The complete guide to collagen

When it comes to combating the effects of ageing, collagen is a crucial component worth understanding. But what does this trending beauty ingredient really entail and how can you use it effectively?

- Lolita Walters

Harnessing the power of collagen isn't reserved for beauty enthusiasts or wellness devotees, it's for anyone who wants to enhance their overall health and vitality from within. Serving as the fundamental cornerstone for skin, hair and nails, collagen is a multifaceted hero in maintaining overall wellbeing. Its pivotal roles include enhancing skin physiology, fortifying joints and offering vital support to tendons, ligaments, skin, teeth and various connective tissue structures.

Collagen types

Collagen refers to a whole a family of proteins and there are at least 28 different types identified in the human body. The most abundant types include Type I (found in skin, tendons and bones), Type II (prevalent in cartilage) and Type III (present in skin, blood vessels and internal organs).

Collagen through the ageing process

The amount of collagen in young, healthy skin has been shown to be greater than 75 per cent. Unfortunately, it decreases as we age. "When it comes to supporting the ageing process, collagen health is so important because collagen is the main structural protein in the skin," says cosmetic physician Dr Sarah Tranter. So, what to look out for? "Signs of prematurely aged skin, such as fine lines, wrinkles, skin laxity and sagging, creases and folds, can indicate poor collagen health," advises Dr Tranter. "However, if we can help preserve our natural collagen levels and support collagen building in the skin then our skin can maintain youthful firmness for longer."