A special form of collagen for the skin – for firmness, hydration and elasticity

What is collagen?

Collagen is the body’s most common structural protein. It functions as a supportive network in, among other things, skin, bone, cartilage, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels and other connective tissue. In the skin, collagen is found primarily in the dermis. There, collagen fibers form a strong and flexible structure that contributes to the skin’s firmness, elasticity and resilience.

Collagen has a unique structure consisting of three protein chains bound together in a so-called triple helix. The amino acids glycine, proline and hydroxyproline occur in particularly high concentrations and are crucial for collagen’s structure and stability.

Why does skin collagen decrease?

The body forms and breaks down collagen throughout life. With increasing age, new formation can gradually decrease while breakdown increases. The skin’s collagen is affected by factors such as:

• increasing age
• excessive exposure to UV radiation
• smoking
• oxidative stress
• hormonal changes
• chronic inflammation
• insufficient protein intake
• poor nutrient status
• sleep deprivation and inadequate recovery
• glycation with prolonged elevated blood sugar
• low intake of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline

When the quality or quantity of collagen decreases, the skin can gradually become thinner, drier and less elastic. Fine lines and wrinkles can also become more pronounced.

What are collagen types I and III?

There are many different types of collagen in the human body. Collagen types I and III are particularly important for the skin and often occur together in the body’s connective tissue.

Collagen type I

Collagen type I is the most common collagen type in the body. It is found in large amounts in:

• skin
• bone
• tendons
• ligaments
• teeth (primarily in dentin, the hard tissue under the enamel)
• other supportive connective tissue

In the skin, collagen type I forms strong fibers that contribute to stability, firmness and tensile strength.

Collagen type III

Collagen type III forms thinner and more flexible fibers. It is found in, among other places, skin, blood vessels, organs and other soft connective tissue. Type III is particularly important for tissue building and repair. It works together with collagen type I and contributes to the flexibility and structure of connective tissue.

What are hydrolyzed collagen peptides?

Intact collagen is a large and poorly soluble protein. To make collagen more soluble and accessible, it can be hydrolyzed. During hydrolysis, enzymes are used to split the long collagen chains into smaller fragments. These smaller fragments are called collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen peptides. Collagen peptides dissolve more easily in liquid and can be broken down and absorbed more efficiently than intact collagen. During digestion, a large proportion of collagen peptides are broken down into free amino acids. At the same time, research shows that some small peptides can be absorbed without first being completely broken down.

How do bioactive collagen peptides work?

Bioactive collagen peptides are not just a source of amino acids. Some small peptides can also act as signaling molecules in the body.

Two of the most studied collagen peptides are:

• prolyl-hydroxyproline, Pro-Hyp
• hydroxyproline-glycine, Hyp-Gly

After ingestion of hydrolyzed collagen, these peptides have been measured in the blood. This shows that collagen is not absorbed only as individual amino acids. Proline and hydroxyproline have ring-shaped structures that can make certain peptide bonds harder for digestive enzymes to break down. Therefore, small hydroxyproline-containing peptides can survive digestion and be absorbed through the intestinal wall. When the peptides reach the bloodstream, they can be transported to tissues such as skin, cartilage and other connective tissue.

Collagen peptides are both building blocks and signals

Collagen peptides can support the body’s connective tissue through two complementary mechanisms.

1. Collagen peptides provide building material

Collagen is rich in glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. These amino acids are used when the body forms and repairs collagen-rich tissue.

2. Certain peptides can affect fibroblasts

Fibroblasts are cells in the skin’s dermis that produce several of the substances that make up the skin’s extracellular matrix.

Fibroblasts produce, among other things:

• collagen
• elastin
• hyaluronic acid
• proteoglycans
• other supportive connective tissue components

Certain collagen peptides can act as biological signals to fibroblasts. The signal can be interpreted as collagen having been broken down and needing replacement, which can support the skin’s own matrix production. This is an important difference: Collagen peptides can both provide the body with amino acids and influence the cells responsible for the skin’s collagen production.

What is VERISOL®?

VERISOL® is the world’s finest collagen. It is a patented and clinically studied form of bioactive collagen peptides developed by the German company GELITA. VERISOL® is produced through a carefully controlled enzymatic hydrolysis of collagen types I and III. The process creates a specific and standardized composition of smaller collagen peptides. The peptide profile has been developed with a particular focus on the skin’s fibroblasts. VERISOL® is therefore not just a generic collagen powder, but a defined collagen raw material intended for skin, nails and the skin’s connective tissue.

