Danyang Yu¹, Jiani Zheng¹, Jing Sun², Shukai Huang¹, Peng Chen^1,, Weiguo Zhang^3,

Maintaining skin elasticity and moisture is crucial for preserving skin health and delaying skin aging. We have recently developed piscine-derived small molecular collagen peptides (SMCPs. MW < 1000 Daltons) and investigated their functionalities on skin health. Firstly, in the Caco-2 cell line that simulated gastrointestinal transport barriers, SMCPs exhibited superior absorption rates compared to other commercial collagen peptides. Secondly, a novel formula blended SMCPs with hyaluronic acid (HA) and an extract of Phyllanthus Emblica (EPE). Ultraviolet irritation-induced inhibition of elastin and hydroxyproline synthesis was attenuated by the formula in the HFF-1 cell line that was derived from human foreskin fibroblast. Thirdly, desiccation-induced inhibition of HA synthesis and water channels (AQP3) expression was attenuated by the same formula in HaCaT cell line that was the spontaneously immortalized human keratinocytes. Furthermore, the efficacy of the SMCPs formula as a beverage was evaluated in an eight-week intervention study involving human recipients. The SMCPs formula improved skin moisture, viscoelasticity, and wrinkle parameters, which sustained for the entire eight-week duration. Mechanistically the formula may enhance collagen stability and biosynthesis by increasing the bioavailability of key dipeptides or amino acids and help prevent cellular senescence induced by oxidative stress and chronic inflammation. In conclusion, these findings demonstrate the potential of SMCPs in combination with HA and EPE as a nutritional solution for skin care and skin aging prevention.

skin aging, skin elasticity, skin hydration, wrinkle, small molecular collagen peptides, Phyllanthus Emblica, hyaluronic acid