VERISOL® Collagen and Sodium Hyaluronate for Skin Health

Herbs and Nutrients that May Assist


Hydrolysed collagen (VERISOL ®)
Sodium hyaluronate[*]
Equivalent hyaluronic acid
Ascorbic acid
Vitamin C
Nicotinamide
Vitamin B3


Actions

  • · Maintain epidermal barrier function, skin integrity/structure and skin hydration
  • · Support skin repair and regeneration and protect from free radical damage


Clinical Applications

  • · Skin conditions with compromised barrier integrity (e.g., atopic dermatitis), wound healing and scar prevention (e.g., post-procedure, acne)
  • · Cellulite
  • · Physical signs of skin ageing, photoaging and sun damage (e.g., fine lines, loss of skin elasticity, actinic keratoses) [B]

Clinical Overview

Maintaining optimal skin structure, hydration and integrity play an important role in supporting skin health and appearance. The skin can be exposed to damage in a variety of ways, including inflammatory skin conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis, from prolonged sun exposure and through to cosmetic treatments. Fortunately, specific nutrients can help to support healthy skin integrity and regeneration by strengthening connective tissue structure, protecting the skin from DNA damage and maintaining skin hydration (Figure 1). VERISOL® collagen peptides [C] have been shown to support collagen formation and maintain the structural integrity and elasticity of the skin. Hyaluronic acid supports skin hydration, while nicotinamide (vitamin B3) and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) reduce free radical production and support skin repair and regeneration.

Figure 1. Overview of the actions of VERISOL® Collagen and Sodium Hyaluronate for Skin Health.


Background Information

The importance of the epidermal barrier and extracellular matrix for skin health

An intact epidermal barrier is a vital protective mechanism for the skin. It maintains water balance, reduces the effects of ultraviolet (UV) exposure, protects from microbial organisms and mitigates oxidative damage. 1 Though mainly associated with the stratum corneum, the entire epidermis contributes to the proper function of the epidermal barrier (Figure 2). Within the stratum corneum, important sphingolipids known as ceramides form a permeability barrier, preventing excess water loss and protecting from harmful environmental invasion. 2,3

The extracellular matrix (ECM) lies between cells, forms the structural framework of the skin 4 and is essential for maintaining skin integrity. 5 Collagen is the most abundant component of the ECM and accounts for around 30% of the total protein in the skin. 6,7 Collagen provides structure and strength to the skin and supports wound healing. The glycosaminoglycan (GAG) hyaluronic acid is another prominent ECM molecule, with 50% of the body’s hyaluronic acid content located in the skin. 8 With a unique capacity to bind and retain water molecules, 9 hyaluronic acid maintains skin moisture balance and gives structure to the ECM. 7,10

The ECM and stratum corneum are dynamic; continuously undergoing remodelling and self-repair to maintain homeostatic water balance and epidermal barrier integrity. 1,7 However, alterations in the integrity of the stratum corneum can lead to compromised skin with increased transepidermal water loss [D] (TEWL; indicative of skin barrier dysfunction) and changed levels of proteins and lipids in the skin. 1 In fact, dysfunction of the epidermal barrier and ECM has been identified in acne, 11 psoriasis and atopic dermatitis (eczema). 7 Moreover, a loss of hydration is seen in skin conditions such as dryness, eczema and psoriasis. 12

Figure 2. The layers of the skin. 1

Ageing and oxidative damage affects skin integrity, health and appearance

With chronological (intrinsic) ageing, the ability to replenish collagen naturally decreases by about 1.5% a year. 13 There is a loss of type I collagen (the main collagen found in skin) and the density of collagen and elastin in the dermis declines, causing the skin to become thinner and more rigid. 14 Normal ageing is also marked by a decrease in hyaluronic acid, which reduces moisture, suppleness and elasticity in the skin, contributing to the development of fine lines and wrinkles. 15 Furthermore, a weakened connective tissue framework plays a key role in the pathophysiology of cellulite. 16 In cellulite, which affects up to 90% of post-pubertal females, 17 less dense connective tissue structure leads to the protrusion of adipose tissue into the dermis, reduced skin elasticity and dermal thinning.

