Firmer Skin, Stronger Nails, Thicker Hair: The Clinical Case for Collagen Peptides

The beauty supplement market is saturated with products promising glowing skin, stronger nails and thicker hair. Most of them are long on claims and short on evidence. Collagen is different, not because the marketing is better, but because the underlying biology is unusually well understood and the clinical research base has grown substantially over the past decade.

This blog explains why skin, hair and nails all depend on collagen, how collagen loss drives the visible signs of ageing and what the current clinical evidence says about targeted collagen peptide supplementation, specifically VERISOL®, the bioactive peptide in Live More You Complete Body Collagen that is uniquely studied for “beauty from within” outcomes.

Why skin ages: the Collagen story

Healthy skin has two distinct layers. The outer layer called the epidermis, which acts as a physical barrier against the environment. The deeper layer called the dermis is where the structural work happens. The dermis is composed primarily of the extracellular matrix, a dense network of fibres that gives skin its firmness, elasticity, and moisture-retaining capacity. The main structural component of that matrix is collagen, predominantly Type I and Type III, produced by specialised cells called fibroblasts (PMC, Dermal Fibroblast Senescence, 2025).

From around the age of 25, collagen synthesis begins to decline at roughly 1% per year. The mechanism is a gradual deterioration in fibroblast function. The dermal collagen matrix thins and fragments, fibroblasts lose the mechanical tension they need to continue producing new collagen efficiently. This creates a self-reinforcing cycle, less collagen leads to less stimulus for collagen production, which leads to less collagen still (Varani et al., 2006; PMC, Molecular Mechanisms of Dermal Aging, 2019).

The visible result is familiar, skin loses firmness and elasticity, fine lines deepen into wrinkles, skin becomes drier as the moisture-retaining capacity of the dermis declines, and the overall texture and tone of the skin changes. UV exposure, smoking, high sugar intake and chronic stress all accelerate this process by generating reactive oxygen species that further impair collagen synthesis and damage existing fibres (PMC, Dermal Aging Mechanisms, 2019).

The key question is whether oral collagen supplementation can meaningfully reverse or slow this process, and this is where the research has become increasingly compelling.

How bioactive collagen peptides work in the skin

Not all collagen supplements work the same way. Generic hydrolysed collagen provides a broad mix of amino acids, which contributes to general protein intake. Bioactive collagen peptides are different: they are manufactured to preserve specific short peptide sequences, that once absorbed from the gut into the bloodstream, act as biological signals in target tissues.

VERISOL® is GELITA®'s patented bioactive collagen peptide designed specifically for skin, hair and nail health. It’s mechanism of action in skin has been characterised at the cellular level. VERISOL® peptides reach the dermis and bind to fibroblasts, stimulating them to upregulate production of Type I collagen, elastin and proteoglycans. These are the three main structural and hydrating components of the dermal matrix (Dierckx et al., 2024; Cosmetics, 2025).

The clinical evidence on Skin

Wrinkle reduction, elasticity and hydration

A 2025 randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, the most rigorous study design available, enrolled 66 women aged 35 to 55 and assigned them to either 2.5 g of VERISOL® or a matched placebo daily for eight weeks. Skin hydration was significantly improved at the four week mark. By eight weeks, wrinkle volume was measurably reduced, and skin elasticity had increased in the VERISOL® group, with no significant changes in the placebo group (Cosmetics, 2025).

These findings extend and reinforce earlier controlled trials, including:

·      A double-blind, placebo-controlled study (Proksch et al., 2014a) in which women aged 45–65 showed a significant 20% reduction in eye wrinkle volume after eight weeks of 2.5 g VERISOL® supplementation

·      A companion study (Proksch et al., 2014b) demonstrating a significant improvement in skin elasticity, with effects detectable at four weeks and more pronounced at eight weeks

·      A study demonstrating a 65% increase in skin procollagen Type I and 18% increase in elastin after eight weeks of supplementation (GELITA VERISOL® clinical data)

The broader evidence base is also supportive. A 2023 systematic review and meta-analysis published in Nutrients (Pu et al., 2023) analysed 26 randomised controlled trials involving 1,721 participants and found that hydrolysed collagen supplementation significantly improved skin hydration and elasticity compared to placebo. The effect was consistent regardless of the source of collagen tested.

