Collagen treatment: everything you need to know

Collagen is the most abundant protein in our bodies. It is found in the dermis, but also in cartilage, muscles and blood vessel walls. This large protein comes in the form of fibres formed from an assembly of tropocollagen molecules. To date, 27 types of collagen have been identified in our bodies, each with a different structure, size and function. Type I collagen is the most widespread in the human body, and is found in particular in the skin, tendons, bones and ligaments.

With age, the cells responsible for collagen synthesis (fibroblasts) slow down their activity. External environmental factors, such as UV exposure, consumption of refined sugar, lack of sleep, smoking, pollution and oxidative stress, can accelerate the breakdown of collagen proteins. They become brittle, altering the structure of the extra-cellular matrix. The result: wrinkles appear, the epidermis loses tone and the skin becomes thinner. Present in cartilage, collagen also plays an essential role in joint health and flexibility. When our collagen stocks dwindle, we often experience joint pain.

This is where taking Collagen as a supplement can be helpful.

Collagen absorbed as a food supplement is not capable of replacing our own collagen in the skin, joints or tendons. It is digested and passes into the bloodstream in the form of oligopeptides (small peptides) which reach the skin and various tissues and stimulate both the mobility and proliferation of fibroblasts and the synthesis of collagen by our fibroblasts. The result is an increase in fibroblast density and collagen fibre density.

Want to find out more about the many benefits of collagen? Discover more with our experts via the replay of our webinar on collagen and its benefits.

It may be a good idea to take Collagen from the age of 25 or 30 to preserve your skin's youthful appearance, or whenever you find yourself in conditions likely to hasten the appearance of the signs of ageing.

Over-exposure to pollution (particularly urban pollution), for example, is known to fuel oxidative stress. The harmful activity of free radicals is also fuelled by smoking, alcohol consumption and overly sweet foods. In summer, watch out for periods of excessive, unprotected exposure to the sun: UV rays destroy collagen and elastin fibres.

In this type of context, start by adopting a healthy lifestyle. You can then amplify your efforts with a food supplement.

Collagen supplementation is best considered over the long term. Clinical studies generally recommend a protocol of 2 to 6 months. A period of three months would already be effective in improving skin elasticity and beauty.

Marine collagen can be taken at any time of day. Regularity is important if food supplements are to be effective, so the ideal solution is to find a method of use that can be easily integrated into your daily routine, for example, in the morning with breakfast, or in your morning coffee, in your evening herbal tea, or even in a post-training drink for athletes.

Many specialists believe that the best Collagen treatment is a combination of an "inside" and "outside" approach. This means using two types of product: a cosmetic enriched with Collagen peptides and a food supplement containing hydrolysed Collagen, or collagen peptides (these two terms refer to low molecular weight collagen, for better assimilation).

Discover our selection of Collagen-based skincare products on Aroma Zone.

There are a wide variety of forms of collagen. Collagen capsules, marine or bovine collagen, vegan collagen, collagen powder, collagen drinks… The correct dosage for each food supplement is specific to each product and manufacturer. Please refer to the instructions for use for the collagen you have chosen.

The most commonly recommended dose of collagen is 2.5g to 10g per day. It can be adapted to your diet, your age and your concerns. Ideally, you should start with small doses and gradually increase. Don't hesitate to ask a health professional for advice.