Skin aging, a multifactorial process influenced by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, manifests as wrinkles, dryness, reduced elasticity, and altered pore structure. Despite the promising anti-aging effects of low-molecular-weight collagen peptides (LMWCPs), heterogeneity in clinical trial designs poses limitations in fully elucidating their comprehensive efficacy. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of collagen peptide NS (CPNS), a functional food, in improving the biophysical properties related to skin structure and moisture in healthy adults. In this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, 70 healthy adults received either test product (1,650 mg/day, including 74.25 mg of the functional peptide, Gly-Pro) or a placebo for 8 weeks, followed by a 2-week washout. Skin parameters were measured using high-precision dermatological devices and expert visual assessments at five time points.The test group showed significant improvements in wrinkle depth, height, and visual severity scores across multiple facial regions. Skin elasticity (R2, R5, and R7), surface and deep skin hydration, as well as dermal density were markedly enhanced. Reductions in the pore number, area, depth, and volume, accompanied by decreased sebum secretion, suggested pore-tightening effects. During the 2-week discontinuation period of test product, significant effects were maintained, and throughout the study duration, no adverse events were reported. Oral administration of test product confers multifaceted benefits to skin health and represents a safe and efficacious functional ingredient to mitigate the visible signs of skin aging.
Keywords: Low-molecular-weight collagen peptide; facial wrinkles; functional food; randomized controlled trial; skin elasticity; skin hydration.