Can Taking Collagen Supplements Help Improve Psoriasis Symptoms?

Examining the Potential Benefits of Collagen for Psoriasis

Psoriasis is an inflammatory autoimmune condition that speeds up skin cell turnover, causing a buildup of scales and thick, red plaques on the skin. Managing these symptoms and flare-ups remains challenging for many patients.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in skin tissue, providing structural support. Some research suggests supplementing with collagen may help reinforce the skin barrier and reduce inflammation in those with psoriasis.

What Causes Psoriasis?

Psoriasis arises when the immune system overreacts and mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, accelerating cell turnover. This causes a rapid buildup of immature skin cells that accumulate into thick, scaly lesions faster than the body can shed them.

Both genetics and environmental triggers like stress, infections, and skin injuries are involved. Chronic plaque psoriasis is the most common form, but guttate, inverse, and pustular psoriasis also occur.

Common Psoriasis Symptoms

Psoriasis varies in severity, but most experience some combination of the following:

• Red, thick, scaly, itchy plaques on the skin
• Cracked, bleeding skin within plaques
• Pain, soreness, or burning sensations on affected areas
• Pitting, separation of nail plates from the nail bed
• Joint pain, stiffness, and swelling (psoriatic arthritis)

Conventional Psoriasis Treatment Options

While no cure exists, many patients use medications like corticosteroids, retinoids, Vitamin D analogues, and biologics to reduce symptoms. Light therapy and alternative approaches may also provide relief.

The Potential Role of Collagen Supplements in Psoriasis Management

Emerging research suggests collagen may help reinforce the weakened skin barrier and dampen inflammation underlying psoriasis plaques when used alongside standard treatments.

Collagen Structure and Function in Skin

Collagen is the main structural protein giving skin strength and flexibility. Over 90% of the collagen in the human body resides in the skin, providing support, resilience, and shape.

This protein forms strong tripe-helix fibrils creating tissue framework for skin layers. Continuous collagen turnover maintains skin integrity as the body constantly breaks down and replaces damaged collagen.

Psoriasis Skin Barrier Dysfunction

Studies show psoriasis patients have abnormal collagen structure and deficiencies in key collagen types. This impairs overall skin barrier function.

Compromised collagen development leaves skin vulnerable to environmental assaults. External irritants and allergens may then drive inflammatory pathways underlying psoriasis flare-ups and symptoms.

Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Oral collagen supplements provide glycine and proline amino acids shown to reduce inflammatory cytokines, inhibit lipid peroxidation damage from free radicals and support optimal immune responses.

This anti-inflammatory activity combined with tissue healing and regenerative properties make supplemental collagen attractive for inflammatory skin disorders like psoriasis.

Clinical Research on Collagen and Psoriasis

So far a handful of small human studies demonstrate beneficial effects of hydrolyzed collagen proteins, peptides, and amino acids on psoriasis symptoms:

• Decreased plaque redness, thickness, scaliness, itching and joint pain
• Faster skin healing within psoriatic lesions
• Reduced recurrence of psoriatic plaques
• Restored collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid levels in skin

Larger scale, longer term studies are still needed. But existing evidence supports supplemental collagen as a safe, promising option for minimizing psoriasis flares alongside conventional management.

Should You Try Collagen Supplements for Psoriasis?

Talking to your doctor helps determine if adding a collagen supplement makes sense with yourindividual treatment plan and health history. However, several factors suggest collagen is worth exploring.

Natural Approach

Collagen derived from animal bones, skin, scales and connective tissues provides a nutritional approach to managing troublesome psoriasis symptoms without medications.

Few Side Effects

Oral collagen supplements have an impressive safety profile with very few negative side effects reported. Mild digestive symptoms like fuller stool occasionally occur.

Easy to Implement

Convenient collagen powder mixes easily into liquids making getting your daily collagen dose as simple as a quick protein shake. Capsules provide another option.

Requires Consistency

Collagen molecules are too large for direct absorption. Regular small doses enable cumulative benefits as peptides and amino acids build skin proteins over time. Sticking to daily use is key.

May Improve Other Aspects of Health

In addition to benefits for skin, hair, nails, and joints, some collagen consumers report improvements in gut health and mood. Enhancing general wellbeing improves psoriasis management.

Choosing a Collagen Supplement for Psoriasis

If you and your doctor decide adding supplemental collagen could be useful, focus on bioavailableFORMS and quality SOURCES when comparing products:

Collagen Types

Type I and III collagen prove most effective for supporting skin, hair, nails, and connective tissues. Blended collagen supplements provide all needed collagen varieties.

Hydrolyzed Collagen

Breaking collagen peptide chains into smaller fragments with hydrolysis markedly enhances absorption and bioavailability in the body over intact collagen from food.

Marine Sources

Sourcing collagen from wild caught marine life like fish and seafood avoids concerns with common food allergens like eggs or beef. Fish collagen still provides needed amino acids.

Grass Fed, Pasture Raised Sources

Collagen from the bones, hides, hooves and connective tissues of cows, chickens, turkeys and eggs raised on pasture without antibiotics or added hormones ensures safety and potency.

When sourced appropriately, adding collagen to your daily routine stacks the odds of skin health in your favor while posing little risk as part of an integrated psoriasis treatment plan.

Other Lifestyle Factors Supporting Psoriasis Management

While dietary collagen deserves consideration, supporting whole body wellness with additional strategies maximizes its impact:

• Stress reduction practices like meditation, yoga, or counseling
• Regular exercise to improve circulation and nutrient delivery to tissues
• Avoiding psoriasis triggers like infections, smoking, obesity and alcohol
• Consuming a nutritious anti-inflammatory diet with plenty of produce
• Applying soothing topical creams containing aloe, oatmeal or probiotics
• Getting enough sleep and sun exposure for healthy skin turnover

Be patient while experimenting to find an approach using both conventional and complementary techniques that keep aggravating symptoms at bay.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.