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Is Collagen Really Good for Your Skin?

Collagen is a term that you hear about quite a bit when it comes to skin care, in relation to everything from aging to cellulite.

While collagen may be quite a buzz word at the moment, do you actually know what it is? Or if it’s really any good for your skin?

Here is everything you need to know…

What Exactly is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, with 30% of the protein in your body being collagen, and it can be found in everything from your skin and hair to your bones and tendons.

Collagen is fibrous, insoluble and hard, with some types of collagen fibrils being stronger than steel on a gram to gram basis. 

To put it simply, collagen is the glue that holds your body together. It is usually found in your body’s extracellular matrix, otherwise known as the ECM. The ECM is what holds all of the cells in your body together, enabling them to function properly.

When it comes to the skin, 70% to 80% of your skin is made up on collagen, and this is something that your body produces itself.  

While your body produces plenty of collagen in the earlier years of your life, this unfortunately begins to decline as you get older, with this usually beginning in your 20’s or 30’s.

What Does Collagen Do for the Skin?

As mentioned above, collagen makes up a major part of your skin, so, as you can imagine, it does quite a bit.

One of the greatest benefits of collagen is the way in which it prevents and minimizes fine lines and wrinkles.

You already know that collagen is pretty much the glue that holds your body together, and this includes your skin. 

While the amount of collagen that your body produces in your earlier years helps to keep your skin smooth and firm, collagen production sadly declines with age

What happens then?

Everything from wrinkles and fine lines to sagging skin and dryness.

This may sound frightening, but there’s still hope…

Research shows that collagen supplements can result in an improvement in skin elasticity within four weeks, as well as wrinkles in just eight weeks.

What about cellulite?

Collagen can help with cellulite too…

The reason that cellulite usually appears to begin with is because of the way in which your body’s collagen production levels decline with age. This then weakens and thins the connective tissues in your skin, and then the fat underneath it ends up poking through, resulting in the lumps and bumps known as cellulite.

Already have cellulite?

There are several studies out there that show how effective collagen is when it comes to reducing existing cellulite, showing a clear improvement in skin texture. 

Another way in which collagen is important for the health of your skin is…

Collagen can be hugely influential when it comes to inflammatory skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis and eczema.

Not only does it help to reduce the frequency of flare-ups experienced, but it also minimizes the severity, as well as any pain.

How does it do this?

With its unique amino acids that target and reduce inflammation.

When it comes to acne in particular…

The bacteria that leads to acne also damages the structure of cells. As mentioned above, collagen makes up a large part of this structure, meaning that it is needed in order for cells to repair themselves.

With collagen, not only will your acne be reduced, but your skin will heal faster and there will be less chance of scarring

It is not only acne wounds that are improved with collagen…

Collagen helps to speed up wound healing in general, no matter where your wound has come from. Not only that, but its anti-inflammatory properties also reduce the inflammation that is normally associated with skin wounds and damaged tissue.

Finally, collagen also significantly boosts skin hydration, and this is something that many people do not actually realize.

This is because the research into this is still quite new, but current research does show that skin hydration can increase by 28% after just four weeks of collagen supplementation.

This can really help those who have dry skin, not just as their natural skin type but also the dry skin that tends to come with age. 

Where Does the Body Get Collagen From?

The body produces collagen itself, but, as you already know, the rate at which it does so slows down with age.

So, how do you bump your collagen levels back up?

Unfortunately, there are no food sources that contain collage.

However, there is a way around this…

While collagen itself cannot be found in foods, there are still so many foods out there that contain the ingredients necessary to speed up the body’s natural production of collagen.

Wondering what these are?

There are 21 amino acids necessary for the production of collagen in the body, and some of the best foods to eat for these include:

  • Certain meats, such as lean beef, deer, veal and lamb
  • Certain fish, such as cod and salmon
  • Certain cheeses, such as parmesan, goat’s, Romano, Gruyère, and Monterey
  • A few plant-based foods, such as pumpkin seeds, peanuts, nut butters, hemp seeds and mustard seeds

However, even if you do eat more of these foods, there are other nutrients that you also need in order for your body to be able to properly synthesize collagen.