Oxidative damage is an important modulator of skin ageing. Exposure to UV radiation from the sun increases oxidative damage in the skin, generating matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) that degrade collagen in the dermal layer. 18 In fact, around 80% of the visible signs of skin ageing may be caused by exposure to UV rays. 19 Besides sunlight, other external factors such as excess alcohol consumption, air pollution, smoking, poor diet and nutrient deficiencies can accelerate the loss of both collagen and hyaluronic acid from the skin and thereby contribute to photo (extrinsic) ageing. 14,18

Both intrinsic (chronological) and extrinsic (photo) ageing are characterised by degraded collagen and reduced collagen synthesis 4 and lead to disruption of the ECM, loss of elasticity and impaired wound healing. 18 This highlights the importance of enhancing collagen and hyaluronic acid levels and mitigating the effects of reactive oxygen species to support optimal skin health.


Actions

Maintain epidermal barrier function, skin integrity/structure and skin hydration

Collagen fibre degeneration, particularly at the layer of the dermis, is a key component of the structural changes in skin ageing. 20 Therefore, optimising collagen structure and function can be beneficial in minimising skin changes associated with ageing. VERISOL® collagen peptides increase the production of procollagen type I [E] and elastin. 21 Further, collagen has been shown to inhibit MMP1 (collagenase) and MMP2 (gelatinase), the enzymes involved in collagen breakdown. 22 Hyaluronic acid has been shown in-vitro to increase the proliferation of dermal fibroblasts that are responsible for collagen and elastin production. 15 Moreover, hyaluronic acid binds to and retains water molecules, thus effectively moisturising the skin. 15


Vitamin C also stimulates the proliferation of fibroblasts responsible for the synthesis of collagen and is needed to produce a stable triple helix structure, giving collagen its strength and structural integrity. 23 In addition, vitamin C inhibits nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), 24 reducing inflammation and oxidation which contribute to collagen breakdown. Vitamin C also stimulates ceramide production in keratinocytes [F], which may improve epidermal barrier function. 2 This can be particularly beneficial in conditions where there is low ceramide content of the epidermis such as eczema 3 and psoriasis. 25


Support skin repair and regeneration and protect from free radical damage

Adequate skin cell turnover and dermal repair processes are essential in maintaining healthy skin. The natural ageing process and oxidative stress (caused by UV and environmental toxin exposure) deleteriously impact these processes. Collagen deposition and structural regulation are essential in optimal wound healing, 7 with increased collagen turnover during remodelling of wounds. 6 Collagen contributes to the mechanical strength and elasticity of tissues and mediates post-injury inflammation. 26

Likewise, Vitamin C is involved in all phases of wound healing (Figure 3). Vitamin C deficiency affects wound healing by adversely altering collagen production and scar formation. Following injury, plasma and tissue levels of vitamin C diminish, and consequentially the wound healing process may be hindered. 23 Studies have shown that vitamin C supplementation may be beneficial even in individuals with adequate vitamin C levels as it helps to speed up wound healing. 27 Hyaluronic acid biosynthesis increases during wound healing 4 and, like vitamin C, this GAG is involved in all stages of the healing process, including modulating inflammation, cellular migration and angiogensis. 28

Figure 3. The stages of wound healing and related components of the extracellular matrix. Hyaluronan is synonymous with hyaluronic acid. 6


UV radiation damages the skin through the production of reactive oxygen species, which can impair ECM components and affect both the structure and function of cells. 23 This can lead to sunburn, altered pigmentation, disruption of skin structure, immune suppression, abnormal skin cell proliferation and development of skin cancer. Nicotinamide is a precursor to nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) and prevents adenosine triphosphate (ATP) depletion, thereby enhancing DNA repair and inhibiting UV-induced immunosuppression. 29


Clinical Applications

Skin conditions with compromised barrier integrity, wound healing and scar prevention

Table 1 lists clinical data that supports the ingredients in VERISOL® Collagen and Sodium Hyaluronate for Skin Health. Briefly, compared to placebo, 2 grams per day (g/d) of collagen peptides were associated with significantly reduced TEWL in 84 adults after 12 weeks. 30 Similarly, 200 milligrams (mg)/d of hyaluronic acid significantly reduced TEWL in 50 adults after 28 days. 10 Lower TEWL is indicative of enhanced skin barrier integrity.

