Collagen: what it does and why it's important for your skin

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Every wrinkle, every fine line, and every area of ​​sagging skin can seem like a sign of the passing of time. There's a protein that can repair, support, and prolong the youthful, healthy look of your skin. It's called collagen, and its importance to your skin isn't just a beauty industry myth, it's a science-backed reality. Find out what collagen is, what its real benefits are for your skin, how to boost its natural production, and which supplements are most effective at combating the visible signs of aging.

What is collagen and why is it important for your skin?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, essential for the structure, strength and elasticity of the skin. It is a key structural component of connective tissue, found in the skin, bones, muscles, ligaments, tendons and blood vessels. For the skin, collagen functions as an invisible support network, keeping it smooth, firm and youthful, without visible wrinkles .

What role does collagen play in the skin?

The skin is made up of three main layers: the epidermis, dermis, and hypodermis. Collagen is found in the dermis, the middle layer, and accounts for up to 75-80% of its dry matter. In this area, collagen functions as a microscopic skeleton that:

• supports the skin structure, giving it firmness and resistance;
• preserves elasticity and prevents sagging skin;
• contributes to cell regeneration and wound healing;
• maintains skin hydration by supporting the skin barrier;
• prevents the formation of wrinkles and fine lines caused by skin aging.

Types of collagen that influence the skin

Collagen is a family of complex structural proteins, made up of over 28 different types, each with specific roles in the body. When it comes to skin health and appearance, collagen types I, III, and IV are the most relevant and studied.

Type I collagen - the "skin architect"

• it is the most abundant type of collagen in the body (representing up to 90% of total collagen);
• represents the main component of the dermis – the middle layer of the skin;
• Type 1 collagen for skin contributes to skin firmness, strength and elasticity;
• it is also found in bones, ligaments and corneas;
• Hydrolyzed collagen supplements contain predominantly type I collagen peptides, being the most effective for skin rejuvenation and wrinkle reduction.

Type III collagen - the "collagen of youth"

• it is found in young and supple skin, but in a smaller proportion than type I;
• provides flexibility and velvety texture to the skin;
• Type 3 collagen for elastic skin is associated with the production of type I collagen, working together to maintain skin structure;
• decreases with age, being one of the first to be affected by the aging process.

Type IV collagen - the "protective shield"

• it is found in the basement membranes of the skin, between the epidermis and the dermis;
• it acts as a filter and cellular support, essential for maintaining the cohesion of skin cells;
• contributes to deep hydration of the skin and prevention of damage caused by external factors;
• Type IV collagen degradation is associated with sensitive skin, frequent irritations, and loss of the protective barrier.

The three types of collagen work together to maintain healthy, youthful skin:

How is collagen produced in the body and what destroys it?

Until the age of 25-30, the body produces collagen naturally. However, after this age, the rate of synthesis decreases by up to 1% per year, and existing collagen degrades more easily. This reduction leads to:

• the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines;
• decreased skin elasticity and tone;
• skin dryness ( dry complexion ) and uneven texture;
• loss of facial contour.

Factors that accelerate collagen destruction:

• exposure to UV rays (sun or solarium);
• smoking and alcohol;
• oxidative stress (pollution, free radicals);
• excessive sugar consumption (through glycation);
• sleep deprivation and poor hydration.

Benefits of collagen for the skin

• wrinkle reduction and aging prevention - collagen supports the dermal structure and diminishes deep wrinkles (hydrolyzed collagen supplements can visibly reduce wrinkles in 8–12 weeks);
• intense skin hydration - by maintaining the skin's barrier function, collagen helps retain water, preventing dryness and dehydration of the skin;
• improving elasticity and firmness - collagen promotes the regeneration of elastin fibers, giving the skin a stretched, young and toned appearance;
• accelerating skin healing and regeneration - it is involved in the process of skin restoration following acne, scars or irritation.

How can you naturally stimulate collagen production?

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As you age, your natural collagen production decreases and your skin begins to lose its firmness, elasticity, and hydration. Fortunately, there are natural and proven ways to boost collagen production and slow down the visible signs of aging.

Essential nutrients for collagen

• vitamin C : essential in collagen synthesis (sources: citrus fruits, bell peppers, strawberries);
• zinc and copper: key minerals in the formation of collagen fibers (sources: seeds, nuts, shellfish);
• amino acids: glycine, proline, lysine (from meat, eggs, dairy products, gelatin);
• antioxidants: fight free radicals that degrade collagen (sources: berries, green tea, green vegetables).

Foods rich in collagen

• bone broth (rich in natural collagen and gelatin);
• chicken or fish skin;
• eggs (especially egg whites);
• food gelatin.

Collagen supplements: variants, benefits and uses

You can supplement your collagen intake when your diet doesn't cover all your skin's needs or your lifestyle becomes very demanding. Collagen supplements come in several forms:

• hydrolyzed collagen – in the form of peptides, is easily absorbed by the body. For example, Intensive Low Molecular Collagen S contains small molecules, easily integrated by the body;
• liquid collagen – simple to administer, often includes vitamin C or other ingredients that aid absorption;
• powder or capsules – can be mixed into water, smoothies or other drinks. See Glow Boost or Low Molecular Collagen 5000 , products available in the Skinseen offer, suitable for supporting skin health.

Most supplements offer additional benefits: vitamin C (for absorption), hyaluronic acid (maintains hydration), elastin (supports elasticity).

Also consider using cosmetic products such as:

• collagen creams and serums: for example, The Premium Collagen Cream combines microencapsulated collagen with silk extracts, for a smooth and elastic complexion;

• intensive treatments: boosters like VT Collagen Reedle Shot 100 help stimulate regeneration, reducing visible signs of aging;

• collagen masks: opt for sheet masks, such as Biodance Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask - they intensely hydrate and help restore skin elasticity.

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Active ingredients that stimulate collagen production

Skin care with active ingredients can activate fibroblasts in the dermis and support existing collagen. Here are some recommended cosmetic products and skin care solutions:

• retinol and retinoids – directly stimulate the production of new collagen;
• topical vitamin C – antioxidant and cofactor for collagen synthesis;
• biomimetic peptides – signal cells to produce collagen;
• hyaluronic acid – supports hydration and the ideal environment for collagen formation;
• niacinamide – protects the skin barrier and supports structural integrity.

Collagen is much more than just an ingredient in beauty ads. It is a vital protein that supports youthful, elastic and healthy skin. As we age, our body's ability to produce collagen decreases, but the good news is that you can intervene: through diet, supplements and proper care. Start taking care of your skin from the inside out today! Choose supplements from Skinseen , include nutrient-rich foods and adopt a daily care routine that supports natural collagen production.