Collagen – what is it and does it really benefit the skin?

Collagen – what is it and does it really benefit the skin?

Collagen is being talked about more than ever before. It is found in skincare products, supplements, health powders, and drinks.

The promises sound tempting—firmer skin, fewer wrinkles, stronger hair and nails.

But what exactly is collagen? Does our body produce it itself? Does the collagen in creams and dietary supplements really get to where it’s needed?

In this blog post, you will learn what collagen is, how it works in our skin and what methods can really support the skin’s own collagen synthesis.

Collagen

Collagen is the most abundant in the body structural proteinCollagen makes up a large part of the supportive framework of the skin, bones, tendons, and other connective tissues. Its main function is to provide strength, elasticity, and mechanical resistance to tissues.

Collagen consists of amino acids, the most important of which are glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. Three amino acid chains twist together to form a strong triple helix. Collagen molecules then organize into larger fibrils or fibers that provide strength to the skin and connective tissue. The body requires vitamin C to synthesize collagen.

Skin aging is a natural process and is influenced by genetics, homonal changes, lifestyle if external environment, particularly exposure ultravioletAlthough fibroblasts synthesize collagen from amino acids obtained from food, its synthesis gradually decreases with age, while proteolytic degradation increases, leading to a decrease in collagen content in the skin. It has been found that collagen production slows down over time, decreasing by 1% per year from early adulthood. In addition, studies have shown that during menopause, women’s skin loses up to 30% of its collagen.

As the skin ages, collagen synthesis decreases, fibers break down, and the structures responsible for communication between the epidermis and dermis decrease. This in turn reduces elasticity and deepens wrinkles.

Collagen can be divided into six main types based on its function and structure and is numbered with Roman numerals.

The most common types of collagen are types I, II, and III. Type I collagen dominates in the skin, making up 80-90% of the total collagen content. It is mainly synthesized by fibroblasts. Type II collagen makes up over 50% of the total protein content in cartilage and constitutes 85-90% of the collagen in joint cartilage. Type III collagen is a protein that cells synthesize as procollagen, which is the main structural component of hollow organs, including large blood vessels, the uterus, and the intestines.

Collagen is important for maintaining skin elasticity and firmness. As the skin ages, structural and functional changes occur in collagen, including a decrease in collagen production and faster degradation of collagen.

Collagen as a food supplement

Recently, hydrolyzed collagen supplements have gained significant attention as anti-aging agents. They have become popular not only due to the biological importance of collagen for the skin but also due to the growing number of clinical studies evaluating the effects of collagen peptides on skin hydration, elasticity and wrinkle reduction.

The material used in the production of collagen-based dietary supplements primarily comes from animal tissues. The main sources are Fish, bovine and porcine tissues, each of which has a different amino acid profile, collagen types and physicochemical properties.

In the case of collagen supplements, hydrolyzed collagen or collagen peptides are typically used. This means that collagen is broken down into smaller amino acid chains that the body can digest and absorb more easily. However, during digestion, collagen is broken down into amino acids like other proteins.

It is important to note that the body does not automatically supply these to the skin! The body uses amino acids where they are needed at the time. The skin is not a priority for the body. The body always prioritizes essential functions over cosmetic needs. This means that the body prioritizes using amino acids for functions such as immune system support, repairing the gut or connective tissue, healing wounds, or restoring muscle function.

Collagen in cosmetics

In addition to oral forms, collagen is widely used in cosmetic products. Collagen is mainly used in creams, serums and masks to improve the appearance of the skin.

Due to the large molecular size and limited ability of collagen to penetrate the skin, collagen remains on the epidermis without affecting the quality of the skin or the depth of wrinkles.

Collagen functions in cosmetics primarily:

• As a humectant, it forms a thin protective layer on the skin’s surface that reduces moisture evaporation.
• skin softener.

Based on scientific literature, the synthesis of the skin’s own collagen and the activity of fibroblasts can be more effectively influenced by other methods than the use of topical collagen.

The most studied active substances include retinoidswhich stimulate cell renewal and collagen production. They also play an important role Vitamin CCollagen, which directly participates in collagen synthesis and acts as an antioxidant. Also, certain peptides may influence cellular signaling pathways and support fibroblast activity. Daily care is also important. sunscreen, since UV radiation is one of the main factors that break down collagen.
In addition, aesthetic medicine uses various procedures to stimulate collagen production in the skin, such as laser therapy, microneedling, and chemical peels, which create controlled micro-damage and activate the skin’s natural healing process and new collagen production.

Collagen stimulating injection procedures

In aesthetic medicine, various injectable procedures are used to stimulate the skin’s own collagen production. These procedures do not add pre-formed collagen to the skin but instead activate fibroblasts—the cells responsible for collagen synthesis. Over time, this results in firmer, more elastic skin with a smoother texture. biostimulation.

Most commonly used are:

• Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) Sculptra procedure
• Calcium hydroxyapatite (CaHA) Radiesse procedure

Also popular IPRF procedure, which uses platelet-poor fibrin derived from the patient’s own blood to activate the skin’s natural regenerative processes. This procedure helps stimulate collagen and elastin production, reduces wrinkles and skin laxity, and improves the overall texture and appearance of the skin.

You can book an appointment for the IPRF procedure here- IPRF procedure

It is also very effective and popular. microneedling procedure, during which fine microchannels are created in the skin that improve the absorption of active substances into the deeper layers, activating collagen and elastin production. As a result, the skin becomes firmer, brighter and has a more even tone.

You can book a microneedling session here- Exosomes with microneedling

Collagen-stimulating procedures do not provide immediate results but aim to gradually and naturally improve skin quality and strength. This is why they are considered one of the most effective methods in aesthetic medicine for preventing signs of skin aging and enhancing long-term skin quality.