What is collagen?

Being the beauty buffs that you are, you probably know that collagen is essential for supple, youthful skin – but have you ever wondered what collagen actually is? Or how it really works?
We spoke to skin care experts to get the answers to these science-y questions (and then broke them down so they make sense to non-scientists). Beauty school is officially in session!
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What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein found in our bodies and, as Expert Skin Therapist Robyn McAlpine explains, its primary function is “to provide strength and structure”. The term ‘collagen’ comes from the Greek word ‘kólla’, meaning ‘glue’, which seems appropriate considering how – as Director and Founder of Blyss Skin Clinic Jodie King puts it – “it basically holds the body together”.
There are at least 16 types of collagen, but 80 to 90 percent of the collagen found in the body consists of types I, II, and III*. While us skin care enthusiasts tend to focus on the collagen found in our skin, it’s also an important component of our bones, tendons, muscles and cartilage, as well as blood vessels, intervertebral discs, gastrointestinal tract and even the cornea of the eye. Interesting, right? Our body’s collagen reserve is therefore vital not only to our skin’s appearance, but to our overall health, Robyn says.
How is collagen made?
Collagen makes up a whopping 70 per cent of our skin’s connective tissue. For the most part, this precious protein is produced by cells called dermal fibroblasts, which exist within the dermis - that is, the lower or inner layer of skin which supports it and provides energy and nutrition to the top layer, the epidermis. Fibroblasts also play a crucial role in tissue repair. When tissue damage has occurred, inactive fibroblasts (known as fibrocytes) undergo mitosis or multiplication to produce more collagen to help repair the damage! Pretty cool, huh?!
How does collagen benefit our skin?
As Robyn explains, collagen gives skin “strength and resiliency” and keeps it “firm and plump” (which, let’s be honest, are the Holy Grails of a youthful complexion). Collagen also works with other key fibrous proteins, elastin and keratin, to provide “stretch and give” and keep skin waterproof and smooth. #yesplease
Now that you’ve learned about the anti-ageing benefits of collagen, you might be thinking: then why is my skin not as firm, plump or smooth as it used to be? Well, unfortunately, as we age, our body’s mechanisms for producing collagen becomes less efficient – to the point that “they will only come out to play when prompted; for example, when you cut or graze your skin”, says Robyn.
We hate to burst the bubble more, but Jodie reveals ageing also brings about an “increase in the enzyme matrix metalloproteinases”, which breaks down existing collagen in our skin. The exact science of this collagen loss is pretty complicated, but the result is clear: we see the signs of ageing, including “fine lines, wrinkles, sagginess and a loss of volume in our skin”, says Jodie. *Sad face*.
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What other factors lead to loss of collagen?
While ageing is inevitable, the following internal and external factors (many of which we can control) have been scientifically proven to speed up the loss of collagen in our skin:
Internal
- Hormonal changes/imbalances
- Poor nutritional intake and a high sugar diet (this can trigger oxidative stress and the formation of free radicals that “inhibit and damage our collagen fibres”, says Robyn)
- Alcohol consumption
- Smoking
External
- UV exposure (one of the worst offenders, as it “creates a chemical reaction, stimulating an enzyme that breaks down our collagen”, says Robyn)
- Pollution (watch bh’s Rosie’s video to learn more about how pollution affects your skin)
Your skin care regimen can also impact your skin’s collagen reserves. To keep your collagen levels as healthy as possible, try using anti-ageing products formulated with ingredients to increase cell renewal and support collagen synthesis. These are our picks:
- Ultraceuticals UltraC23 Firming Concentrate
- anumi C-Boosting Serum
- Skinstitut Vitamin C 100% ($45, 02 9460 7559)
- Alpha-H Vitamin A 0.5%
- Essano Rosehip Collagen Repair Serum
- Simplicité Rosehip and Lavender Complexion Refiner
- DMK EFA+ - Essential Fatty Acids Supplements
*Lodish H, Berk A, Zipursky SL, et al 2000, Molecular Cell Biology, 4th edition.
What else would you like to learn about collagen? Do you want to know more about how to support your skin’s collagen levels?
Have you tried any of the products mentioned above?
Review them now to earn points that you can swap for free beauty products in RewardsRoom.
50 Member Comments
Interesting read. I love my sugar! Lol I don't think my skin will agree with it down the track though.
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Informative article bh!
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Very nice post on Collagen,..
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Great facts to know aboyt
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Interesting article, thank you :)
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Really interesting.... Thank you for sharing...
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Very helpful info, I always thought it was to make our skin more pumped up/puffy & a lot bigger but now I can see what it really means so Thanks BH for sharing.
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Interesting article thanks
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This is what I'm looking forward to least about ageing- collagen loss! I'm doing everything I can to keep that stuff producing! I didn't know sugar intake had an effect though- then again why wouldn't it? I like it & it's become the most evil, hated food item on the planet lately!
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Unfortunately sugar literally destroys collagen. I watched a whole scientific doco on it. It worries me too :/ btw I'm typing this just after eating a box of chocolates lol :D
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In the Asian countries, there is a trend to take collagen supplements for beautifying and skin care benefits. Has anyone heard about them or tried them?
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I've had plenty of customer ask about collagen supplements coming from mainly China (I work in retail) so it must be popular. However being Asian myself, we like to eat lots of beef tendons (which is naturally rich in collagen) and we believe that it's great for our joints and better complexion. The skin definitely feels more elastic if you eat it frequently enough but most people don't so supplements are probably easier.
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Yes I've heard of collagen supplements and considering taking them. Bone broth (soup stock made from boiling bones for hours) has always been popular in European countries and eaten almost daily. It's very rich in collagen and you can buy bone broth supplements too. I'm going to start looking into it.
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I've learnt heaps from this article, thanks Beautyheaven!
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Oh I've eaten way too much sugar lately...
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Very informative article, I enjoyed reading this. I better cut the sugar, I could be affecting my collagen production.
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Helpful article, I didn't know some of this info before. I'm currently using Essano's Rosehip Collagen serum and really liking it
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Nice to know that there is another good reason for reducing my sugar intake. I'm now used to no sugar in my coffee or tea. The secret is to cut down the level of sugar intake gradually.
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Yep, this is how I eliminated sugar from my tea- only way to do it!
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I know vitC is great for many things, but collagen boost too? Hm, need some dosing from the outside too hehe, as I eat heaps already trough the food =D...if it helps, it helps...can not harm
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Interesting and informative article.
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Interesting information. I'm definitely trying to do all I can to prevent damage, but I do see a change as I get older. Hopefully I am minimising it!
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Amazing to learn that there are several types of collagen. Thanks for an interesting and informative article!
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I tried the Essano serum but it just didn't play nice layered with other products (moisturisers, makeup) and it stung a bit
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This is very interesting! Collagen used to be somewhat of a buzzword for me, I knew it was beneficial but it was hard to know exactly what it is. Now it's clearer for me :)
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