The body naturally produces a variety of proteins required for its functioning. These include structural proteins such as keratin, elastin… and of course collagen, by far the most abundant protein in our bodies !
It accounts for around a third of all proteins in the body. Which is hardly surprising, given that it plays a fundamental role in many of our body’s tissues and structures. Collagen is one of the essential constituents of the skin, but it is also found in various forms in :
bones ;
hair ;
Cartilage ;
tendons and ligaments ;
blood vessels ;
and, more broadly, all connective tissues, which explains why they are also found in the intestines, around muscle fibers, etc.
Among other functions, collagen enables :
fabrics to withstand the various stresses to which they are subjected ;
keep skin supple and elastic ;
protect our joints ;
or to promote healing in the event of injury.
But that’s really just a small glimpse of its benefits, as each type of collagen plays a specific role in the body.
Today, there are no fewer than 28 different types of collagen. Some are present only in very small quantities in specific organs. Others, on the contrary, are widely distributed throughout the body.
One of the most important of these is type 1 collagen. The first to be discovered, it is also the most abundant. It accounts for around 90% of the collagen in our bodies. In particular, it gives structure to skin, tendons, ligaments and bones.
It wasn’t until 1969 that type 2 collagen was also discovered by Edward Miller and Victor Matukas. Present in soft cartilage, it prevents joint wear by reducing friction between bones.
The other types of collagen were then gradually discovered. Among them, the most important are :
Type 3 collagen : essential for blood circulation and proper functioning of the cardiovascular system, it also strengthens the mucous membrane of the digestive tract, limiting the entry of pathogens into the body ;
Type 4 collagen, present in the skin : among other benefits, it plays an essential role in cell growth and skin firmness ;
and Type 5 collagen : present in the cornea, it contributes to eye function. But it’s also found in certain areas of the skin, in the hair… and even in the placenta of pregnant women ! It contributes to the healthy development of the fetus.
That said, type 7 and type 10 collagen are also worth knowing. Type 7 is essential for skin integrity, while type 10 is necessary for the renewal of cartilage and bone cells.
Collagen is naturally produced in large quantities during youth, where it plays an essential role in skin elasticity and firmness. It also plays an active role in cell regeneration. To a lesser extent, it also contributes to skin hydration. In other words, it’s largely thanks to it that our skin is supple, plump and radiantly healthy.
It’s hardly surprising, then, that different types of collagen are also available in the form of anti-aging skin care products and dietary supplements. With the promise of younger-looking skin…
A promise kept ? A tricky question. In fact, a number of studies have highlighted the benefits of collagen in reducing wrinkles and preventing the signs of aging. Or even its pain-relieving effect on painful joints.
However, Inserm (the French National Institute for Health and Medical Research) deplores several points concerning these studies. In particular, the small number of participants, the lack of precision concerning the effective dose of collagen, and the absence of a comparative test with a placebo for some of them. Inserm believes that “solid data” are still lacking to confirm 100% that these treatments and supplements are truly effective. It therefore urges us to remain cautious, pending further studies. If you’re interested in this subject, you can read more in the Inserm statement (french version).
Unfortunately, collagen production naturally declines with age. Generally speaking, it begins to decline slowly from the age of 30, with an average loss of 1% per year. In some people, this phenomenon even begins around the age of 25, as we are not all equal when it comes to skin ageing. Certain genetic predispositions can accelerate the appearance of the signs of aging. Or, on the contrary, delay them.
Thereafter, the decline in collagen production intensifies around the age of 40-45. It is generally estimated that by the age of 60, skin collagen levels have already dropped by 60%. The visible consequences are :
the appearance of wrinkles ;
duller, flabbier skin ;
dry skin ;
and sagging facial contours…
To make matters worse, hyaluronic acid production is also declining. An annoying problem, since this molecule with its strong moisturizing properties contributes to the skin’s beauty alongside collagen…
There are many complementary approaches to improving skin appearance and texture. Some aim to stimulate natural collagen production as much as possible. Others are aimed at providing the body with extra collagen… Not to mention lifting masks and various skin-firming techniques. To help you, here’s a brief overview of the main approaches available.
Bad eating habits are bad for the skin. These include excessive consumption of alcohol, sugar and commercially processed products (e.g. cold cuts and pastries). This type of diet promotes glycation. In other words, the rigidification and destruction of collagen fibers, with the release of free radicals as an added bonus, further accelerating skin ageing.
To keep your skin looking beautiful for as long as possible, we recommend a healthy, balanced diet rich in antioxidants. In particular, vitamin C (e.g. red fruit, citrus fruit, peppers, broccoli) and zinc (e.g. fish and seafood, eggs) are essential for the body’s production of collagen. The icing on the cake : a diet rich in antioxidants will not only help boost your collagen production, but also that of hyaluronic acid. You’ll find a detailed list of foods in our article on antioxidants to help you.
Of course, you can also consume foods rich in collagen and hyaluronic acid directly. Bone marrow is a prime example : a bone broth will help you fill up on collagen and hyaluronic acid. However, you’ll also find large quantities in a bone broth made from a chicken carcass, for example.
Offal (e.g. heart, liver) is also a good natural source of collagen and hyaluronic acid. But eat them in moderation : once a week or every 15 days is enough. Why should you do this ? Because excessive consumption of organ meats can raise the level of uric acid in the body. This can lead to gout, kidney stones and diabetes.