Clinical evidence summary on Skin

The clinical evidence on Nails

Nails are largely composed of keratin, but collagen plays a structural role in the nail bed, the tissue that anchors and supports the nail plate. Brittle nail syndrome, characterised by surface roughness, peeling, breaking and slow growth is a common complaint, particularly in women over 35.

A 24 week open label clinical trial (Hexsel et al., 2017) investigated the effect of 2.5 g of VERISOL® daily in 25 participants with brittle nails. The results were clinically significant:

·      Nail growth rate increased by 12%

·      Frequency of broken or chipped nails decreased by 42%

·      64% of participants achieved a global clinical improvement in brittle nail symptoms

·      88% maintained improvement four weeks after stopping supplementation, suggesting structural changes rather than a purely symptomatic effect

·      80% of participants agreed their nails looked visibly better

These findings indicate that VERISOL® acts on the collagen-rich nail bed to support nail plate growth and structural integrity, rather than simply coating or temporarily strengthening the nail from the outside.

The clinical evidence: Hair

Hair follicles are surrounded by a collagen rich extracellular matrix, and dermal papilla cells, the key cells that regulate follicle cycling and hair growth, and are directly supported by that collagen scaffold. As dermal collagen declines with age, follicle function can be compromised, contributing to reduced hair thickness and slower regrowth.

A randomised, placebo controlled study (Oesser, 2020, published in the International Journal of Nutraceuticals and Functional Foods) enrolled 44 healthy women aged 39 to 75 and administered either 2.5 g of VERISOL® or placebo daily for 16 weeks. At the end of the supplementation period, the VERISOL® group showed a statistically significant increase in hair thickness compared to a slight decrease in the placebo group. Proliferation of human hair follicle cells was also improved, suggesting the effect extends beyond surface structure to follicle biology (GELITA, 2020).

How VERISOL® in Complete Body Collagen delivers these benefits

Live More You Complete Body Collagen provides 2.5 g of VERISOL® per daily serve, the exact clinically studied dose across all published skin, nail and hair trials. This is delivered alongside 15 g of additional GELITA® bioactive peptides (FORTIGEL®, FORTIBONE® and TENDOFORTE®) that support joint cartilage, bone density and tendon health respectively, making it a whole body connective tissue formula rather than a standalone beauty supplement.

The combined 17.5 g daily serve also provides a substantial supply of glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, the amino acids that serve as raw material for the body's own collagen synthesis, supporting the dermis, hair follicle matrix and nail bed structurally, regardless of which specific peptide reaches each tissue.

Clinical dosing summary: Skin, Hair and Nails

Who benefits most

While collagen loss is a universal feature of ageing that eventually affects everyone, the following groups are most likely to see meaningful benefits from Complete Body Collagen supplementation:

·      Adults over 35 as collagen loss is accumulating and visible skin changes are beginning to appear

·      Menopausal women as the drop in oestrogen accelerates both skin collagen loss and dermal thinning. Studies suggest women can lose up to 30% of skin collagen in the first five years after menopause

·      Those with brittle or slow-growing nails where the structural support of the nail bed is compromised

·      Those noticing reduced hair thickness or slower hair growth, particularly where this correlates with other signs of connective tissue ageing

·      Those with high UV exposure where photoaging compounds natural collagen decline and the need for structural support is greater

·      Anyone seeking a non-invasive, evidence-based approach to supporting skin appearance alongside good nutrition and sun protection

How to take Complete Body Collagen for skin, hair and nail benefits

·      Mix one level scoop (17.5 g, containing 2.5 g VERISOL®) into water, juice or a smoothie daily

·      Take consistently. The clinical evidence is built on daily supplementation, sporadic use will not produce the same results

·      Ensure adequate vitamin C intake to support the body's collagen synthesis response

·      For skin and hydration outcomes, allow a minimum of four to eight weeks; for nail and hair changes, allow 12 to 24 weeks, as these tissues turn over more slowly than skin

·      Complete Body Collagen can be taken at any time of day - consistency matters more than timing for beauty outcomes

Safety and suitability

Hydrolysed collagen peptides are well tolerated at doses up to 15–20 g per day across clinical trials and are considered safe for long term daily use. The most commonly reported side effect is mild initial digestive discomfort, which typically resolves within a few days.

