Marine collagen, or hydration, is commonly sourced from marine mollusks (also called cephalopods). This is the collagen harvested from dead marine mollusks, which has been processed to be used in cosmetics and other skin care products. Marine collagen, also known as hyaluronic acid collagen, is a natural form of collagen obtained from the skins of invertebrates, which is liquefied by an alkaline process and a bromine-based enzyme to yield collagen peptide chains, which possess a reduced molecular weight making them easily absorbed and assimilated by the skin.
The role of hyaluronic acid collagen in skin care products is to provide an impermeable barrier supporting healthy skin function, including moisture control. Hyaluronic acid collagen supports healthy connective tissue and elastin function, helping to reduce wrinkles and act as a building block of new collagen. It is often used in conjunction with marine collagen to promote healthy skin cell function. Both types of collagen are important for a variety of skin disorders, including aging, dermatitis, burns, wounds, and dry skin. They are also important for skin tone, elasticity, firmness and the development of fine lines and wrinkles.
There are two types of marine collagen available. One is derived from bovine collagen, which is derived from cows and pigs and is widely used in skin care products. The other type is sourced from marine animals like shrimp, tuna, and snapper. While the therapeutic properties of this type of collagen are similar to that derived from bovine collagen, the fact that it is sourced from marine animals is what sets it apart.
The source of marine collagen can vary greatly, depending on the species of the fish from which it is taken. Some sources of this kind of collagen may contain high levels of mercury and other toxins. Others may only have trace amounts of these toxins, or may only be sourced from the fins, feet and skin of the fish themselves. Even though the marine collagen may only be partially sourced from these animals, it is vital to understand the ingredients of any product you use to help ensure you are getting the essential nutrients from these molecules.
Two ingredients are most commonly used in marine collagen creams and lotions. These are hydrolyzed collagen, also known as hyaluronic acid, and hydrolyzed kelp extract. The former helps to reduce wrinkles by stimulating cell growth, while the latter boosts the production of the latter.
Many products will feature both ingredients, with one of them acting as the primary moisturizer and the other acting as a source of antioxidants and other vital nutrients. Most tend to combine the two ingredients, with one of them being applied topically to the skin and the other one being taken orally in order to give the user all the benefits that the collagen peptide has to offer. Although it is vital to understand which ingredients are included in these products, it is also vital to understand how they work and what role they play in the body. All of these ingredients work to stimulate the cells of the body, giving them the vital nutrients they need for healthy cell growth. It is these new cells that replace the damaged ones, making your appearance look younger in the process.