The Oral Intake of Specific Bovine-Derived Bioactive Collagen Peptides Has a Stimulatory Effect on Dermal Matrix Synthesis and Improves Various Clinical Skin Parameters

Collagen products are widely marketed for skin improvement. This study evaluated the efficacy of VERISOL B in relation to key skin aging parameters. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 66 women (aged 35–55) were randomized to receive either 2.5 g of bovine-derived bioactive collagen peptides (SCPs) (n = 33) or a placebo (n = 33) daily for 8 weeks. Their eye wrinkle volume, skin elasticity, and hydration were objectively measured at baseline (X0), 4 weeks (X4), and 8 weeks (X8). Additionally, the SCPs’ impact on type I collagen, elastin, and proteoglycan biosynthesis was assessed in human dermal fibroblasts. The SCP supplementation significantly (p < 0.05) reduced their eye wrinkle volume and improved their skin elasticity and hydration within 4 weeks. After 8 weeks of treatment, the positive effects were even more pronounced for all of the clinical parameters measured (p < 0.05). The fibroblast experiments confirmed the SCPs’ stimulatory impact on dermal metabolism (p < 0.05). In conclusion, oral SCP supplementation effectively reduced wrinkles and enhanced skin elasticity and hydration, likely by promoting extracellular matrix biosynthesis.