Collagen What are its types benefits and harms to the skin and methods of using it

Radiant and glowing skin is the secret to beauty and attraction, and to maintain it, we need to pay attention to the elements that nourish and preserve its youthfulness. The most important element in this journey is collagen! Collagen is the magical protein that gives the skin its elasticity, smoothness, and radiance. However, as we age and due to external factors like sun exposure, stress, and unhealthy nutrition, the collagen levels in the body decrease, leading to the appearance of wrinkles and loss of skin's glow, we will discuss the importance of collagen for the skin, its benefits, natural sources, and the best ways to use it to maintain your youth and beauty for as long as possible!

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the main protein in your skin, helping to maintain its elasticity and hydration. As you age, your body produces less collagen, which leads to wrinkles and dry skin. Collagen is found in many beauty products like face masks, serums, gels, and creams, and it helps improve the appearance of your skin and maintain its youthfulness.

What are Collagen Sources in Food?

To maintain collagen production in your body, your diet needs to be varied and include elements that help form collagen, such as Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and linoleic acid. Collagen can be found in many foods, including:

Vegetables: Red peppers, cilantro, turnip, broccoli, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, and garlic.
Fruits: Oranges, strawberries, grapefruit, lemons, berries, and cherries.

Who Can Use Collagen?

Anyone can use collagen, except for children. However, collagen injections are not recommended for those under 30 unless they have noticeable wrinkles they want to reduce. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, or heart conditions might have medical contraindications and should consult a doctor before any procedure, like injections.

Do Men Need Collagen Too?

Definitely! Collagen isn’t just for women; men can benefit from it as well, and it’s recommended they use it regularly to achieve the best results. The main benefits for men include:

✔️ Resistance to hair loss
✔️ Treatment for skin issues
✔️ Relief from joint pain
✔️ Reduction of wrinkles and signs of aging

Is Collagen Harmful During Pregnancy?

No, collagen is not harmful during pregnancy. In fact, it offers several benefits, such as:

✔️ Improving skin appearance and reducing stretch marks that increase in the later months of pregnancy.
✔️ Strengthening gums and teeth, preventing bleeding.
✔️ Supporting the immune system.
✔️ Improving heart and vascular health.

What Reduces Collagen in the Body?

To maintain high collagen levels in your body, you need to avoid harmful habits that reduce its production, such as:

Eating too much sugar: Because glucose makes collagen cells thick and inflexible, causing wrinkles and speeding up skin aging.
Sun exposure without sunscreen: UV rays break down collagen and cause fine lines and dark spots.
Neglecting skin hydration and not drinking enough water: Dehydration reduces skin elasticity and causes it to lose its radiance quickly.
Smoking and being around smokers: Nicotine affects blood circulation and decreases collagen production, leading to premature wrinkles and skin sagging.

Where Can Collagen Be Injected?

Collagen injections are used to plump and tighten specific areas of the face. The most common areas for injection are:

The smile lines (around the mouth)
The cheeks to tighten the skin and give it a fuller appearance
The forehead and between the eyebrows to reduce wrinkles and fine lines
The lips to make them fuller and more natural
Under the eyes to reduce dark circles and fine lines

Does Collagen Treat Scars from Burns and Scratches?

Collagen is very useful in renewing skin cells and helps treat scars from burns and scratches by stimulating the formation of new, fresh tissue in the affected areas. It aids in the healing of chronic wounds and first- and second-degree burns. However, it is not suitable for treating severe burns (third-degree burns) or for people with allergies to collagen products.

It’s very important to consult a doctor before using any collagen treatment for burns or wounds to ensure it's appropriate for your condition.

