Ingredient guide · Verisol® collagen
Collagen for Skin, Hair and Nails: How It Works, What the Research Shows and How to Take It
Real beauty has no secrets. It has biology. Collagen is the protein that keeps your skin firm, your nails strong and your tendons resilient. After about 25, your body makes less of it every year. The real question is whether you can switch production back on from within.
In this guide we explain what collagen is, why it declines, how Verisol® bioactive collagen peptides work, and what controlled clinical studies found for wrinkles, elasticity, cellulite and nails. We also cover 8 health benefits, 8 benefits for athletes, and exactly how to take collagen for skin, hair and nails the right way.
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Key takeaways
- Collagen makes up around 80% of the dry weight of your skin. Production slows steadily from your mid-twenties.
- Verisol® bioactive peptides (Gelita, Germany) are more than raw material. They signal the fibroblasts in your skin to produce collagen, elastin and fibrillin.
- In placebo-controlled studies, 2.5 g of Verisol® a day reduced wrinkles, improved elasticity and cellulite, and reduced broken nails.
- Vitamina C contributes to normal collagen formation. Without it, your body cannot build stable collagen fibres.
- La formula di bellezza definitiva combines 2,500 mg of Verisol® with 15 synergistic ingredients in every sachet.
What is collagen?
Collagene is the most abundant protein in the human body. It is the scaffolding that holds your tissues together: skin, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, bones, blood vessels and even the cornea of your eye.
Its structure is unique. Three chains of amino acids wind around each other like a rope (a triple helix), with a repeating pattern of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. This architecture gives skin its tensile strength and gives tendons the strength to transfer force from muscle to bone.
Two types dominate in skin:
- Type I collagen provides strength and firmness. It is also the main type in tendons and bones.
- Type III collagen provides elasticity. It is most abundant in young skin and blood vessels.
Together with elastin e hyaluronic acid, they form the dermis, the layer that decides whether your skin looks full and smooth or thin and wrinkled.
Why does collagen decline with age?
Skin is shaped by internal and external factors, and they all lead to the same result: less collagen being made and more being broken down.
- Age: from around 25, collagen production falls a little every year.
- Hormones: the drop in oestrogen at menopause sharply accelerates collagen loss in the skin.
- Sun (UV): ultraviolet light activates enzymes that cut collagen apart. It is the main driver of photo-ageing.
- Oxidative stress: smoking, pollution, intense training and poor sleep all increase free radicals.
- Diet: shortfalls in protein, vitamin C, copper or zinc leave your fibroblasts without raw materials and co-factors.
- Sugar: glycation makes collagen fibres stiff and brittle.
How does Verisol® collagen work in the skin?
Verisol® is a patented range of bioactive collagen peptides from Gelita, Germany, developed specifically for skin. What sets it apart from ordinary “hydrolysed collagen” is its mechanism of action.
1. It is absorbed as small, bioactive peptides
After you drink it, part of the peptides crosses from the gut into the blood not as single amino acids, but as small fragments such as the dipeptide prolyl-hydroxyproline (Pro-Hyp). These peptides reach the dermis.
2. It signals your fibroblasts
Fibroblasts are the cells that build the collagen in your skin. Verisol® peptides send them a message that collagen is being broken down and needs replacing. The fibroblasts respond by increasing production of collagen, elastin and fibrillin.
3. It works where creams cannot reach
Collagen molecules in creams are far too large to pass through the outer skin. Oral collagen works from within, directly on collagen metabolism in the dermis.
La formula di bellezza definitiva
The clinically studied dose of Verisol® with KANEKA QH™ ubiquinol, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, copper, selenium, MSM and Lactospore® probiotics: 16 ingredients in one pineapple-coconut sachet.
What do clinical studies show about Verisol® collagen?
Verisol® is one of the few beauty ingredients backed by double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in people. A placebo is a dummy product given to a matched group, so researchers can see whether a result really comes from the ingredient and not from expectation. All of the studies below used 2.5 g a day, exactly what one sachet of The Ultimate Beauty Formula provides.
