Posted on: Thursday, June 6th 2024 at 3:00 am
For the countless women who struggle with cellulite, topical treatments and massage techniques often prove frustratingly ineffective. But what if the key to reducing the appearance of dimpled skin lies not in what we put on our bodies, but what we put in them? A growing body of research suggests that oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides (BCP) could offer new hope in the fight against cellulite.
Cellulite, a condition that affects an estimated 85% of women over the age of 20, is notoriously challenging to treat.1 Characterized by a lumpy, "orange peel" appearance on the skin, cellulite results from a complex interplay of factors including genetics, hormones, and lifestyle. While many topical creams and massage techniques claim to reduce cellulite, their efficacy is often limited and short-lived.
Enter collagen peptides, which are gaining attention as a promising new approach to managing cellulite from the inside out. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, providing structure and support to skin, bones, muscles, and connective tissues. As we age, collagen production naturally declines, contributing to wrinkles, sagging skin, and potentially exacerbating the appearance of cellulite.
But not all collagen supplements are created equal. Specific bioactive collagen peptides (BCP), derived from a specialized enzymatic process, have shown particular promise in clinical trials. In a recent double-blind, placebo-controlled study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food, 105 women with moderate cellulite received either 2.5g of BCP or a placebo daily for 6 months.2
The results were striking: women in the BCP group showed a significant decrease in cellulite, with a "notable improvement in skin waviness" and increased dermal density compared to the placebo group.2 These improvements were even more pronounced in women of normal BMI. The researchers propose that BCP may work by stimulating the synthesis of new collagen fibers in the skin's matrix, helping to restore a smoother, more even texture.
So where can you find these potent collagen peptides? While many collagen supplements are derived from bovine sources, the specific BCP used in this study, called Verisol, comes from porcine (pig) skin. According to the manufacturer Gelita AG, Verisol is produced through a patented "multi-step" hydrolysis process that yields highly bioavailable peptides with an average molecular weight of 2kDa.2
Of course, no single supplement is a magic bullet for cellulite. A healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper hydration remain crucial for maintaining skin health. And while the results of this study are promising, further research is needed to fully understand the potential of BCP in cellulite management.
Nonetheless, for the millions of women seeking new ways to feel confident and comfortable in their skin, collagen peptide supplementation represents an exciting frontier. By nourishing the skin from within, these powerful peptides may offer a safe, effective tool for smoother, firmer skin--and a valuable addition to the cellulite-fighting toolkit.
To learn more about natural approaches to cellulite, visit our database on the subject here.
To learn more about collagen research, visit our database here.
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References
1. Schunck M, Zague V, Oesser S, Proksch E. Dietary Supplementation with Specific Collagen Peptides Has a Body Mass Index-Dependent Beneficial Effect on Cellulite Morphology. J Med Food. 2015;18(12):1340-1348. doi:10.1089/jmf.2015.0022
2. Proksch E, Schunck M, Zague V, Segger D, Degwert J, Oesser S. Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(3):113-119. doi:10.1159/000355523
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