Good to know too: a balanced diet rich in antioxidants also helps :
losing weight when you’re overweight ;
fight cellulite in men and women.
Also read: The top 20 foods to eat to lose weight
Capsules, tablets, water-dilutable sticks… Collagen-based food supplements come in many forms these days. In absolute terms, you have the right to use these products if you wish. Bear in mind, however, that :
As mentioned above, we can’t really say whether they have an anti-ageing effect, given the paucity of reliable data available at the time of writing ;
As a general rule, you should always seek medical advice before taking food supplements ;
Some supplements produced outside the European Union may present health risks. So pay close attention to where they come from.
That said, it’s also worth remembering that these supplements can be based on marine collagen, bovine collagen or plant collagen. Although their origin may vary, they are all supposed to have the same benefits for the skin. We present them in detail below.
As a general rule, these different varieties of collagen are presented in hydrolyzed form. Why is this ? Because in its normal state, the collagen molecule is quite large. That’s why most manufacturers prefer to “divide” collagen into several easily-assimilable fragments, via the process of hydrolysis. More precisely, these fragments are peptides. In other words, small chains of amino acids. Normally, the lower their molecular weight, the easier they are to absorb : 2000 Da (Daltons) is the best on the market today.
These treatments contain peptide complexes (e.g. Matrixyl, Argireline) to be applied directly to your skin. These are designed to stimulate natural collagen production. Expected effects : improved skin hydration, skin revitalization, wrinkle reduction and tightening. A word of advice: be sure to check product origin and customer reviews before choosing from the multitude of skin care products available.
Technically, several vitamin A derivatives are used in cosmetics : they are called “retinoids”. But retinol is by far the best-known active ingredient. Used since the 1980s for its benefits on the skin, it is available in oil, cream and serum form. In particular, it is said to :
stimulate collagen production ;
reduce fine lines and wrinkles ;
improve skin firmness and elasticity ;
reduce dark spots.
It even has a reputed anti-acne effect. A word of warning, however : to see good effects, you need a fairly high dosage. The retinoid family can easily irritate fragile skin. If need be, you can still try a product based on retinol esters, but only with caution. Admittedly, they are less effective than retinol, but they are also much gentler. That said, the most effective form is undoubtedly retinoic acid. Too strong for sensitive skin, products containing retinoic acid are only available on prescription, mainly to treat acne. Also important to know : in addition to being easily irritated, retinol is photosensitizing. In other words, you need to combine its use with sun protection. Or avoid the sun like the plague !
We don’t always think about it, but drinking enough water is essential for supple, well-moisturized skin. So try to drink at least 1.5 liters of water a day. Even more if you play sport. Of course, you can also apply moisturizing creams. But never neglect your water intake.
Sleep is also essential for beautiful skin. That’s because it’s during deep sleep that the body produces the growth hormones needed for cell renewal, skin regeneration and collagen production. What’s more, lack of sleep can accentuate the phenomenon of dehydration, aggravating wrinkles…
In other words, it’s in your interest to get a good night’s sleep to keep your skin smooth and radiant. A light meal, a meditation session, a relaxing self-massage : there are many techniques to help you fall asleep. But if you’re suffering from real insomnia, it’s best to consult a doctor for help.
Overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays can seriously damage the skin’s collagen fibers. So avoid direct exposure during the hottest hours of the day, and make sure you protect yourself whenever you go out in the sun (e.g. sunscreen, hat).
It’s also a good idea to stop smoking, even if you need professional help. Did you know, for example, that a single cigarette can reduce blood flow for around 90 minutes ? Among other harmful effects, this reduction in blood circulation damages collagen fibers. Smoking also has a negative impact on the metabolism of vitamin C, which the body needs to produce collagen.
Marine collagen is simply collagen extracted from fish, in particular from bones, scales and skin. It can be found in both food supplements and skin care creams. Commercially, it is used as an anti-aging treatment or for joint comfort. It also has biomedical applications, notably in the manufacture of dressings and artificial skins.
As the name suggests, bovine collagen is extracted from the skin, bone and cartilage of cattle. But there’s also a form of animal collagen extracted from pigs. As is marine collagen, it is mainly used for skin revitalization and joint pain.
Plant collagen is the vegan answer to animal and marine collagen. But bear in mind that collagen does not exist naturally in the plant world. It is therefore the result of several laboratory manipulations. Technically, brands start by extracting plant proteins from seeds, fruits or even algae. These proteins are then manipulated to create plant collagen peptides. It is then generally found in vegan skincare products for its moisturizing and regenerating effects.
Of course, you can also use skin care products that combine collagen and hyaluronic acid. Between the tightening effect of one and the great moisturizing capacity of the other, they’re often presented as a real winning duo !
Last but not least, you can also take advantage of a number of salon treatments, such as facial massage, to improve the radiance and texture of your skin. But did you know that you can also use lifting devices right at home ?
We’re talking about the BodySculptor lifting mask !
What does it promise ? Reshape the oval of the face, refine the double chin, firm the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. All without pain or distressing side effects, thanks to its gentle, non-invasive, scientifically-proven technology. If so, we invite you to visit the BodySculptor lifting mask page to learn more about how it works and the results of the studies carried out on it.
