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?
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,