Vitamin C deficiency presents with impaired wound healing 23 and animal and in vitro studies have highlighted the benefits of vitamin C for skin regeneration. For instance, vitamin C has been found to improve wound matrix deposition and organisation, decrease pro-inflammatory mediators, increase expression of wound healing mediators and reduce mutations caused by oxidative stress. 31,32

Cellulite

Collagen has been shown to improve connective tissue structure and dermal tissue density, ultimately leading to a reduction in cellulite appearance. A randomised controlled trial (RCT) investigated the effects of 2.5 g/d of VERISOL® collagen peptides for six months in a group of 97 females with cellulite. In women with a normal body mass index (BMI <25), cellulite scores decreased by 9% compared to placebo, while in overweight women (BMI >25) they reduced by 4%. 16 Skin waviness (a measure of skin surface profile) reduced by 11.1% in those with a BMI <25 and 3.6% in BMI >25.

Physical signs of skin ageing, photoaging and sun damage

Numerous studies have corroborated the benefits of collagen in moderating physical signs of skin ageing. For example, a RCT investigated the effect of 2.5 g/d of VERISOL® collagen peptides over eight weeks in 114 females aged 45 to 65 years. 21 Compared to placebo, collagen reduced eye wrinkle volume (-20.1% on average, Figure 4) and increased production of procollagen type I (+65%), elastin (+8%) and fibrillin (+6%; Figure 5). The latter are components of the skin’s ECM and biomarkers of skin health. Another RCT compared the efficacy of 2.5 g/d or 5g/d of VERISOL® collagen peptides in 69 females aged 35 to 55 years. 20 Both doses of collagen improved skin elasticity after four and eight weeks of intake (mean 7%; p<0.05 in all cases). Subgroup analysis revealed an increased skin hydration by 11%–14% in women over 50 years old.

Figure 4: Improvement in eye wrinkle volume with bovine collagen peptides (BCP). * p<0.05; ** p<0.01.21


Figure 5: Increase in extracellular matrix (ECM) components after 8 weeks of bovine collagen peptides (BCP). * p<0.05. 21


The benefits of hyaluronic acid (120 mg/d) for healthy skin ageing were measured in 60 adults aged 22 to 59 years. 8 After 12 weeks, the hyaluronic acid groups showed better levels of the whole sulcus volume ratio, wrinkle area ratio and wrinkle volume ratio than the placebo group. In another study, 200 mg/d of hyaluronic acid for 28 days increased hydration (+10.6%), elasticity (+3.8%) and decreased wrinkle depth (-18.8%) and volume (-17.6%) in a group of 60 females aged 50 to 70 years 10

Therapy with nicotinamide appears to provide protection against immunosuppression induced by UV radiation. Among 76 Australians (aged 48-90 years) with sun-damaged skin, the number of pre-cancerous actinic keratoses (AK) at four months was 29% lower in those who received 500 mg/d of nicotinamide (p=0.005) and 35% lower among those taking 1,000 mg/d of nicotinamide (p=0.0006) compared to individuals who were given placebo. 33 In a larger study, 386 individuals aged 30 to 91 years who had a history of at least two non-melanoma skin cancers (NMSC) in the previous five years were supplemented with 1,000 mg/d of nicotinamide for 12 months. 34 Compared to placebo, nicotinamide was associated with reduced incidence of NMSCs (- 23%), basal cell carcinomas (-20%), squamous cell carcinomas (-30%) and AK (-14%).




Table 1: Summary of clinical data that supports the use of ingredients in VERISOL® Collagen and Sodium Hyaluronate for Skin Health.