Does collagen improve skin elasticity?
In a study of 69 women aged 35–55, taking Verisol® for 8 weeks significantly improved skin elasticity compared with placebo. The improvement was already measurable at 4 weeks. In the older women, the benefit was still measurable 4 weeks after they stopped.1
Does collagen reduce wrinkles?
In a second study of 114 women aged 45–65, 2.5 g of Verisol® a day significantly reduced eye wrinkle volume after 4 weeks. After 8 weeks the average reduction was about 20%. In the skin, type I procollagen rose by about 65% and elastin by about 18%.2
Can collagen help with cellulite?
Around 85% of adult women have some cellulite (the “orange peel” look). It comes from weakened connective tissue in the dermis, uneven fat distribution under the skin and fluid retention.
Most “anti-cellulite” products simply boost circulation or dehydrate fat cells. Verisol® targets the structure of the skin itself. In a double-blind study of 105 women aged 25–50, 2.5 g a day for 6 months significantly reduced the degree of cellulite and skin waviness, and increased dermal density. The effect was strongest in women of normal weight (BMI < 25), but overweight women also improved.3
Does collagen make nails stronger?
Broken, cracked or peeling nails are one of the most common complaints. In a clinical study with 2.5 g of Verisol® a day, the frequency of broken nails fell by 42% and the nail growth rate rose by about 12%. Most participants reported being satisfied and noticed longer, stronger nails.4
Our honest view
The biology of Verisol® is well established and the studies are placebo-controlled. Results build gradually: the first signs usually appear in 4–8 weeks, and the full benefit comes with consistent use for 3 months or more. Collagen is not a magic wand. It is one of the most logical ways to support your skin from within.
What are the benefits of collagen for skin, hair, nails and health?
The Ultimate Beauty Formula is more than collagen. It combines 16 ingredients that work in synergy, each one amplifying the others. These are the 8 key benefits:
- Fewer, shallower wrinkles. Verisol® increases type I collagen production in the dermis and reduced wrinkle volume in a clinical study. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the skin.
- Firmer, more elastic skin. The elastin and fibrillin that Verisol® stimulates, together with copper, which contributes to the maintenance of normal connective tissues, help your skin bounce back.
- Deep hydration. Hyaluronic acid holds water in your tissues. In studies, around 120 mg a day taken orally improved moisture in dry skin. The formula contains 150 mg.
- Less visible cellulite. Strengthening the structure of the dermis reduced skin waviness in a 6-month study.
- Stronger nails that grow faster. Fewer broken nails with Verisol®, while selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal nails.
- Healthy hair. Selenium contributes to the maintenance of normal hair, and copper to normal hair pigmentation. MSM supplies sulphur for keratin, and vitamin D3 and B12 cover two common shortfalls linked with hair loss.
- Joints and bones. Collagen is the main building material of cartilage, tendons and bones. Vitamin D and magnesium contribute to the maintenance of normal bones, while hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and MSM support joint lubrication.
- Beauty from the gut. The probiotic Lactospore® supports a balanced gut flora, the base of the gut–skin axis. Vitamins C and D and selenium contribute to the normal function of the immune system.
16 products in one
Instead of separate collagen, hyaluronic acid, Q10, vitamins and a probiotic, get them all at research-based doses in one tasty drink a day.
What are the benefits of collagen for athletes?
At S-C Nutrition, endurance sport is our home ground. Beauty and performance share the same protein: the collagen that keeps your skin firm is the same collagen that keeps your tendons strong. These are the 8 benefits for runners, cyclists, triathletes, swimmers and marathon runners:
- Tendon and ligament support. The Achilles and patellar tendons are made mostly of type I collagen. Research found that collagen with vitamin C taken before exercise increased markers of collagen synthesis.5
- Joints under load. Studies in athletes with activity-related joint pain found improvements with collagen peptides (at higher doses than the daily beauty dose).6,7 Hyaluronic acid, glucosamine and MSM complete the joint side of the formula.
- Strong bones. Bone is essentially a collagen mesh filled with minerals. Vitamin D and magnesium contribute to the maintenance of normal bones, which matters for the repeated impact of running.
