Marine collagen might sound exotic, but it’s simply collagen derived from fish, typically the skin of wild-caught cod that are sustainably sourced.
Here’s the intriguing part: this marine collagen is a type 1 collagen, and when broken down into peptides, it becomes one of the most bioavailable sources of collagen available. In simpler terms, your body can easily absorb and utilize it.
Benefits of Marine Collagen Peptides
So, what exactly can these marine collagen peptides do? Here’s a glimpse into the exciting possibilities:
Packed with type I collagen, the kind most abundant in your skin, marine collagen peptides may help your skin retain moisture, keeping it plump and hydrated. They might even stimulate your body to produce more collagen, leading to increased elasticity and a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Not only does marine collagen support your skin’s health, but it might also benefit your hair. The presence of proline and arginine, essential amino acids, creates an ideal environment for your hair follicles to thrive. This could lead to healthier, stronger hair with less breakage and thinning.
Marine collagen peptides boast an impressive amino acid profile, including glycine and proline. These power players can help strengthen the lining of your gut, potentially reducing inflammation and promoting a healthy gut microbiome. This translates to a reduced risk of leaky gut syndrome, a condition where harmful substances can enter your bloodstream.
Research suggests that marine collagen peptides might have a role in promoting muscle growth and recovery. Glycine, another key amino acid in the mix, plays a part in building and repairing muscle tissue.
So, marine collagen peptides could be a valuable addition to your post-workout routine, helping you build lean muscle mass and recover faster, all while reducing muscle soreness and inflammation.
Sources of Collagen
For many years, the primary sources of collagen were discards from the bovine and porcine processing industries. These animal-based collagens were widely used in various applications due to their abundance and effectiveness.
However, over the past few decades, the use of collagen from these sources has significantly declined. Several factors contributed to this shift, including dietary restrictions and personal choices.
For example, many people following specific dietary regimes avoid porcine and bovine-derived products. Moreover, religious constraints prohibit the use of these products for Muslims, Hindus, and Jews, who collectively represent a substantial portion of the global population.
In addition to dietary and religious restrictions, health concerns have also played a crucial role in limiting the use of bovine-derived collagen.
The outbreak of diseases such as bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE), and foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) raised significant concerns about the safety of bovine products.
These crises, which primarily affected the United Kingdom and Asia, highlighted the potential risks associated with using bovine-derived collagen. Consequently, stringent regulations have been implemented to limit their use, prompting the search for alternative collagen sources.
Amidst these challenges, marine organisms have emerged as promising sources of collagen. Unlike bovine and porcine sources, marine-derived collagen is free from religious restrictions and has no known risks of transmissible diseases.
This makes marine collagen a universally acceptable and safer option. Notably, biomass from fish-processing industries and fisheries, including fish and sea urchin wastes, undersized fish, and by-catch organisms like jellyfish, sharks, starfish, and sponges, presents an untapped potential for collagen extraction.
Utilizing these discarded and underused biomasses not only provides a sustainable source of collagen but also significantly reduces environmental impact.
Sources of Marine Collagen
Marine collagen is derived from a wide range of sea creatures and can be categorized into two main groups: vertebrates and invertebrates. The collagen content in these groups varies significantly, providing a diverse array of sources for this valuable protein.
Marine Vertebrates
Marine vertebrates, such as finfish, typically have more complex skeletal systems. This complexity translates to a higher collagen content, especially in their bones and skin. Common fish sources for collagen include:
- Fish Skin: A rich source of collagen, particularly valued for its high bioavailability.
- Fish Bones: Another abundant source, often used in the extraction of gelatin which is then hydrolyzed into collagen peptides.
These sources are popular due to their higher collagen levels, making them efficient for commercial collagen production.
Marine Invertebrates
Invertebrates make up the majority of marine species and offer an almost endless supply of collagen. These creatures often possess unique types of collagen that are not only abundant but also provide specific benefits. Some notable invertebrate sources include:
Poriferans (Marine Sponge): Known for their simple, porous bodies, sponges are rich in collagen, which is integral to their structure.