One of the most important vitamins that you need for collagen synthesis is vitamin C.

This helps in multiple ways, not only directly increasing the production of collagen in the body, but also by releasing specific enzymes that prevent the damage and destruction of existing collagen

Did you know that a deficiency in vitamin C can actually stop your body’s production of collagen?

This is why it is so important to make sure that you are getting enough vitamin C, with some of the top food sources being peppers, citrus fruits, strawberries and kale. An easy way to make sure you get enough vitamin C is to incorporate them into daily smoothies. 

What about skin care products containing vitamin C?

These are great too, but don’t forget that vitamin C is quite an unstable ingredient, so make sure that the product you are using is contained in opaque packaging and is stored in the correct conditions, because everything from light to air can have an effect on its potency.

Vitamin E is also extremely important when it comes to collagen synthesis, and actually works best when it is combined with vitamin C.

What does vitamin E do?

It protects your existing collagen from being damaged by free radicals, which is one of the main causes of collagen degradation.  

Vitamin E can be found in foods such as sunflower seeds, almonds, wheat germ oil, hazelnut oil and pine nuts

Here are a few of the other nutrients you need in order for your body to produce collagen:

  • Beta Carotene – found in carrots, sweet potatoes, kale
  • Lycopene – found in tomatoes, peppers, asparagus, red cabbage
  • Calcium – found in dairy products, spinach, poppy seeds, sesame seeds
  • Copper – found in Shiitake mushrooms, cashew nuts, hazelnuts, Brazil nuts
  • Omega 3 Fatty Acids – found in oily fish, flaxseed oil, walnuts, pine nuts

What about Oral Collagen Supplements?

These are actually extremely effective, providing the body with collagen itself rather than the raw ingredients for your body to then create collagen.

When taking oral collagen supplements, you will not only be benefiting your skin, but also the rest of your body in various ways, such as:

  • Preventing and treating any joint pain
  • Preventing the loss of bone density throughout the body
  • Improving the way in which the body absorbs calcium
  • Stimulating the cells that form bones, resulting in stronger bones overall

Of course, there are so many different collagen supplements out there, and they are definitely not all created equally, so how do you know which one is the best?

Well, out of the many different sources of collagen, bovine collagen is the best. Not only does this contain just about all of the important types of collagen, but the raw materials can be sourced from grass-fed cows, meaning a much higher quality source of raw materials.

Wondering how much collagen you should be taking?

For the collagen to really be effective, your dosage should be around 10 mg per day. Higher amounts are also usually safe, but you should still speak to your doctor if you are planning on taking a higher dosage than recommended on the packaging of your supplements.

Don’t forget…

The FDA does not regulate these sorts of supplements, so try to find a brand that makes use of third-party testing in order to prove that their product does work, and also to ensure that the ingredients within it have not been contaminated in any way.

What About Skin Care Products Containing Collagen?

This is something that has been heavily debated for a while now…

There are many that will say that the majority of collagen molecules are too large to properly penetrate into the skin, meaning that they end up sitting on the skin’s surface and do not actually do much.

However, with so many different advancements in technology, there are many different forms of collagen now being developed, and research into this has been limited so far.

When it comes to collagen injections, these have been proven to be extremely effective.

Since the collagen is injected directly into the epidermis, rather than just being applied to the surface of the skin, it can really boost the amount of collagen in the body.

However, keep in mind that these effects are just temporary. The collagen is used simply as a filler, and does not actually increase the rate at which your body naturally produces collagen.

What do collagen injections do?

They support the structure of your existing collagen while strengthening connective tissues, therefore minimizing fine lines, wrinkles and other visible signs of aging. 

Protecting the Collagen That You Already Have

It goes without saying that in addition to boosting your body’s production of collagen, you should also be taking the necessary steps to protect the collagen that you already have. The breakdown of collagen is extremely common and can be caused by several different factors, from the sun’s UV rays to smoking, making preserving your existing collagen so important.

