol Physiol 2014;27:47-55
(DOI:10.1159/000351376)
Oral Supplementation of Specific Collagen Peptides Has Beneficial Effects on Human Skin Physiology: A Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study
Proksch E. · Segger D. · Degwert J. · Schunck M. · Zague V. · Oesser S.
http://www.researchgate.net/publication/255957972_Oral_Supplementation_of_Specific_Collagen_Peptides_Has_Beneficial_Effects_on_Human_Skin_Physiology_A_Double-Blind_Placebo-Controlled_Study
ok,now I am totally confused,i an doing radio frequency and micro needleing.i want to get some vitamin c to use with the micro needling .I am told it will help with collagen growth.What else can I use on top of my face and orally.i take 1000 mm. of c a day.there is so much on the market it makes my head swim,and I don’t have money to waste.Please help me out here.thank you Dana
We just returned from American Academy of Dermatology meetings. Dr George, Dr John, and Dr Lance also have swimming heads as the world awakens to microneedling. Let me give it to you straight. Don’t use any topical on your skin during or immediately after microneedling unless it is totally 100% physiologic (natural to humans because they make it themselves). Vitamin C serum is know to be associated with complications (granulomas). It may be the vitamin C (some forms are not natural to humans) or it may be one of the other chemicals added to a Vit. C serum. Use only products designed specifically for microneedling. We have created one that contains only hyaluronic acid and human cytokines / growth factors. Superb results. Safe.
Is that safe for someone with mild ehlers danlos?
Can I apply the AnteAge serum and Accelerator immediately after microneedeling ? Retin A? Or is it better to wait until the following day? Will one or both of you fellas marry me? It would really make these decisions so much easier.
During the first few hours after microneedling, the best course of action is to only put on one’s skin that which exists within it naturally. With greatly enhanced penetration, application of otherwise foreign substances or supraphysiologic levels of substances that typically exist in trace amounts, makes little sense, and may be harmful. Photos being submitted to BFT have shown alarming allergic reactions when foreign substances are applied to freshly treated skin. As far as AnteAGE products go, we have formulated microneedling solutions that contain only hyaluronic acid, stem cell derived cytokines and growth factors, and in the MD version available at physicians’ offices and medical spas, supplemental TGF-beta 3. When combined with daily use of AnteAGE Serum and Accelerator, the aesthetic improvements we are seeing are very impressive. The Serum and Accelerator can safely be used within a few hours of microneedling. Let’s be cautious and agree six hours should be sufficient.
Hi Roseanna, we will have to run your proposal past our much adored wives. The more the merrier? I’m guessing this might be a tough sell.
I was recently diagnosed with scleroderma. I have been following an autoimmune diet since before my diagnosis for about a year. There have been many improvements, but I may need to tweak the diet. I cut down on meat – I think I was consuming too much, and have noticed subtle improvement, but this diet calls for lots of bone broth. My questions are: does the amount of meat in a diet affect the amount of collagen that is made, and does bone broth also add to the production of collagen? I can’t seem to find much information on this at all. Thanks.
Complicated question. Scleroderma is an autoimmune disorder and affects connective tissue everywhere in the body. Including the gut, which can lead to malabsorption and malnutrition. Most scleroderma diets aim to overcome absorptive difficulties and assure good overall nutrition. I have heard of diets that help to tone down inflammation, and that is good. And bone broth may be one thing good for that. But bone broth is rich in matrix proteins (gelatin – hyaluronic acid, collagen and collagen precursors, etc). But collagen is overproduced in scleroderma (and poorly cross linked to become stiff and unyielding). The stimulus for this is not the presence of these proteins, but nonetheless – why would you want extra matrix proteins floating about? Seems counterintuitive. In the absence of protein malabsorption (usually the last thing to go) I think I would try to get anti-inflammatory but not that way. Better to focus on gluten free, low non-natural carbs, otherwise healthy and balanced diet. Can someone enlighten me as to why pushing collagen and precursors is a good thing in scleroderma?
Thanks for your quick response. The diet is called the Auto-Immune Protocol. It is an elimination and healing diet, and as the leaky gut heals, you add foods back to your diet to see what bothers you. It is for general auto-immune diseases, not just scleroderma. As I have improved quite a bit eating this way, I will continue, but with a lot less bone broth. I was originally diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, but a new rheumy this week said no, it looks like scleroderma, which makes sense considering my other difficulties. I really appreciate your insight on this.
That makes perfect sense, and your approach is a sound one. Please keep us informed of your progress, Sue.
I love the information on your website and your dedication to enlightening readers through science. Your posts have great information, and I’m so glad to see someone mention that lupus impacts collagen.
I was recently diagnosed, and in the months leading up to and since my diagnosis, I suddenly look like I’ve aged 10 years, especially in terms of sag and chronic dehydration. Others with the condition feel similarly, but it has been hard to understand the “why.” Could you explain to me (even in broad strokes) how lupus impacts aging skin in terms of the mechanisms? What sorts of anti-aging approaches or ingredients might be most helpful for tackling this form of accelerated aging? For instance, would it be wise for those of us with lupus to avoid anti-aging ingredients that trigger inflammation (e.g., Retin-A)? What topicals might be most helpful for skin aging impacted by lupus? Just for the sake of clarity, please know that I’m asking for some theoretical guidance, not medical advice. 🙂
I have a research background, so feel free to recommend any journal articles or other resources if any occur to you. I am very excited to hear back from you! Many thanks!
Hi, Melissa. Thank you for your question.