- Less fatigue. Magnesium and vitamin B12 contribute to the reduction of tiredness and fatigue, while magnesium and vitamin D contribute to normal muscle function.
- Protection from oxidative stress. Hard training increases free radicals. KANEKA QH™ ubiquinol, vitamins E and C and selenium contribute to the protection of cells.
- Recovery after hard sessions. MSM has been studied in half-marathon runners for muscle and joint pain after the race.8
- Skin that handles sun, wind and chlorine. Endurance athletes spend hundreds of hours outdoors. Verisol®, vitamins A and E and ubiquinol support the skin that takes the most punishment.
- Hydration and gut. Coconut water powder provides natural electrolytes. Lactospore® supports the gut, which is often tested over long distances.
Tip for athletes
For tendons, research shows better results when collagen with vitamin C is taken 30–60 minutes before a short training or mobility session. The formula already contains 162 mg of vitamin C.
Protect your tendons and your skin
Collagen for runners, cyclists, triathletes, swimmers and marathon runners
Every endurance sport loads your connective tissue and skin differently. Here is where collagen fits for each one.
🏃 Runners
Every stride loads your Achilles, shins and knees with several times your body weight. Collagen with vitamins C and D and magnesium supports tendons and bones, while Verisol® protects skin from hours in the sun.
🚴 Cyclists
Hours in the saddle mean sun, wind and repetitive knee movement. Cycling does not load bone, so vitamin D and magnesium matter even more. Hyaluronic acid and MSM support your joints.
🏊♂️🚴🏃 Triathletes
Three sports, high volume, stacked sessions. Chlorine, sun and repeated impact test your skin and tendons at the same time. A complete formula covers both in one sachet.
🏊 Swimmers
Chlorine dries out skin, hair and nails. Hyaluronic acid, Verisol® and selenium support them from within, while collagen supports the shoulders that rotate thousands of times a week.
🏅 Marathon runners
Long distances, heavy loads, many hours outdoors. Many marathoners are also over 40, the age when collagen loss speeds up. Collagen, ubiquinol and Lactospore® support tendons, cells and gut.
What are the 16 ingredients and how do they work?
Research-based doses, not trace amounts just for the label. This is the full composition per sachet (6.9 g). Magnesium is supplied in two forms:
| Ingrediente | Per serving (1 sachet, 6.9 g) |
|---|---|
| Verisol® Bioactive Collagen Peptides | 2,500 mg |
| KANEKA QH™ Ubiquinol (active coenzyme Q10) | 60 mg |
| L-Hydroxyproline | 1,017 mg |
| Acido ialuronico | 150 mg |
| Vitamina C | 162 mg |
| Metilsulfonilmetano (MSM) | 200 mg |
| Glucosamina | 200 mg |
| Magnesio bisglicinato | 225 mg |
| Carbonato di magnesio | 200 mg |
| Acqua di cocco in polvere | 500 mg |
| Vitamin D3 (cholecalciferol) | 12.5 mcg |
| Vitamin A (beta-carotene) | 100 mcg |
| Vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamin) | 5.6 mcg |
| Selenometionina | 150 mcg |
| Vitamin E (alpha-tocopherol) | 12.5 mg |
| Copper-Lysine Complex | 1,000 mcg |
| Probiotici Lactospore | 1,000 mg |
Verisol® collagen peptides
True beauty comes from within. Patented Gelita peptides that stimulate fibroblasts to produce collagen, elastin and fibrillin, at the dose used in the clinical studies.
KANEKA QH™ ubiquinol
The active form of Q10, well known from anti-ageing creams. A powerful fat-soluble antioxidant. In a controlled study, oral Q10 improved several signs of skin ageing.9
L-Hydroxyproline
The signature amino acid of collagen, found in almost no other protein. It completes the amino acid profile your dermis needs, working together with vitamin C.
Acido ialuronico
The youth ingredient. It holds water in your skin, connective tissue and joints. Hydrated skin means less visible wrinkles and a softer, younger look.
