The use of collagen supplementation to combat cellulite:
Cellulite is a common skin condition that occurs mainly in women and is caused by an irregular distribution of fat under the surface of the skin. The affected skin shows dimples and a wave-like structure, often referred to as ‘orange peel skin’. Various approaches to reducing cellulite include exercise, skin care and dietary changes. In recent years, collagen supplementation has also come into focus to improve skin texture and reduce the appearance of cellulite.
Collagen and its role in the skin
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and a major component of connective tissue. It plays a crucial role in skin elasticity, firmness and hydration. With increasing age, the body's own collagen production decreases, which can contribute to a weakening of the skin structure and the development of cellulite.
Scientific findings on collagen supplementation
A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study by Schunck et al. (2015) investigated the effect of specific collagen peptides on the skin and cellulite. In this study, 105 women aged 24-50 years took bioactive collagen peptides daily over a period of six months. The results showed a significant reduction in cellulite and an improvement in skin elasticity compared to the placebo group. The improvements were particularly pronounced in normal-weight women, while another study by Zague et al. (2018) showed that the daily intake of hydrolysed collagen increases the collagen concentration in the skin and can therefore contribute to skin tightening and smoothing. These effects could also have a positive influence on the appearance of cellulite.
Mechanism of collagen
The exact mechanism of how collagen improves skin structure and reduces cellulite is not yet fully understood. However, it is assumed that collagen peptides work by increasing collagen synthesis and stimulating the production of extracellular matrix molecules such as elastin and hyaluronic acid. These molecules contribute to skin firmness and hydration, which in turn can reduce dimpling.
Conclusion
Collagen supplementation can be a promising addition to traditional methods of cellulite control. Studies have shown that collagen peptides can improve skin elasticity and firmness and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Continuous use over a period of at least three to six months, combined with regular exercise and skin care, appears to be most effective.
Sources:
Schunck, M., Zague, V., Oesser, S., & Proksch, E. (2015). Dietary supplementation with specific collagen peptides has a body mass index-dependent beneficial effect on cellulite morphology.
Journal of Medicinal Food, 18(12), 1340-1348.Zague, V., de Freitas, V., da Costa Rosa, M., de Castro, G. A., Jaeger, R. G., & Macedo Fdo, C. (2018). Collagen hydrolysate intake increases skin collagen expression and suppresses matrix metalloproteinase 2 activity. Journal of Medicinal Food, 21(1), 19-27.