POPULATION

CONDITION

DOSE; DURATION

OUTCOME

Hydrolysed collagen/collagen peptides

114 females aged 45–65 years 21

Skin ageing; Skin health

2.5 g/d VERISOL® collagen peptides

or placebo; 8 weeks

  • - Compared to placebo: reduced eye wrinkle volume -20.1% (p<0.01), procollagen type I content increased +65% (p<0.01), elastin +8% (p<0.01) and fibrillin +6% (not statistically significant).
  • - Positive long-lasting effect was observed 4 weeks after the last collagen peptide intake (p<0.05).

69 females aged 35-55 years 20

Skin ageing; Skin health

2.5 g/d or 5.0 g/d VERISOL® collagen peptides or placebo; 8 weeks

  • - Compared to placebo: both dosages showed significantly improved skin elasticity (measured at inner aspect of forearms) after 4 and 8 weeks of intake (mean +7%; p<0.05).
  • - In some women, a maximum increase of skin elasticity up to +30% was observed after 8 weeks.
  • - Subgroup analysis revealed increased skin hydration by +11%–14% in women > 50 years old.

76 females aged 50-75 years 35

Skin ageing; Skin health

5 g/d VERISOL® marine collagen peptides or placebo; 8 weeks

  • - Compared to placebo: wrinkle reduction of -15% (p<0.05). On average, skin elasticity increased by +7.6% and eye wrinkle volume decreased by -14%.

56 females aged 30-55 years 36

Skin ageing; Skin health

2.5 g/d hydrolysed marine collagen or placebo; 8 weeks

  • - Compared to placebo: levels of skin elasticity, roughness and the net change of skin hydration improved significantly by both weeks 4 and 8 (all p<0.01).

84 adults, mean age 49.8 years 30

Skin ageing; Skin health

2 g/d low molecular weight marine collagen peptides or placebo; 12 weeks

  • - Compared to placebo: significantly improved skin hydration (p<0.05), elasticity (p<0.05) and eye wrinkle volume (p=0.001) and reduced transepidermal water loss (TEWL; p=0.007).

64 females aged 40-60 years 37

Skin ageing; Skin health

1 g/d low molecular weight marine collagen peptides or placebo; 12 weeks

  • - Compared to placebo: increment of skin hydration was 7.23-fold greater at week 6, and 2.9-fold better at week 12 (p<0.005). Increment of wrinkle improvement in visual grade was 10.5-fold greater at week 12 (p<0.001).

97 females aged 24-50 years, group 1 BMI<25, group 2 BMI>25 16

Cellulite

2.5 g/d VERISOL ® collagen peptides

or placebo; 6 months

  • - Compared to placebo: significant decrease in degree of cellulite (body mass index [BMI]<25: -9%; BMI>25: -4%), increased dermal density (which decreased -3.1% in placebo group) and reduced skin waviness (combined: -8%; BMI<25: -11.1%; BMI>25: -3.6%). All p<0.05.

Hyaluronic acid (HA)

50 adults aged 22–59 years 8

Skin ageing; Skin health

120 mg/d HA (molecular weight of 2 k or 300 k) or placebo; 12 weeks

  • - Compared to placebo: both HA groups showed better level of wrinkle area ratio and wrinkle volume ratio.
  • - Compared to placebo: the HA 300 k group showed significantly diminished wrinkles after 8 weeks (p<0.05). Subjectively reported skin lustre and suppleness significantly improved in both HA groups after 4, 8 and 12 weeks.

60 females aged 50-70 years 10

Skin ageing; Skin health

200 mg/d HA or placebo; 28 days

  • - Compared to placebo: hydration increased +10.6% (p<0.01), wrinkle depth decreased -18.8% (p<0.001), wrinkle volume reduced -17.6% (p<0.001), TEWL decreased -3.9% (p<0.01) and elasticity improved (+3.8%; p<0.01).

Nicotinamide (vitamin B3)

76 adults with 4 or more palpable actinic keratoses, aged 48-90 years 33

Actinic keratoses (AK)

Study 1: 1,000 mg/d nicotinamide or placebo; 4 months

Study 2: 500 mg/d nicotinamide or placebo; 4 months

  • - Compared to placebo: incidence of AK was -29% lower in 500 mg/d nicotinamide (p=0.005) and -35% lower in 1,000 mg/d of nicotinamide (p=0.0006).