Vitamina C
The collagen vitamin. It contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, cartilage, bones and blood vessels.
MSM (metilsulfonilmetano)
A source of organic sulphur, needed for cysteine and keratin, the structural protein of hair, nails and skin. Studied for joint discomfort and recovery.
Glucosamina
A building block for hyaluronic acid and glycosaminoglycans. Together with elastin and collagen, they are key components of skin that decline with age.
Magnesium (bisglycinate & carbonate)
Including the most absorbable form of magnesium. It contributes to the reduction of tiredness, normal muscle and nervous system function and the maintenance of normal bones.
Coconut water powder
Real food for your skin. A natural source of potassium, magnesium and antioxidants for hydration and moisture retention.
Vitamina D3
Your skin and hair need it. Shortfalls are very common and are linked with hair loss. It contributes to the maintenance of normal bones, teeth and muscle function.
Vitamin A (beta-carotene)
The skin vitamin. Beta-carotene converts to vitamin A, which contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and the renewal of skin cells.
Vitamina B12
Your secret to healthy skin. A shortfall can cause hyperpigmentation, nail discolouration and hair loss. It contributes to the reduction of tiredness.
Selenometionina
The most absorbable form of selenium. It contributes to the maintenance of normal hair and nails and the protection of cells from oxidative stress.
Vitamina E
Makes the difference. It nourishes and hydrates the skin and contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress, together with ubiquinol, which regenerates it.
Copper-lysine
Activates your skin’s fibroblasts. It contributes to the maintenance of normal connective tissues and normal hair and skin pigmentation. About 15% of the body’s copper is in the skin.
Lactospore® probiotics
Healthy gut, healthy body. A patented probiotic that supports a balanced gut flora, the organ that absorbs every other ingredient in the formula.
All 16 ingredients in one sachet
How should you take collagen?
The concentration of the ingredients in your body needs to be maximised first, so the formula can start working fully. That is why the programme has two phases:
Loading phase
2 sachets a day. The ingredients quickly reach peak concentration in your body and the formula starts to work.
Maintenance phase
1 sachet a day. Enough to maintain the peak concentration reached in the first 10 days and keep the formula working at its best.
How to prepare it
- Mix one sachet in 150–200 ml of room-temperature water.
- The pharmaceutical-grade ingredients need room-temperature water to dissolve and absorb fully. Do not use cold water, and do not mix it with yoghurt, milk or smoothies.
- Each pack contains 20 sachets of 6.9 g, pineapple-coconut flavour.
- Athletes can take it 30–60 minutes before training to support their tendons too.
Is collagen safe?
Collagen peptides are a food: they come from natural protein and were very well tolerated in clinical studies. A few points to keep in mind:
- Do not exceed the recommended daily dose.
- Pregnancy, breastfeeding or medication: speak to your doctor before use. This applies especially to blood thinners, as Q10 and vitamin E may interact.
- Every SCN™ product is made under our 100% doping-free and cross-contamination-safe commitment, so tested athletes can use it with confidence.
Why choose collagen from SCN™?
SCN™ developed The Ultimate Beauty Formula based on the science of cosmetic nutrition, to be highly effective for both women and men. The same philosophy behind our products for endurance athletes applies here:
- The highest-quality ingredients, pharmaceutical grade, with the highest possible bioavailability.
- Patented, clinically studied ingredients: Verisol® (Gelita), KANEKA QH™ and Lactospore®.
- Maximum effective doses based on research, not trace amounts for the label.
- Complete, synergistic action: multiple targeted mechanisms, primary and supporting.
- Made in European pharmaceutical laboratories certified to ISO 9001 and cGMP.
- Small, frequent production batches with fresh ingredients for optimal effectiveness.
- European Pharmacopoeia accuracy in every dose (±5%) for consistent results.
Frequently asked questions about collagen for skin, hair and nails
Which collagen is best for skin, hair and nails?
For skin and nails, most clinical data concern specific bioactive peptides such as Verisol®, at 2.5 g a day. Adding vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, copper and selenium supports collagen formation, hydration, hair and nails.