We’ve mentioned in multiple places on BFT that there is a well-established causative relationship between inflammation and aging in all tissue, especially the skin. The major culprits for skin aging are solar radiation, smoking, and environmental toxins. Unfortunately for you and others with lupus erythematosus, the pro-inflammatory machinery of the immune system has been thrown into overdrive, accelerating the aging process.
As to what you can do in terms of topical treatments for your lupus facial rash, reducing inflammation and immunologic attack are the obvious treatment goals. Topical steroids and topical immunomodulators (tacrlimus and pimecrolimus) are often prescribed, as is Retin-A. While Retin-A at higher doses can lead to irritation and dryness, an inflammatory etiology for those side-effects is not established. In fact, a reference below speaks to the anti-inflammatory effect of retinoids.
We are not yet aware of a lupus patient trying our anti-inflammatory serums (AnteAGE Serum and Serum AnteAGE MD) to help control facial inflammation, but would recommend a trial. We have abundant clinical evidence that these products are effective at helping control facial redness for several other conditions, most notably rosacea, eczema, seborrheic dermatitis, and steroid induced dermatitis.
We never claim our products as treatments but can confidently state they help improve the appearance of facial redness.
Ultraviolet radiation and skin aging: roles of reactive oxygen species, inflammation and protease activation, and strategies for prevention of inflammation-induced matrix degradation – a review
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1467-2494.2004.00241.x/full
Effects of Tretinoin on Photodamaged Skin- A Histologic Study
http://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamadermatology/article-abstract/553014
Tretinoin: A Review of Its Anti-inflammatory Properties in the Treatment of Acne
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3225141/
Tumour necrosis factor and other proinflammatory cytokines in systemic lupus erythematosus: a rationale for therapeutic intervention
http://lup.sagepub.com/content/13/5/344.short
Elevation of proinflammatory cytokine (IL-18, IL-17, IL-12) and Th2 cytokine (IL-4) concentrations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus
http://lup.sagepub.com/content/9/8/589.short
Proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) in Egyptian patients with SLE: Its correlation with disease activity
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043466606002237
I’m surprised to hear you say that you don’t think collagen supplementation helps increase skin collagen.
Have you seen this study?
Schwartz SR, Park J. Ingestion of BioCell Collagen(®), a novel hydrolyzed chicken sternal cartilage extract; enhanced blood microcirculation and reduced facial aging signs. Clin Interv Aging. 2012;7:267-273.
Your question prompted us to revisit the literature to see what findings are now available concerning the efficacy of collagen supplementation in promoting beneficial changes in the skin. Here’s what we found:
Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications J Drugs Dermatol. 2019;18(1):9-16
“Preliminary results are promising for the short and long-term use of oral collagen supplements for wound healing and skin aging. Oral collagen supplements also increase skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density. Collagen supplementation is generally safe with no reported adverse events. Further studies are needed to elucidate medical use in skin barrier diseases such as atopic dermatitis and to determine optimal dosing regimens.”
“Based on the limited number of studies available, preliminary results are promising for the short-term and long-term use of oral collagen supplements for wound healing and skin aging. Oral collagen supplements also increase skin elasticity, hydration, and dermal collagen density. Collagen supplementation currently does not have any reported adverse events.”
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.
“Collagen peptides are used as a bioactive ingredient in nutricosmetic products and have been shown in preclinical studies to improve skin barrier function, to induce the synthesis of collagen and hyaluronic acid, and to promote fibroblast growth and migration.”
“Oral collagen peptide supplementation significantly increased skin hydration after 8 weeks of intake. The collagen density in the dermis significantly increased and the fragmentation of the dermal collagen network significantly decreased already after 4 weeks of supplementation. Both effects persisted after 12 weeks. Ex vivo experiments demonstrated that collagen peptides induce collagen as well as glycosaminoglycan production, offering a mechanistic explanation for the observed clinical effects.”
Published articles stress the importance of using collagen products that have high levels of purity and lack of undesirable contaminating ingredients.
What are your thoughts about combining AnteAge Stem cell micro needling serum with copper peptides (specifically those from Dr. Pickart/Skin Biology) after micro needling?
Copper peptides have proven efficacy as described below but are sensitive to low pH. For this reason, they are not recommended to be used in conjunction with topical acids or peels. Microneedlling, however, is where they shine primarily because their penetration is greatly enhanced. Absorption through intact skin is extremely limited. We see no reason why they cannot be used in conjunction with AnteAGE microneedling products. You asked specifically about peptides from Dr. Pickart/Skin Biology. Some of the material below has been extracted from articles published in peer-reviewed journals by Dr. Pickart.
The human copper peptide GHK (glycyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine) has multiple biological actions. It stimulates blood vessel and nerve growth, increases collagen, elastin, and glycosaminoglycan synthesis, as well as supports the function of dermal fibroblasts. GHK’s ability to improve tissue repair has been demonstrated for skin, lung connective tissue, boney tissue, liver, and stomach lining. It has also been found to possess cell protective actions such as anti-cancer activities and anti-inflammatory actions, lung protection and restoration of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) fibroblasts. Its skin absorption is limited due to its hydrophilicity. Microneedles have been proven to dramatically enhance GHK-Cu skin penetration.
GHK-Cu stimulates wound healing in numerous models and in humans. Controlled studies on aged skin demonstrated that it tightens skin, improves elasticity and firmness, reduces fine lines, wrinkles, photodamage and hyperpigmentation.
Regenerative and Protective Actions of the GHK-Cu Peptide in the Light of the New Gene Data. Int J Mol Sci. 2018 Jul; 19(7): 1987.
Microneedle-Mediated Delivery of Copper Peptide Through Skin. Pharm Res.2015 Aug;32(8):2678-89.
The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. J Biomater Sci Polym Ed. 2008;19(8):969-88.