Live More You Complete Body Collagen is derived from bovine sources and is not suitable for those following vegetarian or vegan diets or those with sensitivity to beef-derived ingredients. Those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking prescribed medication should consult a healthcare practitioner before commencing use. Individuals with phenylketonuria (PKU) should note that collagen contains phenylalanine.

The bottom line

Skin firmness, nail strength and hair thickness all depend, in part, on the same structural protein that supports your joints, bones and gut lining: collagen. As that collagen declines with age, the changes are visible. The clinical evidence supports the case for targeted collagen peptide supplementation as a practical, non invasive way to slow that decline.

VERISOL® has the strongest and most specific clinical evidence base of any collagen peptide for skin, hair, and nail outcomes. At 2.5 g per day, the clinically studied dose is delivered in every serve of Live More You Complete Body Collagen alongside three additional peptides targeting the rest of the connective tissue system.

For personalised guidance on collagen supplementation in the context of your specific skin, hair or nail concerns, consult a qualified healthcare practitioner or accredited dermatologist.

References

Cosmetics (2025). The oral intake of specific bovine-derived bioactive collagen peptides has a stimulatory effect on dermal matrix synthesis and improves various clinical skin parameters. Cosmetics, 12(2), 79. https://doi.org/10.3390/cosmetics12020079

DePhillipo, N. N., Aman, Z. S., Kennedy, M. I., Begley, J. P., Moatshe, G., & LaPrade, R. F. (2018). Efficacy of vitamin C supplementation on collagen synthesis and oxidative stress after musculoskeletal injuries. Orthopaedic Journal of Sports Medicine, 6(10).

Dierckx, S., Patrizi, M., Merino, M., González, S., Mullor, J. L., & Nergiz-Unal, R. (2024). Collagen peptides affect collagen synthesis and the expression of collagen, elastin, and versican genes in cultured human dermal fibroblasts. Frontiers in Medicine, 11, 1397517. https://doi.org/10.3389/fmed.2024.1397517

Effects of Collagen Supplements on Skin Aging: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. (2025). American Journal of Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.amjmed.2025.04.017

GELITA. (2020). Beyond skin: First peer-reviewed study reveals increased hair thickness. Retrieved from https://www.gelita.com/en/news/beyond-skin-first-peer-reviewed-study-reveals-increased-hair-thickness

Hexsel, D., Zague, V., Schunck, M., Siega, C., Camozzato, F. O., & Oesser, S. (2017). Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 16(4), 520–526. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.12393

Hwang, S. B., Park, H. J., & Lee, B. H. (2022). Hair-growth-promoting effects of the fish collagen peptide in human dermal papilla cells and C57BL/6 mice modulating Wnt/β-catenin and BMP signaling pathways. International Journal of Molecular Sciences, 23(19), 11904. https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms231911904

PMC (2019). Molecular mechanisms of dermal aging and antiaging approaches. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6540032

PMC (2025). Recent advances in dermal fibroblast senescence and skin aging: unraveling mechanisms and pioneering therapeutic strategies. Frontiers in Pharmacology. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12213903

Proksch, E., Schunck, M., Zague, V., Segger, D., Degwert, J., & Oesser, S. (2014a). Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 27(3), 113–119.

Proksch, E., Segger, D., Degwert, J., Schunck, M., Zague, V., & Oesser, S. (2014b). Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, 27(1), 47–55.

Pu, S.-Y., Huang, Y.-L., Pu, C.-M., Kang, Y.-N., Hoang, K. D., Chen, K.-H., & Chen, C. (2023). Effects of oral collagen for skin anti-aging: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients, 15(9), 2080. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15092080

Reilly, D. M., Kynaston, L., Naseem, S., Proudman, E., & Laceby, D. (2024). A clinical trial shows improvement in skin collagen, hydration, elasticity, wrinkles, scalp, and hair condition following 12-week oral intake of a supplement containing hydrolysed collagen. Journal of Cosmetic Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/8752787

Varani, J., Dame, M. K., Rittie, L., Fligiel, S. E., Kang, S., Fisher, G. J., & Voorhees, J. J. (2006). Decreased collagen production in chronologically aged skin: Roles of age-dependent alteration in fibroblast function and defective mechanical stimulation. The American Journal of Pathology, 168(6), 1861–1868.

This blog is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before commencing any new supplement, particularly if you have an existing medical condition or are taking prescribed medication.