How long does collagen take to work?
In the Verisol® studies, the first measurable changes in wrinkles and elasticity appeared at 4 weeks. Nails and cellulite took 2–6 months. That is why we recommend a programme of at least 3 months.
What time of day should I take collagen?
Consistency matters more than timing. Many people take it in the morning. Athletes can take it 30–60 minutes before training to support their tendons as well.
Is oral collagen better than collagen cream?
Collagen molecules in creams are too large to pass through the outer skin, so they mainly moisturise the surface. Oral bioactive peptides reach the dermis through the blood and influence collagen metabolism from within. The two can be combined.
Can men take collagen?
Yes. Men lose collagen with age just like women, and healthy skin, hair, nails and joints are not only a women’s concern. The formula is suitable for adults of both sexes.
Do I need vitamin C with collagen?
Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation. Without it, fibroblasts cannot stabilise collagen fibres properly. The Ultimate Beauty Formula already contains 162 mg of vitamin C in every sachet.
Why should I mix it with room-temperature water?
The pharmaceutical-grade ingredients dissolve and absorb fully in room-temperature water. Cold water, milk, yoghurt or smoothies can reduce dissolution and absorption.
Is collagen safe for drug-tested athletes?
Collagen is not on the WADA prohibited list. In addition, every SCN™ product is made under our 100% doping-free and cross-contamination-safe policy.
Can I take collagen during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
If you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking medication, speak to your doctor before using any food supplement.
Beauty starts from within
Whether you want fewer wrinkles, strong nails and healthy hair, or resilient tendons for your next marathon, collagen is the common foundation. Give your body the research-backed dose, together with 15 synergistic ingredients.
Selected research
- Proksch E, Segger D, Degwert J, Schunck M, Zague V, Oesser S. Oral supplementation of specific collagen peptides has beneficial effects on human skin physiology: a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(1):47–55.
- Proksch E, Schunck M, Zague V, Segger D, Degwert J, Oesser S. Oral intake of specific bioactive collagen peptides reduces skin wrinkles and increases dermal matrix synthesis. Skin Pharmacol Physiol. 2014;27(3):113–119.
- Schunck M, Zague V, Oesser S, Proksch E. Dietary supplementation with specific collagen peptides has a body mass index-dependent beneficial effect on cellulite morphology. J Med Food. 2015;18(12):1340–1348.
- Hexsel D, Zague V, Schunck M, Siega C, Camozzato FO, Oesser S. Oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides improves nail growth and reduces symptoms of brittle nails. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2017;16(4):520–526. doi:10.1111/jocd.12393
- Shaw G, Lee-Barthel A, Ross ML, Wang B, Baar K. Vitamin C–enriched gelatin supplementation before intermittent activity augments collagen synthesis. Am J Clin Nutr. 2017;105(1):136–143.
- Clark KL, Sebastianelli W, Flechsenhar KR, et al. 24-week study on the use of collagen hydrolysate as a dietary supplement in athletes with activity-related joint pain. Curr Med Res Opin. 2008;24(5):1485–1496.
- Zdzieblik D, Oesser S, Gollhofer A, König D. Improvement of activity-related knee joint discomfort following supplementation of specific collagen peptides. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab. 2017;42(6):588–595.
- Withee ED, Tippens KM, Dehen R, et al. Effects of methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) on exercise-induced oxidative stress, muscle damage, and pain following a half-marathon. J Int Soc Sports Nutr. 2017;14:24.
- Žmitek K, Pogačnik T, Mervic L, Žmitek J, Pravst I. The effect of dietary intake of coenzyme Q10 on skin parameters and condition. BioFactors. 2017;43(1):132–140.
- Kawada C, Yoshida T, Yoshida H, et al. Ingested hyaluronan moisturizes dry skin. Nutr J. 2014;13:70.
This article is for education and general information only. It is not medical advice and does not replace advice from your doctor. Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle. Do not exceed the recommended daily dose. If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medication or managing a health condition, consult a healthcare professional before use.