Collagen: our complete guide

Produced by fibroblasts, collagen accounts for around 1/3 of all proteins in our body. This structural fibrous protein forms the basis of our connective tissues such as bones, skin, tendons, cartilage and support tissues. There are around twenty different types of collagen in the body, including three main ones:

Type I collagen: the most abundant, present in bones, skin, tendons, cornea and internal organs.

Type II collagen: found in cartilage.

Type III collagen: present in our cardiovascular system.

Collagen is responsible for the skin's firmness and elasticity. Hyaluronic acid, collagen, elastin and proteoglycans form an assembly that forms the support tissue of the skin and many other tissues. From the age of 25, our production of collagen decreases, further depleting after the age of 40. This leads to the ageing of the skin and cartilage. The skin becomes thinner, less dense and firmer, and wrinkles appear.

In addition to this normal ageing process, other factors disrupt the natural synthesis of collagen, such as chronic stress, excess UV rays, refined sugars, smoking, alcohol and hormonal changes, particularly during menopause, with the drop in oestrogen levels.

Collagen is also involved in intestinal and joint comfort, and brain functionality.

A protein fundamental to our connective tissues, collagen plays a role in many bodily functions, including holding our tissues and organs together. Its name comes from the Greek "kolla", meaning "glue". It is the main component of our support tissues. Their function is to connect the other tissues in our body, making up 80% of the human body.

Among the many benefits of collagen in the body, it is responsible for the following:

• Maintains good skin hydration and protects the epidermis from dehydration by retaining water in the tissues.

• Its regenerating effect on tissues gives the skin suppleness, resistance and firmness.

• Promotes joint suppleness and muscle recovery.

• Strengthens nails and hair.

• Accelerates healing.

Fundamental to the skin, collagen acts as a major support for our tissues and contributes to keeping the epidermis healthy. It gives the skin its volume and firmness.

The main anti-ageing benefits of collagen for the skin:

• plumps the skin, giving it a firmer, plumper appearance

• softens the skin

• improves skin elasticity

• prevents and reduces wrinkles and fine lines

• helps reduce superficial blemishes and scars

To find out more, read our complete guide to the properties of collagen for the skin.

We're all familiar with the benefits of collagen for the skin's youthful appearance, but less so with its role in keeping our hair looking good. Naturally present in the hair fibre, collagen has moisturising and restorative effects on the hair. It is a powerful and active anti-ageing ingredient for strong, healthy, vigorous hair. It's benefits include:

• Strengthening hair resistance

• Promoting hair growth

• Repairing the hair fibre

• Protecting the hair fibre from dehydration

• Coating the hair, making it thicker

To find out more about how to look after your hair with collagen, read our article.

To compensate for the decline in collagen from the age of 25 (especially from the age of 40 and 50) a using a collagen food supplement will help the skin to age better.

First of all, it's important to know that there's no such thing as plant-based or vegan collagen. Collagen is most often derived from bovine, fish or shellfish sources. For vegetarians or vegans, the best option is to eat food that stimulates collagen synthesis to recreate collagen, particularly foods rich in vitamin C (sprouted seeds, peppers, kiwi fruit, berries and red berries, citrus fruit, parsley). Spirulina also boosts collagen synthesis.

The best way to take collagen is to ingest it, by taking food supplements and/or choosing collagen-rich foods such as:

• bone marrow

• bone broth

• fish skin and stock made from fish bones.

A diet rich in antioxidants, amino acids and zinc will also help protect your natural collagen production.

What is hydrolysed collagen?

This process separates the peptides from the collagen to make it more soluble and easier to absorb. Their molecular weight is lower, so they are more easily absorbed by the body. These peptides are known as 'hydrolysed collagen' or 'hydrolysed peptides'.

Passionate about plants and their properties, she started her career as a perfumer before moving to the world of natural beauty and aromatherapy over 10 years ago. Lucie supports ethical and committed brands with strategy development, product formulation and expert advice for their customers. She has worked with the Aroma-Zone team on several books, including "Le grand guide de l'Aromathérapie et des cosmétiques naturels" ("The Complete Guide to Aromatherapy and Natural Cosmetics"). She also has years of training in aromatherapy, herbalism and essential oil distillation, and supports the work of French plant growers.