Molluscs: This group includes: Byssus: The fibrous threads produced by certain molluscs to attach to surfaces, containing a unique form of collagen. Cephalopods: Like squids and octopuses, which have collagen in their connective tissues.
Crustaceans: Such as mantis shrimp, known for their robust exoskeletons that contain significant collagen amounts.
Echinoderms: Including starfish and sea urchins, which have collagen in their connective tissues and outer layers.
Coelenterates: Jellyfish are particularly noted for their collagen-rich mesoglea, the gelatinous substance that forms their body structure.
How Are Marine Collagen Peptides Made?
Marine collagen peptides are derived from fish and are known as Type I collagen, which is the most prevalent collagen type in the human body. This type of collagen plays a crucial role in maintaining beautiful skin, flexible connective tissues, and strong bones. The journey of transforming fish into these valuable peptides involves several steps, each critical to ensuring the final product is both bioavailable and bioactive.
Extraction of Gelatin
The production process begins with extracting gelatin from the fish. Gelatin is a protein derived from the raw material containing native collagen. This extraction is a natural process, where fish scales, skin, and bones are treated to release gelatin. The fish is carefully processed to ensure that the gelatin retains its natural properties, making it a suitable precursor for collagen peptides.
Enzymatic Hydrolysis
Once the gelatin is extracted, it undergoes a specific enzymatic hydrolysis process. This step is pivotal in converting the gelatin into collagen peptides. Enzymatic hydrolysis involves breaking down the gelatin into smaller peptide chains using enzymes. This method ensures that the peptides are highly bioavailable, meaning they are easily absorbed by the body, and bioactive, meaning they effectively support the body’s collagen needs.
Purification and Drying
After hydrolysis, the collagen peptides are purified to remove any unwanted residues or impurities. This purification step ensures that the final product is clean and safe for consumption. The purified collagen peptides are then dried to create a fine powder, which can be easily incorporated into various supplements and skincare products.
Ensuring Quality and Potency
Throughout the production process, strict quality control measures are maintained to ensure that the collagen peptides are of the highest quality and potency. This includes rigorous testing and validation to confirm that the peptides are effective in supporting skin health, joint flexibility, and bone strength.
By the end of this meticulous process, marine collagen peptides are ready to be used, offering a natural and effective way to support overall health and beauty.
Marine Collagen Application in Cosmetics
Marine collagen has become a sought-after ingredient in cosmetics, thanks to its impressive range of benefits for the skin. Predominantly, Type I collagen is utilized in cosmetic products due to its moisturizing, anti-wrinkle, and anti-aging properties. It also promotes wound healing and offers protection against UV radiation, making it a multifaceted addition to skincare routines. [1]
One of the standout features of marine collagen is its ability to form a protective film on the skin, which helps reduce transepidermal water loss (TEWL). This is beneficial for both skin and hair, enhancing hydration and improving overall texture. [2] Moreover, this film-forming capability aids in converting UV-damaged collagen into elastic fibers, contributing to skin’s resilience and elasticity. [3]
Research highlights that collagen extracted from various marine sources offers unique advantages. For instance, collagen from the sea cucumber (Acaudina molpadioides) exhibits antioxidant properties, protecting cells from oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide. [4] This antioxidant action is vital for maintaining skin health and preventing premature aging.
Interestingly, marine collagen has shown promising results in children’s bath cosmetics. When included in formulations, it significantly reduces skin irritation potential, making it a gentle yet effective ingredient for sensitive skin. [5] Additionally, collagen from the cartilage of the Prionace glauca, a type of shark, has been found to improve skin hydration, texture, and complexion while reducing oil production and softening fine lines and wrinkles. [6]
Another noteworthy source is the sea cucumber’s body wall, treated with pepsin. This specific collagen variant demonstrates superior moisture absorption and retention compared to glycerol, suggesting its potential for enhancing skin hydration in cosmetic products. [7]
Antioxidant Activity of Marine Collagen
Marine collagen is increasingly recognized for its potent antioxidant properties, making it a valuable ingredient in cosmetic products. One of the key forms used is hydrolyzed collagen, which has shorter polypeptides and smaller peptides, allowing it to penetrate the epidermis more deeply. [8] This deeper penetration enhances its effectiveness in combating free radicals, which are unstable molecules that can damage cells and accelerate aging.
