The pursuit of healthy, youthful skin has long been a fascination for both researchers and the general public. A recent study published in the Journal of Functional Foods delves into this quest. The research conducted a detailed examination of the effects of continuous daily administration of collagen, vitamin C, and methylsulfonylmethane (an organosulfur molecule found in many foods, milks, and grains) products on various skin parameters over 12 weeks.
Using a single-center approach, the research took place at VIST - Faculty of Applied Sciences, Institute of Cosmetics in Slovenia, from autumn to winter. The seasonality factor is important as skin can be affected by external environmental factors.
Subjects were allocated to one of four groups through computer-generated random numbers: a placebo group and three test product groups with varying compositions of hydrolyzed fish collagen, MSM, and vitamin C. This randomization procedure ensures that each group is as similar as possible at baseline, reducing the likelihood of pre-existing differences influencing the results. The test products were administered orally in syrup form and included different combinations of hydrolyzed fish collagen, MSM, and vitamin C.
Various skin parameters were measured to evaluate the impact of the test products. These parameters included dermal density and thickness, skin viscoelasticity, skin hydration, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), skin texture (roughness), and wrinkles. Measurements were taken at baseline, after 6-weeks, and at the 12-week follow-up. These assessments were conducted in controlled environmental conditions to minimize external influences.
Of the 109 subjects initially enrolled in the study, 107 completed the 12-week trial with no reported side effects or adverse events. The analysis of the baseline characteristics of the subjects revealed no significant differences between the groups, which is vital to ensure that the study groups were indeed comparable.
All three experimental groups showed better skin density, dermis thickness, increased viscoelasticity, increased skin hydration, lower wrinkle volume, lower maximum wrinkle depth, lower wrinkle indentation index, and reduced skin roughness. Some of these differences were dose-dependent, suggesting that the composition of the test products influenced their effectiveness. This is a crucial finding as it emphasizes the importance of the ingredients in these skin health products.
This study not only contributes to our understanding of skin health but also underscores the potential benefits of specific ingredients in skin care products. It is a valuable resource for researchers and consumers looking to make informed choices in their pursuit of healthy, youthful skin.
