What is collagen, and what is it good for?

What is collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein (approximately 30%) in the body. It serves as a primary building block for the skin, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissues. Alongside elastin, collagen is essential for maintaining healthy, supple, and youthful skin.

Collagen is primarily composed of the amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids form three strands, creating the characteristic triple-helix structure of collagen.

What does collagen do for your skin?

Collagen’s primary role is to provide structure, strength, and support to the human body. Its benefits for the skin include:

• Formation of fibroblasts: In the dermis (middle skin layer), collagen helps form fibroblasts, which support the growth of new cells.
• Replacement of dead skin cells: Collagen plays a role in renewing the skin by replacing dead skin cells.
• Improving skin firmness: Collagen contributes to a tighter, firmer skin appearance.
• Enhancing moisture and hydration: Collagen helps retain moisture in the skin.
• Promoting elasticity and an even skin tone: It supports skin elasticity and helps maintain a balanced skin tone.

Different types of collagen

There are about 28 different types of collagen, each varying in molecular composition, cell components, and location within the body.

Here are the five main types of collagen and their functions:

• Type I: Represents 90% of the collagen in the body. Type I is densely packed and plays a significant role in providing structure to the skin, bones, tendons, and ligaments.
• Type II: Found in elastic cartilage, which is crucial for joint support.
• Type III: Present in muscles, arteries, and organs.
• Type IV: Located in various layers of the skin.
• Type V: Found in the corneas, some layers of the skin, hair, and the placenta's tissue.

Causes of collagen decline

What happens as you age?

As you age, your body changes, producing less collagen and breaking down existing collagen more quickly. This can lead to dry skin and the formation of wrinkles. Collagen production begins to decrease after age 25. Although the decline is not significant initially, most people experience a more noticeable reduction after age 60. For women, this is often particularly evident after menopause.

What factors cause collagen breakdown

Apart from the natural reduction due to aging, several other factors can contribute to collagen breakdown, including:

• Smoking: Tobacco smoke depletes vitamin C.
• Sun Exposure: The leading cause of skin aging.
• Sugars: Glycation, where sugars bind to collagen, damages protein structures.
• Alcohol: Excessive drinking impairs collagen production.
• Stress: Increased cortisol levels due to stress reduce skin resilience, slow healing, and decrease collagen levels.

Recognizing collagen deficiency

Unfortunately, collagen levels in the body cannot be measured (e.g., via a blood test). However, there are signs that indicate a decrease in collagen levels. You may experience the following symptoms:

• Wrinkles and fine lines: The appearance of wrinkles and fine lines is one of the first signs of reduced collagen levels.
• Dry skin: A deficiency can lead to dry and flaky skin since collagen helps retain moisture.
• Reduced skin elasticity: The skin may feel less firm and elastic.
• Skin sagging: Lack of collagen can cause sagging skin, particularly around the jawline and cheeks.
• Slower wound healing: Collagen plays a crucial role in skin repair processes, so a deficiency can result in slower wound healing and scarring.
• Brittle nails: A lack of collagen may make nails brittle and prone to splitting.
• Loss of hair volume: Collagen deficiency can contribute to thinning hair and hair loss.

How to stimulate collagen production

Collagen-Rich foods

Since the body naturally produces collagen from amino acids, you can support its production by consuming enough protein-rich foods like poultry, fish, beans, and eggs.

Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis. A low or insufficient vitamin C level can lead to reduced collagen production. Consuming plenty of vitamin C-rich foods, such as citrus fruits, peppers, vegetables, and berries, can help support collagen production.

Additionally, foods containing proline (mushrooms, asparagus, peanuts, and meat) and glycine (red meat, turkey, chicken, and granola) provide amino acids, vitamins, and minerals that positively affect collagen levels.

The effectiveness of supplements

Collagen is often taken in supplements like pills, powders, and liquids, readily available at local pharmacies. When consumed through supplements, collagen is broken down into amino acids and absorbed into the bloodstream, providing benefits for the entire body, from bones and muscles to hair and nails.

Collagen for skin

However, scientists are divided on the effectiveness of collagen supplements in reducing visible signs of aging. If you aim for a firmer and younger-looking skin, dermatologists and skin experts recommend using collagen serums on the face. While supplements strengthen collagen in the joints, serums offer the desired radiant skin.

Tip: Our “Before and After” page shows the positive effects of serums on the skin.

Our favorite skincare products

After years of research and testing, our founder, Lindsay van der Looij, launched her powerful skincare collection. One of the most groundbreaking ingredients in these products is skin-identical atelocollagen. This unique ingredient sets Labareau apart from other brands on the market.

Skin-identical atelocollagen closely resembles the collagen naturally found in our skin, making it easy for the skin to recognize and absorb. This leads to better absorption and stimulation of natural collagen production, unlike standard collagen, which is less easily absorbed.

The collection includes two essential products: The Day Formula and The Night Formula.

The Day Formula & The Night Formula

Both The Day Formula and The Night Formula promote skin rejuvenation by stimulating collagen and elastin's restorative abilities. These innovative products are based on Labareau's unique SAXZ-12®️ technology, effectively delivering powerful and concentrated ingredients into the skin.

For the best results, apply after preparing the skin with The Cleanser, The Toner, and (optionally) The AHA Peel.

Clinically proven results

Clinical studies show that both serums offer visible anti-aging effects, such as significantly reducing wrinkles, pores, and fine lines. The skin becomes smoother, fuller, and firmer, resulting in a youthful and healthy appearance.

Serums like The Day Formula and The Night Formula naturally help stimulate collagen and elastin in the skin. For optimal anti-aging effects, using both supplements and serums is recommended to achieve a radiant and healthy complexion.