The unique antioxidant potential of hydrolyzed collagen stems from its low molecular weight. This characteristic enables it to efficiently neutralize free radicals by donating electrons or hydrogen atoms, thus stabilizing these harmful molecules. Additionally, the presence of hydrophobic amino acids in hydrolyzed collagen contributes to its ability to act as an antioxidant. [9]
Oxidative stress, which results from an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants in the body, is a significant factor in the aging process. Elevated levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) can lead to inflammation, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and other age-related conditions. [10] By incorporating marine collagen into skincare routines, individuals can help mitigate these risks.
Research has shown that marine collagen, along with its derivatives such as gelatin and peptides, can significantly enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes. These enzymes play a crucial role in neutralizing ROS and protecting the skin from oxidative damage. [6]
By boosting the skin’s antioxidant defense system, marine collagen helps maintain a youthful appearance and promotes overall skin health.
Antiaging and Skin Rejuvenation Activity of Marine Collagen
The human skin consists of two primary layers: the dermis and the epidermis. The dermis, which provides the skin’s structural framework, contains collagen and elastin. As we age, the dermis receives nutrients less efficiently, leading to decreased elasticity and increased fragility of collagen bundles. [11]
This natural aging process results in the formation of wrinkles and expression lines, particularly in areas like the forehead, around the eyes, and mouth. Factors such as telomere shortening, hormonal changes, mitochondrial DNA mutations, and oxidative stress due to UV exposure further accelerate skin aging.
Marine collagen has emerged as a powerful anti-aging ingredient, showing remarkable efficacy in skin rejuvenation.
One notable study found that using a collagen mask for just eight minutes significantly improved skin quality, providing immediate benefits for both fine and coarse wrinkles. [12]
This highlights the rapid and visible effects of marine collagen on aging skin.
Injecting marine collagen peptides either subcutaneously or through the epidermis can enhance skin hydration, suppleness, density, and reduce wrinkles. [13]
For instance, participants who consumed 10 grams of hydrolyzed collagen powder daily for 12 weeks reported significant improvements in skin hydration, elasticity, and reduced wrinkles. [14]
These findings underscore collagen’s role in restoring skin’s youthful appearance and resilience.
Moreover, marine collagen peptides derived from starfish have shown superior encapsulation effectiveness compared to fish collagen.
These peptides reduce the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), which are enzymes that degrade collagen in photoaged skin, thereby exerting a profound anti-aging effect. [15] This makes starfish collagen peptides a promising ingredient for anti-aging skincare products.
In addition to collagen, other marine-derived substances also offer significant anti-aging benefits. For example, proteins extracted from Spirulina, an aquatic plant, have been found to improve skin pigmentation and elasticity while reducing collagen breakdown.
Sunscreens containing Spirulina extract showed remarkable results, enhancing skin hydration and elasticity. [16] Furthermore, peptides derived from Spirulina demonstrated mild anti-aging effects in vivo, increasing collagen content and antioxidant enzyme activity. [17]
Ethanol extracts from marine algae such as U. rigida have also displayed anti-aging properties. Freeze-dried samples of U. rigida significantly reduced UVB-induced damage to skin cells and exhibited mild anti-aging effects when applied topically. [18]
Moisturizing Activity of Marine Collagen
As consumers increasingly seek the health benefits of cosmetics, moisturization remains a cornerstone of effective skincare. Proper moisturization not only prevents the skin from drying out but also enhances cellular activity, contributing to overall skin health. [19, 20]
While traditional moisturizers often rely on chemically manufactured ingredients like glycerol, propylene glycol, and sorbitol, these substances can sometimes fall short in maintaining long-term hydration, particularly in varying environmental conditions.