Benefits of Collagen Pills for the Skin

Collagen pills have become one of the most popular supplements people use to maintain skin radiance and fight wrinkles. To help you understand their importance, here are their detailed benefits:

Reduce Wrinkles and Fine Lines
As we age, natural collagen production decreases, leading to the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Collagen pills compensate for this deficiency and stimulate the skin to produce new collagen, making the skin appear firmer and younger, especially around the eyes and mouth.
Deep Hydration
Collagen helps the skin retain moisture, making it less dry and more radiant. With consistent use of collagen pills, you'll notice smoother and more glowing skin.
Increase Skin Elasticity
Skin elasticity means it can stretch and return to its original shape without sagging. Collagen pills help the skin become stronger and more elastic, reducing the sagging that occurs with age.
Even Skin Tone and Lightening
Collagen helps the skin regenerate its cells, restoring its natural color and eliminating dark spots. It also reduces the effects of acne and pigmentation, giving you more even-toned skin.
Reduce Acne Scars and Scarring
Since collagen regenerates tissues, it is highly effective in reducing acne scars. Whether you have old or new scars, collagen pills help lessen them over time.
Protect Skin from External Factors
Pollution, the sun, and stress quickly break down collagen, affecting skin health. Collagen pills strengthen the skin’s natural barrier, helping it resist these harmful factors better.
Reduce Dark Circles and Puffiness Under the Eyes
When the skin around the eyes is weak, dark circles and puffiness appear quickly. Collagen strengthens the skin under the eyes and improves blood circulation, reducing darkness and puffiness, giving your eyes a more radiant look.
Speed up Wound Healing and Skin Regeneration
If you have wounds or scratches, collagen helps heal the skin quickly and regenerate damaged cells. It’s very useful after cosmetic surgeries or laser treatments.
Shrink Enlarged Pores
Pores enlarge when collagen decreases in the skin. By taking collagen pills, the skin becomes smoother and stronger, causing pores to shrink and appear less visible.
Radiant and Healthy Skin
Collagen improves blood circulation in the skin, making it appear healthy and glowing, even without makeup.

When Will You Start Seeing Results?

After 3 to 6 weeks: You’ll feel that your skin is softer and more hydrated.
After 8 weeks: You’ll notice a reduction in wrinkles and fine lines.
After 3 months: Your skin will appear more youthful, elastic, even-toned, and radiant.

Tips for Effectively Using Collagen Pills

Choose Collagen Type I & III, as it’s the best for the skin, helping to tighten it and improve its radiance.
Marine Collagen is the best option, as the body absorbs it more quickly, and its results appear faster.
Drink plenty of water to help your body absorb the collagen properly and deliver it to the skin effectively.
Take the pills with Vitamin C, as it helps the body utilize collagen more efficiently and stimulates the production of natural collagen.
Continue taking the pills for at least 3 months to see noticeable results, like reducing wrinkles and improving skin elasticity.

Are Collagen Pills Safe?
✔️ They are safe for most people and won’t cause harm if taken in the correct dosage.
✔️ However, if you have allergies to fish or eggs, you should read the ingredients before starting to take them.
✔️ If you have any health issues or are on certain medications, it’s best to consult a doctor first to make sure they are suitable for you.

Where is Collagen Found in the Body?
Collagen isn’t just for the skin; it’s an essential component in many areas of our body and affects overall health. Let’s take a detailed look at where it’s found:

Skin
Collagen is the main component in the skin layers and helps maintain its elasticity and radiance. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to wrinkles, fine lines, and dry skin. This is why people turn to collagen supplements to compensate for this loss and keep their skin youthful.
Bones
Not everyone knows that bones aren’t just calcium; collagen gives them strength and density. As collagen decreases with age, bones become brittle and easier to break. That’s why collagen supplements are very beneficial for the elderly and those with osteoporosis.
Joints and Cartilage
Collagen is a key component in cartilage, which prevents the bones from rubbing against each other. When collagen decreases, cartilage weakens, leading to issues like:

Knee osteoarthritis
Joint pain
Difficulty moving
This is why collagen supplements are especially useful for athletes and older adults.

Muscles
Collagen makes up a large part of the tissues that hold muscles together. It helps improve muscle strength and flexibility, which is essential for athletes or anyone who exercises. It also helps reduce muscle loss that occurs with aging.
Hair and Nails
Collagen provides strength to hair and helps reduce hair loss and breakage. It also promotes hair growth and thickness, and makes nails stronger and less prone to breakage.
Teeth and Gums
Collagen is present in the gums and helps maintain dental health, reducing issues like gum inflammation. A lack of collagen can weaken the gums and cause bleeding.
Blood Vessels ❤️
Collagen provides elasticity to blood vessels, which is important for heart health and circulation. A collagen deficiency can weaken blood vessels, potentially leading to high blood pressure.

