Sea Cucumber Collagen Peptides Exert an Anti-Skin Aging Effect by Inhibiting Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Fibroblasts

Skin aging is a complex biological process triggered by intrinsic and extrinsic factors, causing structural and functional deterioration, and its mitigation is a priority in cosmetology and functional food science. Skin fibroblasts, which mediate skin repair, wound healing and inflammation, are closely associated with aging. Sea cucumber collagen peptides exhibit prominent anti-aging, immunomodulatory and antioxidant properties, yet their mechanisms in ameliorating skin aging remain elusive, necessitating further exploration. This study verified the anti-skin aging efficacy of sea cucumber collagen peptides in D-galactose-induced aging mice, and explored whether the mechanism involves regulating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in skin fibroblasts. Aging mice were gavaged with sea cucumber collagen peptides; skin moisture, barrier function and hydroxyproline content were measured, and skin morphology was observed. Immunofluorescence and Western Blot were used to detect ER stress-related proteins. Results showed that sea cucumber collagen peptides significantly improved aging mouse skin barrier function, elevated water and collagen fiber contents, and ameliorated the status of fibroblasts and prickle cells. The underlying mechanism may involve inhibiting ER stress in skin fibroblasts and enhancing prickle cell function. These findings confirm the peptides’ high bioavailability and potential as anti-aging functional food ingredients, providing insights for skin aging prevention.