Summary
Skinade which launched into the UK cosmetic marketplace in March 2013 is marketed with the trademarked phrase, ‘better skin from within™’.
It is classed as a nutraceutical supplementation product, and more specifically as a collagen drink. It is designed to improve the skin via oral supplementation through consumption of a daily beverage dose, and offers an alternative to topically applied skincare.
It is produced and distributed by Bottled Science Ltd, a company with over four decades’ experience in the drinks and therapeutic beverages industry. It is manufactured and bottled in the UK.
Skinade is a scientifically formulated collagen drink, that aims to give healthier and more youthful skin from within. It’s marketed as both an improvement product for those looking to counter the effects of ageing, and as a maintenance product for achieving healthy skin, which would have a preventative effect against ageing.
What Does It Contain?
The Skinade formula is protected by patent applications and contains six active ingredients:
- Hydrolysed Marine Collagen Peptides – 7,000mg (7g) in each bottle/sachet with a low molecular weight of 2kDa, making them one of the smallest collagen peptides available within marketed collagen drinks. Sourced from fresh water fish skin which gives them a high level of type I and type III collagen and high levels of amino acids. This matches the human collagen types for skin production.
- Vitamin C (calcium ascorbate) – which protects against free radical damage and helps with collagen production and maintenance. Vitamin C also helps with the absorption of the collagen peptides.
- Vitamin B Complex (B1, B2 - Riboflavin, B3 - Niacin, B5, B6, B7 - Biotin, B9 - Folic acid and B12) – which prevents oxidative stress and promotes healthy, clear skin.
- MSM (Methylsulfonylmethane) – 1,000mg (1g) is an organic sulphur that aids collagen and keratin formation.
- Organic Flax Seed Oil – 45mg, typically provides 26mg of alpha linolenic acid (Omega 3) and 7mg of linoleic acid (Omega 6), which helps improve dry and oily skin.
- L-lysine – 124mg, is an amino acid essential in the process of rebuilding within the collagen matrix.
The drink has natural flavours from mangosteen and peach juices, as well as concentrated grape juice. It is sweetened with sucralose. It does not need to be stored in the refrigerator, but many people report that it tastes better chilled.
Skinade does not contain bovine or porcine products, hormones, genetically modified organisms, alcohol, added sugar, artificial flavours or artificial colours and is free from lactose, gluten and dairy. It does contain marine collagen, sourced from fresh-water fish, so is not suitable for strict vegans or vegetarians.
How Does It Work?
Skinade is a therapeutic drink whose active ingredients work in tandem to promote optimal skin function. Since it is in a liquid form, it is very easy for the body to utilise, with a claimed absorption rate of 90 - 95%.
When looking for a collagen drink, the size of the collagen molecule (the molecular weight) is key. In its natural form the collagen molecule is very large, and if ingested, it would simply not get adequately absorbed so that it could easily enter the blood stream. A better form of collagen is achieved in the form of a hydrolysed collagen product which is enzymatically pre-digested, whereby the molecular bonds between the individual collagen strands are broken; these are known as collagen peptides. This achieves an improved rate of bodily absorption of the collagen.
The marine collagen peptides in Skinade trigger the body’s fibroblast cells, which causes an increase in natural collagen production. This can result in plumper skin, and therefore a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Marine collagen has a dual action – it also stimulates HAS2 receptors in the skin, which are responsible for the production of hyaluronic acid. This may result in healthier looking, more hydrated skin. It is for this reason that the product does not contain an added source of hyaluronic acid, as the mechanism of action of their collagen peptides means that it brings about hyaluronic acid production in the body naturally.
For it to be effective, you must incorporate Skinade as another component of your regular skincare regime. For best results, it is recommended that you drink one bottle, or make up one sachet, each morning before, or with, breakfast when your stomach is empty and it will be more easily and quickly absorbed. You are advised to avoid drinking caffeine both one hour before, and one hour after consumption, as caffeine can hinder the absorption of the essential micro-nutrients and collagen.
Licence Status
Skinade has been through rigorous product testing, as well as consumer trials, with all ingredients having EU approval. Furthermore, Skinade complies with regulations of the Food Standards Agency, Trading Standards and The British Retail Consortium.
What Do They Claim To Treat?
