CATERINA MARCUCCI
Indipendent researcher, Trieste, Italy

Abstract

Nutricosmetic is becoming more and more established in the field of skin care, with continuous conception of products dedicated to improving skin health and beauty. Among these, beauty drinks containing collagen are particularly popular. This protein is the one present in greater quantities in the dermis and whose changes are one of the key factors responsible for skin aging.

Unlike topical applications, the systemic intake of these substances would allow them to reach the deeper layers of the skin, with greater effectiveness in contrasting the aging of this tissue. Although there are some examples of studies that have given preliminary positive results in this sense, it is important that the consumer asks himself questions when deciding to approach mineral waters with added collagen, to avoid a waste of resources or even negative effects.

It is said that true beauty comes from within and for some time this concept has also made its way into the cosmetic field, giving birth to nutricosmetic, with the consequent development of a new market sector. Over time, a large amount of beauty foods or drinks comes to being, food supplements or functional foods that boast cosmetic properties with visible aesthetic results. The global beauty drinks market was valued at USD 700 million in 2016, and is expected to reach around USD 1.3 billion by 2023 (1).

Undoubtedly one of the leading sectors in this field, and in cosmetic in general, is that of skin health and beauty, with particular reference to anti-aging products.

Over time, the structure of the skin changes due to intrinsic and extrinsic aging, which significantly change its aesthetic appearance and, in some cases, even alter its functionality. The skin appears less elastic and thick and becomes drier and more wrinkled. In particular, the epidermis thins and becomes more permeable, with uneven pigmentation. The sebaceous glands are less active and cell renewal slows down, with the accumulation of dead cells in the stratum corneum.
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