VERISOL® is characterized by the raw material:

• consisting of bioactive collagen peptides
• originating from collagen types I and III
• having a defined and standardized peptide profile
• being developed with a focus on the skin’s fibroblasts
• having been used in clinical studies
• being usable in a relatively low daily dose while still delivering better results

Two collagen products can contain the same number of grams of collagen yet have different peptide compositions. Therefore, it is not only the amount of collagen that is relevant. The size, structure and composition of the peptides can also affect the product’s properties.

How does VERISOL® work for the skin?

After intake, VERISOL® is broken down into a mixture of amino acids and smaller collagen peptides. These are absorbed from the intestine and reach the bloodstream. The proposed mechanism of action involves several parts:

VERISOL® provides collagen-specific amino acids

VERISOL® contains glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, which occur in large amounts in the body’s own collagen.

VERISOL® can stimulate fibroblast activity

The bioactive peptides can influence fibroblasts and support the processes associated with the skin’s own collagen and matrix production.

VERISOL® may support the skin’s hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is a natural part of the skin’s extracellular matrix. It can bind large amounts of water and is important for the skin’s hydration, plumpness and suppleness.

VERISOL® can support the skin’s structure

When the skin’s extracellular matrix receives better support, it can contribute to improved elasticity, moisture balance and a more even skin structure.

What does the research on VERISOL® show?

VERISOL® has been investigated in randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled studies. In several studies, participants received about 2.5 grams of VERISOL® per day for a number of weeks. The studies have examined changes in:

• skin elasticity
• wrinkle depth and fine lines
• skin hydration level
• skin texture
• nail growth
• fragile and peeling nails

In several cases, results have been observed after approximately eight to twelve weeks of regular intake. However, results can vary between individuals depending on, among other things, age, nutrient status, lifestyle and the skin’s initial condition. Collagen peptides should not be compared to a cream that temporarily moisturizes the skin’s surface. The aim instead is to support biological processes in the dermis, where the skin’s collagen matrix resides.

How much VERISOL® should you take?

The most commonly studied dose of VERISOL® for the skin is 2.5 grams per day, but Greatlifes Collagen Peptides (Type I & III) Verisol® with glycine and vitamin C contains 5 grams of VERISOL® to maximize the skin’s production of collagen. 

What time of day should you take VERISOL®?

VERISOL® can be taken in the morning, in the evening, or with a meal. There is no requirement to take collagen at a specific time. Consistency is more important than the time of day. To mirror the setup in studies, the recommended dose should be taken every day.

Collagen and vitamin C

Vitamin C plays a central role in the body’s normal collagen formation.

During collagen synthesis, vitamin C functions as a cofactor for enzymes needed, among other things, for the hydroxylation of proline and lysine. That process is important for the collagen triple helix to form and stabilize. An adequate intake of vitamin C is therefore an important prerequisite for normal collagen formation. The combination of VERISOL® and vitamin C is biologically relevant because:

• VERISOL® provides collagen-specific amino acids and peptides
• vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the skin’s normal function
• vitamin C helps protect cells from oxidative stress

Collagen and vitamin C do not necessarily need to be taken at exactly the same time, but the body needs access to vitamin C to form normal collagen.

Collagen and glycine

Glycine is the most common amino acid in collagen. Approximately every third amino acid in collagen’s structure is glycine. Glycine’s small molecular size allows collagen’s three protein chains to pack tightly together and form the characteristic triple helix. A supplement that combines VERISOL® with extra glycine provides both bioactive collagen peptides and an additional amount of the amino acid that occurs most in the body’s collagen. Glycine is also used in the body’s formation of, among other things:

• glutathione
• creatine
• heme
• bile salts
• purines

However, glycine is not automatically converted into skin collagen. Collagen formation is a regulated process that requires several amino acids, enzymes, micronutrients and active fibroblasts.

VERISOL® compared to regular collagen

Both VERISOL® and regular hydrolyzed collagen provide the body with collagen-specific amino acids. The main difference is the degree of standardization, specialization and clinical documentation.

Regular hydrolyzed collagen

A generic collagen hydrolysate contains a broad mix of peptides. The peptide profile can vary depending on:

• the origin of the collagen
• which enzymes are used
• degree of hydrolysis
• molecular weight
• temperature and production technique

Regular collagen can still provide glycine, proline, hydroxyproline and other amino acids. However, you cannot assume that all collagen powders have the same peptide profile or biological properties.

VERISOL® bioactive collagen peptides

VERISOL® has a defined and reproducible peptide profile. The raw material has been developed specifically for the skin and has been used in clinical studies with a clearly specified daily dose.

