BioCell Collagen reduces signs of UVB-induced skin damage, study finds

30 Apr 2020 --- Daily supplementation with BioCell Collagen for 14 weeks can make skin elasticity 18 percent higher compared to placebo groups, according to a new peer-reviewed mouse study. The study found that the company’s flagship ingredient – a branded dietary matrix of hydrolyzed collagen type II, chondroitin sulfate and hyaluronic acid – is a safe and natural option to reduce common signs of photoaging, including decreased wrinkles and improved skin hyaluronic acid content. The new study presents a novel avenue of research in testing type II collagen, touted by BioCell as being “more valuable” than type I and III.

“BioCell Collagen is not just an ordinary collagen ingredient – [it] is a branded ingredient with unique molecular composition. We know, as people worldwide are practicing social distancing, consumers are facing changes to their usual routines such as grooming and skin care. Consumers are viewing this as a viable time to practice self care and perfect their skin health regimens,” Suhail Ishaq, President of BioCell Technology, tells NutritionInsight.

Published in the Journal of Functional Foods, the study divided 40 hairless mice into four groups, with each group either receiving a placebo with or without ultraviolet B (UVB) exposure, respectively; as well as BioCell Collagen supplementation with or without UVB exposure, respectively. For UV exposure, each mouse was exposed to UVB radiation three times per week and UVB exposure was gradually increased during the study.

BioCell Collagen is derived chicken sternal cartilage, which is a rich source of type II collagen, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulfate.Compared with UVB controls, skin elasticity was statistically significantly higher for both BioCell dose groups at 18 percent and 17 percent higher at 200 and 600 mg/kg body weight per day, respectively. Moreover, supplementation with BioCell Collagen resulted in reduced common signs of photoaging, such as transepidermal water loss as well as significant increases in skin elasticity and hyaluronic acid (HA) content.

“This laboratory research study, along with prior studies in humans, demonstrates that BioCell Collagen may be used to address visible signs of photoaging and is a promising step forward. These findings are incredibly encouraging for anyone desiring healthier-looking skin, especially for those seeking an effective, safe, non-invasive option for their skin routine. Nearly everyone is exposed to UVB-induced photoaging at some level and minimal research exists on options for reducing it through nutritional supplementation,” Alpert comments on the study. 

The speciality of type II collagen
BioCell Collagen is derived from hormone- and antibiotic-free chicken sternal cartilage, which is a rich source of type II collagen, hyaluronic acid, and chondroitin sulfate. This closely mirrors the composition of human articular cartilage. “Chicken sternal cartilage closely mirrors the composition of human cartilage. It’s a clean and desirable source since it's free from blood vessels, lymphatics, and nerves that are known to carry diseases and impurities, so extracting exclusively from cartilage eliminates the risk of potential contamination,” Ishaq explains.

BioCell Collagen is available as a stand-alone product or as a primary ingredient in many formulations worldwide from leading dietary supplement brands. Moreover, the supplement is is suited for any delivery method, says Ishaq, although tablets, capsules, and soft gels are the “most popular.” 

BioCell Collagen is also known to support joint health.Safe addition to skin care regimen
These findings follow numerous published studies on the efficacy of BioCell Collagen and show how the dietary supplement is a safe and effective option for healthy skin and joint aging, the company affirms. “We are excited about the new findings on BioCell for reducing UVB-induced photoaging, but it's important to note that BioCell Collagen has several skin health and healthy aging benefits. There are nearly two decades of research that point to BioCell Collagen’s efficacy for supporting youthful-looking skin, active joints, and healthy connective tissues,” Ishaq notes.

“BioCell Collagen is most effective as a daily component to someone's year-round skin health routine, especially for those who are looking for more subtle and natural improvements in their appearance. We recommend year-round usage, but stress, especially as we head into spring and summer, that BioCell is not a replacement for your sunscreen. Pairing daily oral supplementation of BioCell Collagen with a quality topical sunscreen can be the foundation of a good year-round skincare routine,” he continues.

Responsible for 90 percent of visible changes to the skin, photoaging is skin damage caused by exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) light. UVB-induced photoaging, as administered in the study, damages the outermost layers of the skin and contributes to premature aging, evidenced by wrinkles, fine lines, loss of skin elasticity and hydration.

By Anni Schleicher