Types of Collagen
Not all types of collagen are the same; there are several types, and each one plays a specific role in the body:

Type I Collagen – The Strongest and Most Popular
It makes up about 90% of the collagen in the body and is the primary type for the skin and bones.
Found in: Skin, bones, tendons, fibrous cartilage, teeth.
Its main role:

Provides skin with softness and strength.
Helps in wound healing.
Maintains the health of bones and teeth.

Type II Collagen – For Joints and Cartilage
This type is mainly found in cartilage and helps with joint flexibility and preventing stiffness.
Found in: Joints, cartilage, and intervertebral discs.
It’s especially important for people with:

Knee osteoarthritis
Joint pain
Movement difficulties

Type III Collagen – For Blood Vessels and Muscles ❤️
Provides elasticity to blood vessels and aids in the formation of flexible tissues like skin and muscles.
Found in: Skin, blood vessels, intestines, and the uterus.
It helps with:

Improving heart health
Supporting skin health
Enhancing muscle flexibility

Type IV Collagen – For Skin Layers
Works in the deep layers of the skin and helps with filtration (like in the kidneys).
Found in: Skin (especially in the basal layer), kidneys, eyes.
Its main role:

Protects and supports the skin.
Improves filtration functions in the kidneys.

Type V Collagen – Assisting in Tissue Formation
Important for forming collagen from other types and helps in creating new tissues.
Found in: Hair, tissues around cells, cornea of the eye.
Its main role:

Improves hair health
Supports the formation of new tissues
Plays an important role in embryo development during pregnancy.

Type X Collagen – For Deep Bones and Cartilage
Plays a role in bone growth and cartilage regeneration.
Found in: Cartilage that helps bones grow, joints.
Its main role:

Aids in healing fractures
Supports the regeneration of bone tissue

Which Type of Collagen Should You Take?

If you want to maintain skin and hair → Type I & III.
If you have joint problems or stiffness → Type II.
If you care about heart and blood vessel health → Type III.

Collagen Use in Cosmetic Treatments
Collagen is used in many cosmetic treatments to improve the appearance of the skin, reduce wrinkles, and enhance facial radiance. Let’s explore its main uses in cosmetics:

Collagen Injections
One of the most popular methods for replenishing the natural collagen lost from the skin.

Uses:
✔️ Filling wrinkles and fine lines, especially around the mouth and eyes.
✔️ Enhancing the shape of the cheeks and defining the jawline.
✔️ Plumping the lips to give a naturally full appearance.

Results:
Begin to appear within weeks.
Lasts from 6 months to a year, depending on the type of collagen used.

Topical Collagen (Creams and Serums)
Skin care products containing collagen help to moisturize the skin and stimulate natural collagen production.

Best ingredients to boost collagen in creams:
✔️ Vitamin C
✔️ Retinol (Vitamin A)
✔️ Hyaluronic acid
✔️ Peptides

Results:
Not as fast as injections, but with consistent use, it improves skin radiance and reduces fine lines.

Collagen Threads for Face Lifting (Collagen Threads)
A non-surgical cosmetic technique for skin tightening without surgery.

Uses:
✔️ Lifting the face and neck.
✔️ Reducing sagging in the jawline and cheeks.
✔️ Stimulating natural collagen production in the skin.

Results:
Start to appear within weeks and last from 1 to 2 years.

Laser Therapy for Collagen Stimulation (Laser Therapy)
Certain types of laser help stimulate collagen production and reduce wrinkles.

Uses:
✔️ Improving skin texture and reducing wrinkles and fine lines.
✔️ Treating acne scars.
✔️ Even skin tone.

Results:
Gradually appear after several sessions, with long-lasting effects.

Mesotherapy with Collagen (Mesotherapy)
A technique involving injections of vitamins, minerals, and collagen under the skin to stimulate and rejuvenate the skin.

Uses:
✔️ Improving facial radiance.
✔️ Reducing wrinkles.
✔️ Treating hair loss and strengthening hair follicles.

