[BEAUTY] You crack open an egg, throw away the shell with hardly another thought. However, tucked just underneath that brittle shell, easy to miss is a small treasure for your skin! It’s a thin film you likely didn’t even know existed: The eggshell membrane.
Eggshell membrane contains collagen (type I, V, X), hyaluronic acid, glucosamine, chondroitin, and other proteins and peptides. These are all things your body naturally produces to support cartilage, elastic tissue, and connective tissue. The unique aspect of eggshell membrane is that it delivers these nutrients in a whole-food matrix rather than as isolated ingredients, which may help absorption and efficiency. Studies have shown eggshell membrane literally regenerates the skin. And the super thing is that it comes free with the egg!
The Studies
The most cited study enrolled 88 individuals and gave them hydrolyzed eggshell membrane at a dose of 450 mg/day for 12 weeks. After just 4 weeks, participants showed measurable improvements in skin texture around the eyes (fewer crow’s feet). By week 8, skin tone also significantly improved.
In another double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 63 adults took a standardized eggshell membrane product for 12 weeks. The skin of these participants was analyzed using objective instruments, such as a Cutometer device. Researchers found that elastosis, skin firmness, and hydration all improved after 12 weeks. Even more interesting, skin elasticity increased significantly after 6 weeks and continued to improve through week 12. In some measures, elasticity increased by more than 8–12%.
Researchers from the same company (Ovulux) recently conducted a larger double-blind study in which 100 participants took 600 mg/day of eggshell membrane for 12 weeks. In this study, supplementation improved numerous parameters, including wrinkles, skin elasticity, dermal density, hydration, and reduced TEWL (Transepidermal Water Loss). Participants began to show improvements in some of these parameters in 6 weeks.
In yet another study, researchers compared eggshell membrane to collagen peptides. Those taking eggshell membrane consumed 300 mg daily. Those taking collagen consumed 8,000 mg daily. This study measured hydration, firmness, skin elasticity, flexibility, and water loss.
The results were surprising! Greater improvement was seen with eggshell membrane compared to the collagen group. Eggshell membrane showed clinically relevant improvements in skin elasticity, firmness, and flexibility around day 57.
Hydration improvements were also noted in this study with increases in skin moisture levels and decreases in transepidermal water loss (TEWL).
How To Take
Other benefits from eggshell membrane are to the joints, hair, nails, inflammation, bones, and the gut lining. The incredible edible egg - inside and out!
How To Take
The easiest way to consume eggshell membrane is with a hard-boiled egg. Simply boil an egg for 10-12 minutes, allow it to cool, then crack the shell and start peeling. Underneath the shell is the thin membrane. Peel it away in small pieces. When it cleanly separates from the shell, it will feel soft and a bit rubbery.
Eat the membrane as is. Chew it well. Or add it to yogurt, smoothie, etc.
While this is the natural and simple way to consume eggshell membrane, it is not the same as what is used in the studies. Most studies use a hydrolyzed eggshell membrane supplement, which has been processed into its smallest parts, and it has a larger dose. You can buy these at a variety of places online. My favorite is this one.
