Oral Administration of Specific Bioactive Collagen Peptides in the Treatment of Moderate Forms of Atopic Dermatitis: A New Approach

INTRODUCTION: Effective management of atopic dermatitis (AD) remains challenging, as current therapies often rely on topical corticosteroids associated with adverse effects and limited long-term tolerability. METHODS: This double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial investigated the effects of a 12-week oral supplementation with specific bioactive collagen peptides (BCPs, CURADERM®) on clinical symptoms and skin physiology in adults with moderate AD. Participants were randomized to receive either 5 g of BCP or placebo daily. RESULTS: BCP supplementation led to significantly lower corticosteroid rescue medication use (0.94 ± 1.42 g vs. 5.60 ± 7.82 g; p = 0.045; d = 0.847) and an earlier reduction in pruritus, as shown by improvements in the 5-D Pruritus Scale at week 4 (p = 0.024, d = 1.49). Favourable effects were also observed for key physiological parameters of the skin, including maintenance of physiological pH (4.5-5.5) and improved hydration of lesional areas (p = 0.040, d = 1.44). No treatment-related adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: Taken together, these findings provide first placebo-controlled evidence that oral BCP supplementation supports skin barrier recovery, stabilizes physiological skin function, and accelerates symptom relief in mild-to-moderate AD. Confirmation of these promising results in larger trials is warranted to validate treatment effects.