  • - 11 placebo patients developed 20 new skin cancers (12 basal cell carcinomas [BCC] and 8 squamous cell carcinomas [SCC]) and 2 nicotinamide patients developed 4 cancers (2 BCC and 2 SCC). The odds of developing at least one skin cancer were significantly lower with nicotinamide (p=0.019) as was the rate of new skin cancers (p=0.010).

386 adults with a history of 2 or more non-melanoma skin cancers in previous 5 years, aged 30-91 years 34

AK;

Non-melanoma skin cancer


1,000 mg/d nicotinamide or placebo; 12 months

  • - Compared to placebo: incidence of new non-melanoma skin cancers was reduced by -23% (p<0.05), BCC by -20% (not statistically significant) and SCC by -30% (p=0.05). Number of AK was 11% lower at 3 months (p=0.01), 14% lower at 6 months (p<0.001), 20% lower at 9 months (p<0.001) and 13% lower at 12 months (p=0.001).

Ascorbic acid (vitamin C)

Animal (murine) and in vitro study 32

Wound healing

Ascorbic acid given ad libitum in water (sufficient), withheld (deficient) or

given by infusion (200 mg/kg)

  • - Vitamin C improved wound matrix deposition and organisation, wounds had decreased expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and higher expression of wound healing mediators.

  • - In vitro: human neonatal dermal fibroblasts showed vitamin C to induce self-renewal genes and promote fibroblast proliferation.

In vitro study 31

Oxidative stress

Ascorbic acid

  • - Intracellular concentrations of ascorbic acid reduced mutations caused by oxidative stress in human cells in vitro.



Safety Information

Disclaimer: In the interest of supporting health Practitioners, all safety information provided at the time of publishing (Oct 2025) has been checked against authoritative sources. Please note that not all interactions have been listed.


For further information on specific interactions with health conditions and medications, refer to clinical support on 1800 777 648(AU), 0508 227 744(NZ) or via email, anz_clinicalsupport@metagenics.com, or via Live Chat www.metagenics.com.au, www.metagenics.co.nz


Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

  • Insufficient reliable information available. Avoid using.


Contraindications

  • Amino acid intolerances: Avoid if conditions that require protein restriction including genetic disorders such as phenylketonuria, homocystinuria and lysinuric protein intolerance.

Cautions

  • Type 1 diabetes: Orally, niacinamide in high doses, 50 mg/kg daily, has been associated with modestly higher insulin requirements in patients with type 1 diabetes, when compared with taking niacinamide 25 mg/kg daily. Theoretically, high-dose niacinamide might increase insulin resistance, although to a lesser extent than niacin.
  • Chemotherapy/radiotherapy: It has generally been thought that antioxidants may interfere with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy by decreasing the efficacy of the treatment, although recent studies have found that antioxidants are safe to use in conjunction with these treatments. However, it is still advisable to check with a patient’s oncologist before recommending a formula containing antioxidants.



Footnotes


[A] Hydrolysed collagen is formed when denatured native collagen undergoes hydrolysis by proteolytic enzymes. Due to its low molecular weight, it is highly digestible and easily absorbed and distributed in the body.

[B] Actinic keratoses (AK) are rough, scaly patches on the skin caused by chronic sun exposure. AK are considered pre-cancerous lesions as they can develop into basal cell or squamous cell carcinomas (skin cancer).

[C] VERISOL® contains predominately type I collagen, which is the main collagen found in the skin. VERISOL® is a registered trademark of GELITA AG.

[D] Increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) spurs an inflammatory reaction including the release of tumour necrosis factor (TNF), interleukin (IL)-1 and IL-6, which promotes keratinocyte hyperproliferation.

[E] Procollagen is a biosynthetic precursor of endogenous collagen production.

[F] Keratinocytes are the predominant cell type in the epidermis.


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