Is bovine or marine collagen best?

Marine collagen is sometimes marketed as better than bovine collagen, but that’s not true. The more important factors are:

• purity of the raw material
• which collagen types are included
• the size and composition of the peptides
• how the collagen has been hydrolyzed
• the product’s dosage
• clinical documentation for the specific raw material

It is therefore not possible to say that marine collagen is automatically better than bovine collagen or vice versa. A documented and standardized raw material is often more relevant than a general statement about the collagen’s origin. VERISOL® is the best on the market at present. 

Can collagen be good for hair and nails?

Hair and nails consist mainly of keratin, not collagen. Collagen is therefore not the primary building block in the hair shaft or the nail plate itself. However, collagen is found in the supporting connective tissue around hair follicles, blood vessels and the nail bed. VERISOL® has been examined in studies of fragile nails. The results suggest that regular intake can support nail growth and reduce splitting. The connection to hair is more indirect. Normal hair growth depends on, among other things, sufficient protein intake, micronutrients, blood supply and a well-functioning hair follicle.

How long does it take to see results with VERISOL®?

The skin’s collagen matrix turns over slowly. Therefore, VERISOL® normally needs to be used regularly for several weeks before results can be evaluated. A reasonable period of use is at least eight to twelve weeks. Some people may first notice changes in:

• the skin’s feeling of hydration
• the skin’s softness
• nail strength

Changes in the skin’s elasticity, structure and visible lines can take longer because they depend on the gradual remodeling of the connective tissue’s extracellular matrix. Continuous daily intake provides better conditions than sporadic use.

What influences the results of collagen supplements?

A collagen supplement can provide nutritional support, but it cannot fully compensate for lifestyle factors that break down the skin’s collagen.

UV radiation

Excessive UV exposure can activate enzymes that break down collagen and at the same time negatively affect new formation.

Smoking

Smoking increases oxidative stress, affects blood circulation, and can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin.

Total protein intake

Collagen is not a complete protein and should not replace regular protein sources. The body needs all essential amino acids to build and repair tissue.

Vitamin and mineral status

Vitamin C is central to normal collagen formation. Zinc and copper, among others, also have roles in normal connective tissue and protein metabolism.

Sleep and recovery

Sleep and recovery affect the body’s reparative processes. Prolonged stress and sleep deprivation can worsen the conditions for normal tissue repair.

Blood sugar and glycation

In glycation, sugar molecules bind to proteins such as collagen. This can make collagen fibers stiffer and harder for the body to remodel.

Who might benefit from VERISOL®?

VERISOL® may be of interest to adults who want targeted nutritional support for the skin and the skin’s connective tissue. It may be particularly relevant for:

• reduced skin elasticity
• fine lines and visible signs of aging
• dry or thin skin
• fragile and splitting nails
• increasing age
• previous high sun exposure
• low intake of collagen-rich foods

Collagen peptides are a food or dietary supplement and should not be used as a substitute for medical assessment or treatment of skin diseases.

How to choose a good collagen supplement

The market contains many products described as hydrolyzed, bioactive or high quality. These terms are not always sufficient to assess product quality.

1. Check which collagen raw material is used

A named raw material such as VERISOL® is easier to evaluate than an unspecified collagen hydrolysate.

2. Check the collagen type

Collagen types I and III are particularly relevant for skin and supporting connective tissue.

3. Check the amount per daily dose

The product should provide the amount that has been used in studies. 

4. Check whether the product contains vitamin C

Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the skin’s normal function.

5. Avoid proprietary blends

Choose a product where the amount of collagen and other active ingredients is clearly disclosed.

6. Review the additives

A collagen product should not contain sugar, colorants or unnecessary fillers. 

Summary: VERISOL® collagen types I and III

VERISOL® is a specialized form of bioactive collagen peptides from collagen types I and III. These collagen types occur naturally in the skin and contribute to the skin’s strength, flexibility and structure. Contrary to the idea that all collagen is broken down into individual amino acids, research shows that some small collagen peptides can be absorbed intact. VERISOL® can therefore provide support through several mechanisms:

• supply of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline
• absorption of small bioactive collagen peptides
• signaling to the skin’s fibroblasts
• support for the skin’s own collagen and matrix production
• support for the skin’s elasticity, hydration and structure

Because the skin’s connective tissue turns over slowly, the product should be used regularly for at least eight to twelve weeks before evaluating results. For the best possible conditions, collagen should be combined with sufficient protein intake, good vitamin C status, adequate sleep and recovery, and thoughtful protection against excessive UV exposure.

Frequently asked questions about VERISOL® and collagen