Benefits of collagen for skin health

Collagen is the body’s main structural protein, providing the framework for connective tissues such as skin, bones, cartilage, tendons and ligaments to maintain their shape and strength. That’s why supporting collagen has become an important focus for maintaining healthy, radiant skin from within. 

The skin is the largest organ in the human body and functions to protect against the external environment. It is predominantly composed of collagen, elastic fibres and hyaluronic acid.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the extracellular matrix, the supportive network that surrounds cells and tissues, and it accounts for more than 75% of the skin’s dry weight[1]. 

Collagen production gradually decreases as we get older, with this decline beginning in early adulthood (around ages 18–29). After about age 40, the body typically produces roughly 1% less collagen each year[2].

Diet also plays an important role in collagen levels. The body needs a steady supply of amino acids such as lysine and proline, along with key vitamins and minerals, to build strong collagen fibres. When the diet is low in protein or lacking essential nutrients, the body may not have enough of the building blocks needed to produce collagen effectively.

While the natural decline in collagen with age can’t be stopped, eating a nutrient rich diet that includes foods naturally containing collagen, such as bone broth, can help support collagen production. Foods rich in the amino acids proline and glycine, including egg whites, mushrooms, legumes and fish skin, also play an important role in providing the building blocks needed for collagen synthesis. 

Let’s explore the primary types of collagen and their functions:

• Type I - Makes up approximately 90% of all collagen. It is densely packed and provides structure to skin, bones, tendons and ligaments.
• Type II - Found in elastic cartilage, where it supports and cushions the joints.
• Type III - Present in muscles, arteries and organs, helping maintain their shape and flexibility.
• Type IV - Located within the layers of the skin, contributing to structural support.
• Type V - Found in the cornea of the eyes, certain layers of skin, hair and the tissue of the placenta. 

Collagen and skin health

Collagen plays a vital role in maintaining skin structure by forming the dense, supportive network within the dermis that gives skin its firmness, elasticity and resilience. As collagen levels decline with age, this network weakens which can influence skin health. This makes it important to support collagen production through diet and lifestyle.

As collagen levels decline with age and the body becomes less efficient at producing it on its own, many people look to collagen supplements which are typically derived from bovine cartilage, bones, tendons or hides and fish. 

Hydrolysed collagen

Most collagen supplements are made from hydrolysed collagen (collagen peptides), which are broken down into smaller fragments that the body can absorb more easily. These peptides supply the amino acids needed to support the body’s own collagen production, particularly in tissues like skin, bones and cartilage. Type I collagen peptides are most used in supplements aimed at skin health because Type I is the dominant collagen found in skin. Supplements often pair collagen with vitamin C, zinc or antioxidants, as these nutrients act as cofactors in collagen synthesis.

If collagen is an ingredient of interest, consider Herbs of Gold Collagen containing a high-quality hydrolysed fish collagen combined with nutrient rich superfoods including acerola berry and guava leaf, along with zinc and vitamin C to help protect cells from free radical damage and support normal healthy skin structure.

If you're looking for additional support, look to the full Herbs of Gold skin hair and nails supplement range. 

Always read the label and follow the directions for use.