Collagen in the skin: What is it and how to stimulate its production?

Collagen is one of the most important proteins in the human body and plays a crucial role in the health and appearance of our skin. It is a structural protein that provides elasticity, strength and resilience to the skin, keeping it smooth, firm and wrinkle-free. But how exactly does collagen affect our skin, how can we supply it and are collagen cosmetic products really effective? In this article, we will explore all these questions.

What is collagen?

Collagen is a major component of connective tissue that makes up skin, bones, tendons, and joints. It makes up about 30% of the total protein in the body and about 70% of the protein in the skin. As we age, the body's natural production of collagen decreases, leading to loss of elasticity, wrinkles, and sagging skin.

Why is collagen important for the skin?

Collagen is like the “scaffolding” of the skin – it maintains its structure, making it firm and smooth. Insufficient collagen leads to:

• Appearance of fine lines and wrinkles;
• Skin relaxation;
• Loss of shine and hydration;
• Slower healing of wounds and scars.

For these reasons, maintaining collagen levels in the skin is key to its youth and health.

How to supply the skin with collagen?

There are various ways to maintain and increase collagen levels in the skin – from cosmetic products to nutritional supplements and healthy habits.

1. Collagen cosmetics – are they effective?

Many products on the market advertise collagen content. But the reality is that collagen molecules are too large to penetrate deeply into the skin when applied topically. Instead, collagen cosmetics tend to moisturize the skin and help create a protective layer that locks in moisture. This makes the skin softer and smoother, but it does not directly stimulate the production of new collagen.

2. Collagen production stimulants

To stimulate natural collagen production, it is more effective to use cosmetic ingredients such as:

• Vitamin C – necessary for collagen synthesis and a strong antioxidant;
• Retinoids – derivatives of vitamin A that stimulate collagen production and skin renewal;
• Peptides – small chains of amino acids that signal the skin to produce more collagen.

3. Collagen supplements

Oral collagen supplements are a more effective way to increase collagen levels in the body. Studies have shown that ingested collagen is broken down into amino acids, which are absorbed and help regenerate the skin. This is especially true for people over the age of 30, when natural collagen production begins to decline.

But do collagen supplements affect the skin?

One of the most common questions when it comes to collagen supplements is whether taking them really improves the condition of the skin, or whether most of the collagen is used by other parts of the body.

When we take collagen in supplement form, it is broken down in the gastrointestinal tract into amino acids and peptides. These components are distributed throughout the body according to its needs, with some of them going to the skin, but also to the joints, muscles and bones. However, research shows that collagen supplements can actually help the skin by stimulating its own collagen production mechanisms.

Studies on collagen peptides show that regular intake of collagen supplements can lead to:

• Improved skin elasticity – the skin becomes firmer and smoother;
• Reduction of fine lines and wrinkles – especially around areas with thinner skin such as around the eyes;
• Increased hydration – supplements stimulate the skin's moisture-retaining properties, making it softer and more radiant.

These effects are due to the ability of the amino acids and peptides in the supplements to “signal” to cells in the skin that it is time to produce more collagen. So, although collagen is not directly targeted to the skin, it can have a positive effect on its health and appearance when part of a regular skincare routine.

4. Nutrition rich in collagen and supporting substances

Some foods stimulate collagen production and are important for skin health:

• Bone broth – a source of collagen;
• Fish and seafood – contain amino acids that support collagen synthesis;
• Citrus fruits, strawberries, green vegetables – rich in vitamin C, important for collagen synthesis;
• Nuts and seeds – provide zinc and copper, necessary for collagen synthesis.

How to protect collagen in the skin?

In addition to nourishment, it is also important to protect the skin from factors that destroy collagen:

• Avoid excessive sun exposure – ultraviolet rays damage collagen fibers and lead to premature aging;
• Reduce sugar consumption – high blood sugar levels lead to a process called glycation, in which collagen fibers harden and lose their elasticity;
• Quit smoking – toxins in cigarettes damage collagen and slow down skin regeneration.

Collagen is crucial for healthy, youthful-looking skin. Although collagen cosmetics have limited impact on the deeper layers of the skin, there are many ways to stimulate its natural production – through diet, supplements, and beauty products that contain retinoids, vitamin C, and peptides. The combination of these practices, along with a healthy lifestyle and protection from harmful factors, can keep our skin firm and radiant for longer.