How do you go about doing this?

There are several ways in which you can do this, such as:

  • Protecting your skin from UV light, not only with sunscreen but also physical protection, such as a wide-brimmed hat and clothing

  • Avoid processed foods, as the sugars and starches in these generate inflammation within the body, which then breaks down your collagen
  • Try to minimize the amount of toxins that you expose your body to, whether this may be cigarette smoke, dirty drinking water, or anything else
  • Make sure that you are getting quality sleep each night, as this prevents cortisol from being released through your body, which would otherwise degrade your collagen
  • Make sure that you are nourishing your body and skin with plenty of antioxidants, both internally as well as externally
  • Breathing exercises and yoga also help to reduce the amount of cortisol in your body, once again protecting your collagen levels 

As you can see, there is no denying that collagen is extremely good for your skin, for a number of different reasons. Not only is it essential for keeping your skin smooth, firm and hydrated, but it also plays a huge role in protecting your skin from inflammatory conditions.

While your body does produce collagen naturally, it is important to remember that this does seriously decline with age, making it important for you to not only provide your body with the raw materials it needs to produce more collagen, but also to protect and preserve the collagen that you do already have.

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98 Responses to "Is Collagen Really Good for Your Skin?"

  1. Avatar Jean

    I need some collagen right now!

  2. Avatar Mary

    Thank you for this post. I’ll be buying collagen to take orally tomorrow. Great info.

  3. Avatar Helen Newton

    Sounds really great I love to try new beauty products

  4. Avatar Leanne

    Great info, the more you know about collagen, the better

  5. Avatar Sandra Fortune

    Very interesting I’ve been using collagen cream and serum for the last few days they’re not very expensive ones would love to try the Orogold to see if it improves my skin

  6. Avatar Elizabeth

    Learnt lots about this. Thank you

  7. Avatar John H.

    I didn’t know all that info.

  8. Avatar rmi72178

    Good tips!

  9. Avatar Susan Stickney

    Wow…good info on collagen!

  10. Avatar Jennifer H.

    I didn’t know that research shows that collagen supplements can result in an improvement in skin elasticity within four weeks, as well as wrinkles in just eight weeks.

  11. Avatar Ruth

    This looks amazing! Might just try it out asap!

  12. Avatar Luci Buddie

    wow great article

  13. Avatar Susan

    Thanks for all the information and ways to provide and protect collagen.

  14. Avatar Sam

    Good to know that Collagen helps with cellulite – didn’t know that.

  15. Avatar Catherine

    I definitely need to start protecting my collagen! Thank you for the helpful article.

  16. Avatar Rebecca S

    Looks like a great product.

  17. Avatar Brenda Disimone

    Thanks for the informative article !

  18. Avatar Jackie

    I never knew Collagen was so important in so many ways. Thanks for the chance to win,

  19. Avatar gloria

    WOW lots of information! I knew about the regular stuff collagen was in like joints etc but did not know about face. Going to save this and reread again thanks

  20. Avatar Kelly M.

    I love collagen’s benefits!

  21. Avatar Nadia

    Very interesting, thank you

  22. Avatar Alena

    Though I take a Collagen + C supplement every day on an empty stomach & know how effective it is for me, I learned a lot more from your article, thank-you !!

  23. Avatar Alena

    Though I take a Collagen + C supplement every day on an empty stomach & know how effective it is for me, I learned a lot more from your article, thank-you !!(

  24. Avatar nicola rupawala

    really informative post

  25. Avatar karen look

    This looks promising.

  26. Avatar Rachel Collins

    I noticed when I turned 30 that my skin isn’t as good as it was a few years ago. I’ve been trying everything to preserve my skin. Thanks for the tips!

  27. Avatar Irina

    Love the results

  28. Avatar Angela Treadway

    looks fantastic x

  29. Avatar Susan Tice

    Great information

  30. Avatar Alicia

    Very informative! Thank you !

  31. Avatar Alicia Hewitt

    I add Collagen to my smoothies, and other drinks. It’s so good for you.

