What Is Marine Collagen?

Collagen is a type of protein the body makes by itself, comprised of amino acids. It is essential to the structure and function of skin, connective tissue, joints, hair, nails and gut health. As we age, the body is less able to produce collagen, which can lead to signs of ageing such as fine lines and wrinkles, dull skin, increased age spots, and sagging due to the reduced skin elasticity. When it comes to healthy ageing and especially skin health, it’s important to choose the right type of collagen for you.

Marine collagen is a type of collagen extracted from the bones and scales of fish, which is known to be the most effective type of collagen for skin health. Marine collagen contains ‘type 1 collagen’, which is the most abundant type of collagen in the body, and is particularly important in the skin. Research also shows that type 1 collagen is highly biocompatible with the human body, meaning it is very well tolerated and absorbed, and there is a very low likelihood of side effects from taking it. [2] Type 1 collagen from marine collagen works to specifically minimise fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity and hydration. [3]

The Love Life Supplements Marine Collagen Complex is also wild-caught and sustainably and ethically sourced from the pristine waters of Brittany. An eco-friendly process of water extraction using natural enzymes produces the innovative and natural collagen peptides, which can then be easily absorbed by the body.

Is Marine Collagen Better Than Other Types Of Collagen?

It can be confusing to know which is the best type of collagen for you to supplement with, so let’s look at why marine collagen may be the best choice for you. If you’re looking to enhance skin health, as well as growing thicker hair and stronger nails, marine collagen may be the best choice. Marine collagen supports healthy ageing specifically by improving the health and appearance of skin. Studies on humans have shown that marine collagen can reduce wrinkles, improve skin elasticity, accelerate wound healing, and improve the overall structure and appearance of the skin. [4] As we’ve mentioned, marine collagen is also highly biocompatible, meaning it is well tolerated with low risk of side effects, very well absorbed, and improved skin results can often be seen between 4 and 12 weeks. [5] Hydrolysed marine collagen in particular is a type of collagen that has been broken down and is even more bioavailable than other types of collagen, meaning your body can absorb and make use of it quicker and more easily. [6]

What Are The Benefits Of Marine Collagen For Skin Health?

Now you know that marine collagen may be the best type of collagen for your skin health, let’s look at the specific benefits, and exactly how it works:

1. Reduced wrinkles and improved hydration: As we age, the skin becomes less elastic and more fragile. Decreased production of natural oils can dry the skin and increase the appearance of wrinkles, whilst decreased fat in the deeper layers of the skin diminishes too, causing sagging skin and deeper lines. Marine collagen works to increase the collagen and elastin within the skin by providing the building blocks for healthy, youthful skin, and improving the function of collagen production. [7] Many studies show that reduced wrinkles may be visible within 12 weeks too. [8] 

2. Improved Hydration: Marine collagen contains high levels of an amino acid called hydroxyproline, which stimulates hyaluronic acid production in the dermal layer of the skin, and is scientifically proven to increase the skin’s moisture levels and smoothness. [9] 

3. Reduced Pigmentation and Age Spots: Age spots and pigmentation can appear on the skin as we age due to accumulation of melanin and excess sun exposure over time. As we age, the skin’s production of collagen and new cells slows down, leaving pigmentation and age spots visible. By supplementing with marine collagen, the production of new skin cells is enhanced, and as the new skin regenerates, age-related pigmentation can decrease. 

4. Accelerated Wound Healing and Reduced Scarring: When dealing with a cut, bruise or scar, marine collagen can be highly beneficial in speeding up wound healing time, and help reduce acne scarring too. [10] The collagen peptides within marine collagen have been found to build up where skin damage occurs, helping heal and strengthen the wound. As the skin becomes firmer, smoother and more hydrated with the use of marine collagen, this can help reduce the appearance of scarring. 

 

Key Ingredients Of The Marine Collagen Complex for Skin Health

As well as including the impressive benefits of marine collagen, the Hydrolysed Marine Collagen Complex from Love Life Supplements also includes other key ingredients that compliment and enhances its effects:

Vitamin C: When looking for a high quality collagen supplement, it’s essential to choose one which contains vitamin C. Vitamin C naturally increases the utilisation and generation of collagen, assists normal skin function, and protects cells from oxidative stress.

Hyaluronic Acid: You may have seen this ingredient included in topical skincare products, but did you know that consuming edible sources of hyaluronic acid such as that found in marine collagen can have profound benefits for skin health too? Many foods contain hyaluronic acid such as bone broth, soy, starchy root vegetables, citrus fruits, leafy greens and nuts and seeds, meaning it’s something humans have been consuming as part of a healthy diet for thousands of years. Hyaluronic acid helps keep skin hydrated, as well as helping the skin stretch and flex, and aids in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. [11]

Bamboo Silica: Bamboo Silica helps improve the skin’s strength and elasticity, as well as improving collagen and elastin production. Bamboo also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help keep the skin calm and protect cells against irritation, and can help manage breakouts caused by toxins and excess oil. [12]

Biotin: Biotin supports hair health and is essential for keratin production. Biotin is a well known supplement for supporting healthy skin and hair, as well as keeping the liver, eyes and nervous system healthy. When it comes specifically to skin health, research shows biotin helps improve the skin’s hydration, smoothness and appearance, as well as strengthening nails and helping them grow faster. [13]

  

How To Make Marine Collagen Complex As Part Of Your Healthy Skin Routine

With a host of benefits, you may be wondering how to make marine collagen a part of your healthy skin routine. When it comes to the question: ‘can I take marine collagen every day?’, the answer is yes! Research shows taking collagen daily is safe and effective. [14] Simply take two capsules of the Hydrolysed Marine Collagen Complex daily as part of your morning routine to see the best results.