The goal of Skinade is to strengthen and rebuild the collagen matrix in the skin. By reducing the oxidative damage caused by free radicals, preventing cross-linking of collagen fibres, and increasing hydration, Skinade aims to combat the visible signs of ageing.
After using Skinade for 4-6 weeks, users can expect to see the following benefits:
- Increased radiance and hydration of the skin.
- A reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
- Plumper and more supple skin.
- Healthier hair and nails.
The effects on the skin are not limited to the face. They will be noticeable on the skin throughout the body.
The makers of Skinade have also received positive feedback from eczema and psoriasis suffers who are using the supplement which could be attributed to the addition of L-lysine to the formulation. This is anecdotal as trials to prove efficacy have not been conducted.
Product Range
The Skinade formula is available in 150ml pre-mixed bottles or 15ml sachets which need to be added to a glass of water. The sachets also serve as a travel size option for both space saving and compliance with airline liquid carry-on rules. It is usually supplied in 30, 60 and 90 day options.
Not To Be Used In
Skinade is suitable for both males and females over 18 years of age. You should consult your GP, or a medical professional, before using, if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, on prescribed or other strong medication, or if you have an underlying or existing medical condition which affects your liver or kidneys, or if you suffer from known food allergies.
Skinade is not suitable for children under 18, although there is no danger if it is accidentally swallowed by a child. It is designed for adult use, and therefore it is recommended that it be considered as an adult supplement only.
Additionally, it is not suitable for strict vegans or vegetarians, as it contains marine collagen, sourced from fresh-water fish. Furthermore, those with a known allergy to fish or fish products should not consume this collagen drink.
Duration of Effects
According to the makers, after four to six days of a Skinade regime, (one 150ml bottle or 15ml sachet daily), users will start to notice a difference in their skin quality. After around ten days of consumption, skin will feel smoother, plumper and more radiant. Between four to six weeks after starting the programme, people report a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles, and after eight weeks, skin will feel renewed; looking fresher and younger.
The effects of Skinade will continue to last if you continue to consume the product. If you stop taking Skinade for a few days, the effects will be maintained; but, if you stop treatment completely, the positive effects will be gradually lost over time. Results vary per individual, depending on genetics and other lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption etc.
Reported Side Effects
A discolouration, or brightening, of your urine may be noticed upon the next urination after ingesting the drink.
Some users of Skinade may experience a mild laxative effect for the first day or two following consumption of their first drink. This will resolve after a couple of days.
Furthermore, there is a known side effect for Vitamin B sensitivity. A small percentage of those taking Vitamin B3 (Niacin) supplements may experience flushing or tingling in the skin that can last up to 60 minutes. This side effect is known as `Niacin Flush` and it is caused by a dilation of the capillaries in the skin by Vitamin B3 to increase blood flow in areas of poor circulation. You can minimise the Niacin Flush by taking Skinade with food, or by drinking the dose in smaller amounts over the course of a day.
Costs
Skinade is available through specific stockists, and often available as a retail skincare product, much like topical skincare, which you can purchase through cosmetic clinics. The prices of Skinade are the same, whether you choose the 150ml pre-made bottles, or the 15ml travel sachets. There are also package options which mix bottles and the travel sachets to account for periods of holiday within a 30-day period.
They are available in a 30-day supply at approximately £105, a 60-day supply at approximately £210 and a 90-day supply at £315.
This works out at £3.50 per day, approximately the same price as an average coffee from a high-street barista chain.
Clinical Data
A small clinical trial conducted by Tariq Karim and a research team of Dr. Akbar de Medici and biochemists Steve Baker and Sonia Karim at Santi Skin Labs in London, showed that a 30 day treatment with Skinade resulted in:
- 20.39% increase in collagen density.
- 3.5% increase in skin thickness.
- 30.5% increase in skin hydration.
Skin analysis equipment including Cortex Technology was used to evaluate results and subjects made no other changes to their skincare routine, other than consuming Skinade for 30 days.
Images showed that skin appeared thicker and the collagen structure, visible as the yellow areas, looked denser in the after image (on the right) than in the before (on the left).
Image courtesy of Bottled Science Ltd
Before and after pictures
Independent before and after photos, following 30 day Skinade consumption.
Independent before and after photos, acne after 60 day Skinade consumption.
(Provided by Bottled Science Ltd)
(Photographs are real patients, your results may differ.)