The skin is the largest organ in the human body and serves as a protector against harmful environmental factors. With age, the skin gradually loses its elasticity, moisture and density, which can lead to the appearance of wrinkles, lines and laxity. Many factors contribute to the aging process of the skin, including sun exposure, poor nutrition, smoking and stress.
Collagen is the main protein in the dermis tissue, and is responsible for the skin's strength and elasticity. MSM (methylsulfonylmethane) is a natural sulfur compound found in various foods and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
Many studies have suggested that adding collagen and MSM may improve skin health. This study examined the effects of 12 weeks of daily supplementation with various combinations of fish collagen hydrolyzate (HC) and MSM on dermis density and other parameters of skin health in middle-aged women.
Methods:
The study included 109 healthy women aged 40-65 years. The women were randomly divided into four groups:
- Placebo group (n=27): received a placebo supplement without active ingredients.
- Col-HD group (n=26): received a supplement containing 10 grams of hydrolyzed fish collagen and 80 mg of vitamin C.
- ColMSM-LD group (n=27): received a supplement containing 5 grams of hydrolyzed fish collagen, 1.5 grams of MSM and 80 mg of vitamin C.
- ColMSM-HD group (n=27): received a supplement containing 10 grams of hydrolyzed fish collagen, 1.5 grams of MSM and 80 mg of vitamin C.
The women took the supplements daily for 12 weeks. Dermis density, skin thickness, skin moisture, epidermal water loss (TEWL), skin elasticity, skin roughness and wrinkles were measured at the beginning of the study, after 6 weeks and after 12 weeks.
Results:
- Density of the dermis: All groups that received active supplements (Col-HD, ColMSM-LD, ColMSM-HD) showed a significant improvement in the density of the dermis compared to the placebo group. The improvement was greater in the groups that received MSM (ColMSM-LD and ColMSM-HD) compared to the group that received only collagen (Col-HD).
- Skin thickness: The ColMSM-LD and ColMSM-HD groups showed a significant improvement in skin thickness compared to the placebo and Col-HD groups.
- Skin moisture: The ColMSM-HD group showed a significant improvement in skin moisture compared to the placebo, Col-HD and ColMSM-LD groups.
- Water loss through the epidermis (TEWL): No significant differences were observed between the groups in water loss through the epidermis.
- Skin elasticity: No significant differences were observed between the groups in skin elasticity.
- Improvement of skin roughness: The ColMSM-LD and ColMSM-HD groups showed a significant improvement in skin roughness compared to the placebo and Col-HD groups.
- Wrinkles: The Col-HD, ColMSM-LD, and ColMSM-HD groups showed significant improvement in wrinkle depth and wrinkle texture compared to the placebo group.
The improvement was greater in the groups that received MSM (ColMSM-LD and ColMSM-HD) compared to the group that received only collagen (Col-HD).
The research findings indicate that a 12-week daily supplement with collagen and MSM may significantly improve skin health in middle-aged women. This improvement was observed in a variety of parameters, including dermis density, skin thickness, skin moisture, skin roughness and wrinkles.
The effect of collagen on skin health is attributed to its important role in the dermis tissue.
Collagen helps maintain the skin's strength and elasticity, and encourages the production of new skin cells.
MSM may improve skin health through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which help protect the skin from environmental damage.
The current study found that the addition of MSM may increase the effectiveness of collagen in improving skin health.
It is possible that MSM helps the absorption of collagen in the body and increases the production of natural collagen in the skin.
Limitations of the study:
It is important to note that this study was conducted on a population of healthy women aged 40-65 years.
Results may not be generalizable to other demographics, such as men, young women, or older women.
Also, the results may be affected by other factors, such as diet, lifestyle and use of skin products.
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