Once we reach our mid-20s, something not so fabulous happens… Our production of collagen begins to steadily decline. The limited amount of this vital protein in our body, as well as the elastin fibres of our skin, become thicker and looser as we age. That’s why it’s common to notice fine lines and wrinkles in your 30s, 40s, and 50s.
Thankfully, in the last five years, there has been a significant amount of research looking into how we can age gracefully and prevent permanent skin damage. Through dozens of clinical trials, scientists have found that adding a collagen supplement into your daily routine effectively combats signs of ageing.
Iluminos’ Nordic Marine Collagen predominantly contains type 1 collagen. This type is the most abundant form in the human body and is known to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and boost hydration. Type 1 collagen also assists in the rebuild of your muscles, tendons, bones, spine and eyes. It also plays an integral role in strengthening your nails and promoting hair growth.

Regardless of your age, consuming collagen clearly has a profound impact on your body’s various functions. Still not convinced? Let’s take a look at the evidence!
The benefits of collagen – according to science and clinical trails
Anti-ageing:
A study of 69 women aged between 35 and 55 were randomly selected to receive 2.5g or 5.0g of Collagen Hydrolysate or a placebo. The study ran over 8 weeks and results showed that skin elasticity in both the Collagen Hydrolysate groups displayed a substantial improvement in comparison to placebo. Evidently, a boost in their body’s production of collagen helped prevent the most common signs of ageing.
Reduces skin wrinkles:
114 women aged between 45 and 65 were randomized to receive 2.5g of Collagen or a placebo, once daily for 8 weeks. The group of women who consumed collagen saw a drastic reduction in eye wrinkles compared to the placebo group. An 18% increase in skin elastin was also seen in the Collagen ingesting group compared to the placebo.
Increases skin moisture:
A comprehensive study of Japanese and Caucasian women saw them orally consume collagen over an eight week period. Those who ingested collagen peptides noticed an increase in skin moisture by 12%. An additional increase in the skin’s collagen density was also shown over 12 weeks and was confirmed via dermal echogenicity.
Improves nail growth and strength:
A study saw 25 people consume 2.5g of collagen once daily over 24 weeks. The study observed a 12% increase in nail growth rate and a 42% decrease in the frequency of broken nails.
The majority of participants were in agreement that the strength of their nails drastically improved over this period. The study also noted that the majority of participants were happy with the outcome.
Reduces Joint Pain:
A study conducted between September 2005 and June 2006 recruited 147 people who competed in a varsity team (University/College sports) or club sport (community-based sport).
Of the 147 participants, 72 were male and 75 were female. Each person was given a liquid formulation containing 10g of Collagen hydrolysate or a placebo.
The study concluded that the athletes who consumed a collagen hydrolysate supplement noticed a significant improvement in joint pain. Consuming this supplement had a positive impact on their muscle health and allowed them to train pain-free.
Adding a collagen supplement into your diet will effectively combat signs of ageing, wrinkles and saggy skin. The added boost of this vital protein also prevents joint pain and increases the strength of your nails and hair. With Iluminos’ ethically sourced Nordic Marine Collagen, you’ll notice a visible change in your skin, hair and nail health within months.
References:
• Proksch E., Segger D., Degwert J., Schunck M., Zague V., Oesser S. (2014) Oral Supplementation of Specific Collagen Peptides Has Beneficial Effects on Human Skin Physiology: A Double-Blind, PlaceboControlled Study. Skin Pharmacol Physiol 27:47–55
• Proksch, E., Schunck, M., Zague, V., Degwert, J., Oesser, S. (2014) Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. Skin Pharmacology and
• Physiology 27(3), 113-119.
• Asserin, J., Lati, E., Shioya, T., Prawitt, J. (2015) The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network: evidence from an ex vivo model and randomized
• placebo-controlled clinical trials. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology 14(4), 291-301.
• Schrieber, R., Gareis, H. (2007) Gelatine Handbook: Theory and Industrial Practice. Wiley-VCH, Weinheim, 347 pp.
• Mintz, GR., Reinhart, GM., Lent, B. (1991) Relationship between collagen hydrolysate molecular weight and peptide substantivity to hair. Journal of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists 42, 35-44.
• Hexsel D, Zague V, Schunck M, Siega C, Camozzato FO, Oesser S. Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017 Dec;16(4):520-526. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12393. Epub 2017 Aug 8. PMID: 28786550.
• Yamada, S., Nagaoka, H., Terajima, M., Tsuda, N., Hayashi, Y., & Yamauchi, M. (2013) Effects of fish collagen peptides on collagen post-translational modifications and mineralisation in an osteoblastic cell culture system. Dental Materials Journal, 32(1), 88–95
• Clark KL, Sebastianelli W, Flechsenhar KR, Aukermann DF, Meza F, Millard RL, Deitch JR, Sherbondy PS, Albert A. 24-Week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. Curr Med Res Opin. 2008 May;24(5):1485-96. doi: 10.1185/030079908×291967. Epub 2008 Apr 15. PMID: 18416885.• Medistat, Dermatological expertise on an eight-week lasting clinical-dermatological application test with hydration determination using a corneometer, 2017