  32. Avatar Jeanine Carlson

    Collagen is super important for healthy looking skin!

  33. Avatar Joshua W.

    I love how you explain your products…

  34. Avatar Barbara

    This is so interesting. I knew I needed something to help my body, now I know it is Colla.gen.

  35. Avatar Kathy Pierce

    I would love to win and get a chance to try Orogold.

  36. Avatar Lori

    This would be a great Birthday present for my Daughters 14th Birthday!

  37. Avatar patricia caradonna

    Looks amazing and I would love to try.

  38. Avatar Irina Gnatiuk

    Interesting! Thank you!

  39. Avatar Charlie

    I did not know a lot of this information about collagen! Really great blog post!

  40. Avatar Kim Jacobson

    Love all the information about Collagen. As I age the more wrinkles are appearing I am going to look into a supplement. Thank you for this blog!

  41. Avatar joe

    cool

  42. Avatar Diana

    Thank you for so much information on collagen.

  43. Avatar Jamie

    I had NO idea collagen was so important! I thought it was just for your skin. I did not know all the other benefits of collagen. Thank you so much for this very informative article. I am 39 years old, and I know that I am losing a lot more collagen than I’d like to admit. I will add collagen supplements to my diet because I want smooth, radiant skin! Thanks so much again for sharing this alarming but necessary article. I had no clue collagen was that important!

  44. Avatar Angela

    Wow what an interesting article, thank you for explaining all of that to me. See you never are too old to learn something new. Have a great week! Thanks again!

  45. Avatar Michele

    Nice

  46. Avatar Mary

    I am going to try these tips to protect the collagen I have

  47. Avatar Nancy

    Who knew?

  48. Avatar AJ

    good information

  49. Avatar Claudia

    This is a well written and honest Article that covers a lot of information about collagen ! thank you

  50. Avatar Gail

    I didn’t know that we produce less Collagen as we age. I knew it was good for you. Thanks for the article!

  51. Avatar Gaye

    Collagen is good for us and needs to be supplemented when we reach a certain age. (I’ve reached that age!)

  52. Avatar Carolle Wieler

    So interesting to read that Vitamin C is important to use in conjunction with collagen, which I did not know.I will make sure of this in the future.

  53. Avatar Kyaw Sein

    Wish to win it,

  54. Avatar jana

    Very educational article.

  55. Avatar Jan R

    Looks a really good product i think my wife would love to use this

  56. Avatar Susan

    Wow I must say that I am surprised about all the benefits collagen has to offer. I was aware that it could give you a more youthful appearance but the commercials don’t mention that there are other benefits to increasing your collagen. Nor did I realize that as we get older the amount of collagen decreases dramatically. I often wondered how well an otc skin product could actually increase the amount we have to our skin. It is great to know we can get collagen through our diets and supplements.

  57. Avatar Joyce McDaniel

    I so need Collagen and thank you for all of this helpful information

  58. Avatar Teresa

    I love your articles I learn so much.

  59. Avatar Monica

    This is a lot of great info on collagen! Thank you very much!

  60. Avatar Liz Kilcher

    great info, thanks much!!!

  61. Avatar charlotte

    This info. about skin is very informative and I would love to try the supplements to see some results on my skin!

  62. Avatar Lisa

    I think it it very nice to learn about the things I’ve learned here.

  63. Avatar Krina Crosby

    Awesome product!

  64. Avatar Hanh

    Very helpful!!

  65. Avatar Cheryl Davies

    This article has definitely convinced me of the benefits of collagen and collagen supplements.

  66. Avatar Donna

    Being in my 50’s I know have have lost collagen because I am seeing fine lines and wrinkles. This is concerning for me!

  67. Avatar Rita

    I’d love to win this product so I can try it on my skin.

  68. Avatar shannon

    Such a great article. I hear so much about collagen, but I really did not know all that much about it. Thanks for breaking this all down.