Marine collagen stands out as a powerful natural moisturizer with unique properties that address these shortcomings. Acting as a humectant, marine collagen binds water to the epidermis, effectively reducing evaporation and maintaining skin moisture. This natural film-forming ability helps keep the skin’s outermost layer hydrated and firm.
Furthermore, collagen’s capacity to increase epidermal moisture and firmness is well-documented, making it a valuable ingredient in moisturizing formulations.
Hydrolyzed collagen, in particular, has a pronounced moisturizing effect on the skin’s stratum corneum. When applied topically, it significantly boosts hydration levels within an hour, raising the skin’s surface lipid content from 140 to 180 grams. This rapid increase highlights its efficacy in enhancing skin moisture. [21]
However, the size of the collagen peptide influences its ability to penetrate deeper skin layers; larger peptides may struggle to reach the dermis and subcutaneous layers.
Studies have shown that creams containing collagen derived from algae and fish are more effective at increasing hydration levels than those without collagen. Over a two-week period, these creams demonstrated superior moisturizing benefits, underscoring the potency of marine collagen in skincare.
Additionally, using a 10% marine collagen serum for just 20 minutes revealed a noticeable firming effect, further enhancing its appeal as a skincare ingredient.
Incorporating marine collagen into moisturizers offers a balanced approach to skin hydration. By combining traditional moisturizing agents with natural extracts like marine collagen, modern skincare products can provide sustained hydration, improved skin texture, and increased firmness.
This multifaceted approach ensures that the skin remains hydrated and healthy, even in challenging environmental conditions.
Skin-Whitening Activity of Marine Collagen
The desire for fairer and brighter skin has fueled the growth of the skin-whitening product market, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region. In many Asian cultures, a lighter skin tone is often associated with youthfulness, beauty, and prosperity. This cultural preference has led to a high demand for skin-whitening products.
The tone and hue of human skin are influenced by both internal and external factors, such as the type and amount of melanin, genetics, the number of melanosomes, UV exposure, and environmental pollution. [22,23] Melanin, the primary pigment produced by melanocytes in the epidermis, plays a crucial role in protecting the skin from ultraviolet radiation (UVR) and oxidative stress. While melanin offers protective benefits, its overproduction can result in skin issues like freckles, melasma, solar lentigines, and hyperpigmentation. Therefore, managing melanogenesis, the process of melanin production, is essential for achieving an even skin tone.
Tyrosinase, a key enzyme in melanogenesis, has become a primary target for skin-whitening treatments. Inhibiting tyrosinase activity can effectively reduce melanin production. Research has identified several functional compounds from marine by-products that exhibit strong tyrosinase inhibitory actions. For instance, protein hydrolysates from shrimp by-products, such as Metapenaeus monoceros, have shown significant tyrosinase inhibition, highlighting their potential in skin-whitening products. [24]
Collagen hydrolysates derived from marine sources also demonstrate promising skin-whitening properties. These hydrolysates inhibit tyrosinase activity and reduce melanin production, making them valuable in treating hyperpigmentation. Milkfish scales collagen peptide, for example, has shown excellent moisture absorption and significant reduction in tyrosinase activity and melanin production. [25] These attributes enable it to moisturize the skin, prevent aging, and lighten the complexion.
Clinical investigations have further supported the benefits of marine collagen peptides. A serum combined with marine collagen peptide molecules exhibited a temporary moisturizing effect. Additionally, different fractions of tuna skin collagen peptides displayed varied activities: the 1 kDa fraction had antioxidant properties, while the 5–10 kDa fraction showed anti-aging and tyrosinase inhibitory effects, making them suitable for cosmetic applications. [26]
These are just some of the exciting potential benefits of marine collagen peptides. As research continues to delve deeper, we may discover even more ways this marine marvel can support our overall health and well-being.