Results:
Requires 3 to 5 sessions depending on the condition.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) with Collagen
Platelet-rich plasma stimulates natural collagen production when injected into the skin.

Uses:
✔️ Enhancing facial radiance and delaying the appearance of wrinkles.
✔️ Treating hair loss and strengthening hair follicles.
✔️ Reducing dark circles under the eyes.

Results:
Start to appear within 2 weeks to 1 month and last for a long period.

Oral Collagen Supplements (Collagen Supplements)
Collagen supplements, whether in pills or liquid form, help improve skin and hair health from the inside.

Uses:
✔️ Enhancing skin elasticity and reducing wrinkles.
✔️ Strengthening hair and nails.
✔️ Supporting joint and bone health.

Results:
Begin to appear after 1 to 3 months of regular use.

How to Choose the Right Treatment?

For mild wrinkles → Use collagen creams and serums with Vitamin C.
For strong lifting and hydration → Collagen injections or mesotherapy are ideal.
For long-term treatment → Try laser treatments or collagen threads.
For internal treatment for skin and hair → Collagen supplements or PRP are the solution.

Habits That Destroy Collagen in the Body
There are many harmful habits that can cause collagen in your body to decrease quickly, which affects the skin, hair, and joints, accelerating the appearance of wrinkles. Let’s look at what destroys collagen and how to avoid it:

Excessive Sun Exposure ☀️
UV rays break down collagen and elastin fibers, which keep the skin flexible and youthful.

Result:
Premature wrinkles.
Sagging skin.
Dark spots and tanning.

Solution:
Use sunscreen daily, even if you're not out in the sun much.
Wear sunglasses and a hat if you're going to be in the sun for long periods.

Smoking
Cigarettes are the number one enemy of your skin! Nicotine reduces blood flow to the skin and prevents the formation of new collagen.

Result:
Deep wrinkles around the eyes and mouth.
Severe skin dryness.
A dull and tired skin appearance.

Solution:
Cut down or quit smoking to maintain youthful skin.

Sugar and Processed Foods
Sugar binds to collagen molecules and causes glycation, which weakens collagen and makes it less elastic.

Result:
Sagging skin and wrinkles.
Hair loss.
Increased inflammation that harms joints and skin.

Solution:
Cut down on sugar, and replace it with fruits and nuts.
Avoid fast food and fried foods.

Lack of Sleep
The body produces collagen while you sleep, so if you're not sleeping enough, your body can't regenerate collagen efficiently.

Result:
Tired, sagging skin.
Wrinkles appear quickly.
Dark circles increase.

Solution:
Sleep 7-8 hours a night.
Try to maintain a regular sleep schedule.

Constant Stress
Stress increases the cortisol hormone, which destroys collagen and causes the skin to look dull and saggy.

Result:
Hair loss and increased wrinkles.
Skin appears dull and exhausted.

Solution:
Try relaxation exercises like yoga and meditation.
Take time for yourself to reduce stress.

Low Protein in Diet
Collagen is primarily a protein, so if your body isn't getting enough protein, it can't produce it efficiently.

Result:
Weak hair and hair loss.
Sagging skin.
Brittle nails.

Solution:
Increase protein-rich foods like:

Eggs
Fish
Chicken
Legumes

Excessive Intense Exercise
Exercise is important, but if done too intensely without rest, it increases cortisol levels, which destroy collagen.

Result:
Severe fatigue.
Increased wrinkles.

Solution:
Balance strength training, walking, and yoga.

Using Inappropriate Skincare Products
Some products containing alcohol or strong fragrances can damage the skin and break down collagen.

Result:
Dry and sensitive skin.
Damage to the skin’s natural protective layer.

Solution:
Use gentle skincare products containing:
✔️ Vitamin C
✔️ Retinol
✔️ Hyaluronic acid

Natural Collagen Face Masks
If you want to maintain youthful skin and give it a fresh glow, collagen masks are one of the best natural solutions you can easily make at home. They help reduce wrinkles, hydrate the skin, and even out skin tone. Here are some of the best collagen masks that will keep your skin in great condition!