 

References

• [1] Varani J, Dame MK, Rittie L, Fligiel SE, Kang S, Fisher GJ, Voorhees JJ. Decreased collagen production in chronologically aged skin: roles of age-dependent alteration in fibroblast function and defective mechanical stimulation. Am J Pathol. 2006 Jun;168(6):1861-8. doi: 10.2353/ajpath.2006.051302. PMID: 16723701; PMCID: PMC1606623.
• [2] Naomi R, Ridzuan PM, Bahari H. Current Insights into Collagen Type I. Polymers (Basel). 2021 Aug 9;13(16):2642. doi: 10.3390/polym13162642. PMID: 34451183; PMCID: PMC8399689.
• [3] Al-Atif H. Collagen Supplements for Aging and Wrinkles: A Paradigm Shift in the Fields of Dermatology and Cosmetics. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2022 Jan 1;12(1):e2022018. doi: 10.5826/dpc.1201a18. PMID: 35223163; PMCID: PMC8824545.
• [4] Geahchan S, Baharlouei P, Rahman A. Marine Collagen: A Promising Biomaterial for Wound Healing, Skin Anti-Aging, and Bone Regeneration. Mar Drugs. 2022 Jan 10;20(1):61. doi: 10.3390/md20010061. PMID: 35049916; PMCID: PMC8780088.
• [5] Bolke L, Schlippe G, Gerß J, Voss W. A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study. Nutrients. 2019 Oct 17;11(10):2494. doi: 10.3390/nu11102494. PMID: 31627309; PMCID: PMC6835901.
• [6] León-López A, Morales-Peñaloza A, Martínez-Juárez VM, Vargas-Torres A, Zeugolis DI, Aguirre-Álvarez G. Hydrolyzed Collagen-Sources and Applications. Molecules. 2019 Nov 7;24(22):4031. doi: 10.3390/molecules24224031. PMID: 31703345; PMCID: PMC6891674.
• [7] Bolke L, Schlippe G, Gerß J, Voss W. A Collagen Supplement Improves Skin Hydration, Elasticity, Roughness, and Density: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Blind Study. Nutrients. 2019 Oct 17;11(10):2494. doi: 10.3390/nu11102494. PMID: 31627309; PMCID: PMC6835901.
• [8] Al-Atif H. Collagen Supplements for Aging and Wrinkles: A Paradigm Shift in the Fields of Dermatology and Cosmetics. Dermatol Pract Concept. 2022 Jan 1;12(1):e2022018. doi: 10.5826/dpc.1201a18. PMID: 35223163; PMCID: PMC8824545.
• [9] Pu SY, Huang YL, Pu CM, Kang YN, Hoang KD, Chen KH, Chen C. Effects of Oral Collagen for Skin Anti-Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Nutrients. 2023 Apr 26;15(9):2080. doi: 10.3390/nu15092080. PMID: 37432180; PMCID: PMC10180699.
• [10] Geahchan S, Baharlouei P, Rahman A. Marine Collagen: A Promising Biomaterial for Wound Healing, Skin Anti-Aging, and Bone Regeneration. Mar Drugs. 2022 Jan 10;20(1):61. doi: 10.3390/md20010061. PMID: 35049916; PMCID: PMC8780088.
• [11] Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol. 2012 Jul 1;4(3):253-8. doi: 10.4161/derm.21923. PMID: 23467280; PMCID: PMC3583886.
• [12] Harshada Vasave, Deepak Wasule, Rujuta Bobade. (2019). Bamboo’s Extract for Rejuvenating Skin.IJSDR. 4(7), pp.138-143. [Online]. Available at: https://www.ijsdr.org/papers/IJSDR1907024.pdf [Accessed 31 July 2023].
  
• [13] WebMD Editorial Contributors. (2022). Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors Reviewed by Mahammad Juber, MD on November 29, 2022 IN THIS ARTICLE Health Be.WebMD. [Online]. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/diet/health-benefits-biotin#:~:text=Improved%20Skin%20and%20Fingernails,additi [Accessed 31 July 2023].
  
• [14] Choi FD, Sung CT, Juhasz ML, Mesinkovsk NA. Oral Collagen Supplementation: A Systematic Review of Dermatological Applications. J Drugs Dermatol. 2019 Jan 1;18(1):9-16. PMID: 30681787.