When administered to Wistar rats with either [14C]proline (Pro group) or glycyl-[14C]prolyl-hydroxyproline (CTp group), LMWCH rapidly increased plasma radioactivity. The LMW-CH was absorbed into the blood of Wistar rats in the peptide form. CTp tripeptide remained in the plasma of the rats and accumulated in their kidneys. In both groups, radioactivity was retained at a high level in the skin until 14 days after administration.29
DISCUSSION
Human skin specifically needs Types 1 and 3 collagen. Types 1 and 3 support skin, muscles, bone health, and hair and nail maintenance. Collagen Type 2 comprises the fluids and functions in the cartilage and joints; thus this type of collagen will not act as a specifically a skin supplement. More than 90% of collagen in the body is comprised of Type 1 and 3 collagen. Over time, as noted previously, the ideal levels of collagen that the human body naturally produces begin to decrease. Collagen fibers break down or no longer regenerate; this leads to a “deflation†effect on the surface of the skin.
By the age of 40, the body’s ability to produce collagen decreases by ~25% and, by age 60, collagen has decreased to ~50%. Given that the body can no longer keep up with the demand for naturally occurring collagen to maintain youthful skin, if one desires this, one needs to think about supplementation and corresponding levels of collagen depletion. In addition, many patients are overwhelmed by the choice of beauty products available on the market and welcome a tailored approach to their skin care. Given that daily intake of an oral nutraceutical supplement drink has been shown to increase collagen density, Skinade is recommended for patients who are undergoing treatment in which the aim is collagen stimulation (e.g., poly-L-lactic acid, medical microneedling, polydioxanone thread lifting, and radiofrequency). Ideally, a patient will begin drinking the product 1 month before treatment to ensure that the skin is in optimal condition at the time of the procedure. Continued use of the supplement for 2–3 months postprocedure and beyond the treatment phase may help enhance treatment outcomes (See Figures 4 and 5).
Maintenance of collagen levels through aesthetic procedures and topical skin-care application can help reduce signs of aging. Although aesthetic practitioners already offer a myriad of localized topical, injectable, and laser treatments at their clinics, these procedures only address patients’ concerns from the outside, when so many of the factors that contribute to global skin health and aging are influenced by what is happening inside the body (ie, inflammation, glycation, and oxidation).29 It therefore makes sense to combine these treatments with products that work from the inside out to maximize all opportunities for skin-health improvement.
Limitations
For most people, a fish-based supplement is preferable; however, Skinade does contain marine collagen, which could affect individuals with fish allergies adversely and is not suitable for patients with vegetarian or vegan diet restrictions. It is also important to note that there have been no studies relating to the safety of the product during pregnancy.
CONCLUSIONS
In the recent past, the approach to skin rejuvenation traditionally
has been topical—from the outside in—but there is growing
interest in nutraceuticals to support skin function and skin
health. Aesthetic practitioners already offer patients a vast
array of topical, injectable, and laser treatments at their clinics;
these approaches all address patients’ concerns from the
outside. However, when so many of the factors that contribute
to skin health and aging are influenced by what is happening
inside the body, it makes sense to combine these treatments
with nutraceutical products that work from the inside out to
maximize all opportunities for skin care.