  69. Avatar Sherry

    The preceding post about collagen and it’s importance to both the way our skin looks and other roles it plays to help our bodies was very interesting. It gives steps that one can take to maintain collagen and also to increase it in our bodies. For instance, collagen helps to keep the skin from developing certain inflammatory conditions as well as giving us a more youthful allearance. Anyone looking to find out what collagen is and the different roles it plays in our bodies will find this post both helpful as well as useful.

  70. Avatar Diane

    I love reading articles like this because so many people that simply using good skincare or having plastic surgery will give them beautiful skin. But the reality is our skin is merely a reflection of what we put inside our bodies and lifestyle. If we eat well, and avoid all the things that damage our bodies, we will look and feel great forever. I love reading educational articles like this one and hope you will continue to write them.

    Diane K.

  71. Avatar Anita

    I loved the samples I tried.

  72. Avatar Leslie

    I thank you for the information I have some needs for my skin

  73. Avatar Melinda Wexler

    Great product!

  74. Avatar Arlene

    Knowledge is vital to taking care of your skin. I love the collagen mask and cream.

  75. Avatar Nicole

    This is so informative thanks for posting this!

  76. Avatar Kristie

    I’m all for natural, beauty and more collegen products.

  77. Avatar Sherry

    Collagen is vital to the skins appearance. Our bodies need collagen to help the skin to fight off inflammatory conditions. The preceding article is very good at explaining what collagen is, what roles it plays in our body and how we can help to boost collagen as we get older. It helped me to be more knowledgeable about what I will begin doing for my skin in the future.

  78. Avatar Jodie P

    What a wonderful,informative article! Thanks for sharing!

  79. Avatar Bonnie Wemyss

    Orogold sounds like a great product line!

  80. Avatar Masooma

    Great information about collagen and how it affects our skin! I’ve always heard about collagen’s skin benefits but never knew how it works!

  81. Avatar LeAnn Harbert

    This is very informative.

  82. Avatar Kitty Morgan

    Thank you for sharing this article. I see a few things that I can do to change my skin! I would be very honored to win this giveaway that you have. I’ll pass along to my friends & family this great article as they can benefit from it as well.

  83. Avatar Judy Thomas

    It sounds amazing! I could do with some more collagen.

  84. Avatar Melinda

    Turning 50 means taking even better care of my skin. I would love to win to help with the graceful process of aging and looking my best. Thank you for the opportunity to win.

  85. Avatar Cyndi

    Great Feature on Collagen! I know that Collagen is loaded with so many health benefits and especially for beautiful healthy skin. Collagen is a major component of your skin. I take collagen supplements and eat lots of orange product like carrots and sweet potatoes which are loaded with vitamin A, which restores collagen that’s been damaged. Subscribe to Best of CyndiTV on YouTube for Skincare Reviews!

  86. Avatar Tracey L

    Great information. I didn’t know some of this and it’s really quite interesting and helpful! Thanks!

  87. Avatar Jeanne

    I wish the collagen products weren’t so expensive.

  88. Avatar Amber

    Looks Like Collagen plays an important role in skin health. OROGOLD sounds like a solution to the problem.

  89. Avatar Kyle

    Hoping to win something from Orogold for my partner in their newest contest.

  90. Avatar Margaret Smith

    Very informative article.

  91. Avatar Gabrielle

    It’s heartening to see that the salmon I love can help my body produce more collagen. That makes we want to broil some tonight!

  92. Avatar Diana Shenderovich

    really good edvise

  93. Avatar Brenda Peters

    I need more collagen. My skin is looking old

  94. Avatar cheryl

    i just recently started drinking collagen powder and it has helped me tremendously reduce my eczema

  95. Avatar Dee

    interesting

  96. Avatar cheryl

    i’ve recently just started on drinking collagen and it has helped me tremendously on my eczema

  97. Avatar Cherri

    Love your articles, they are always so informative!

  98. Avatar Jeannette

    I just bought the OROGOLD 24K DMAE Deep Wrinkle Tightening Solution from Susanas shop in San Francisco. Now I’m looking forward to try it out the next months. The test in the shop showed a Big difference, so I have high expectations to the product.

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