Collagen – structural protein, its effects and care in the skin

What is collagen?

Collagen is the most important structural protein in the skin. It makes up around 70% of the connective tissue in the dermis and gives the skin firmness and elasticity. With increasing age, the body's own collagen production slows down, leading to wrinkles and loss of elasticity.^¹

Structure and function

Collagen consists of long chains of the amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, which link together to form stable triple helices. These fibers form a network that retains water and supports the skin's structure. Collagen is therefore essential for smooth, plump skin and an intact extracellular ^matrix .

Types of collagen

• Type I: Main component of the skin, provides firmness.
• Type III: Found in elastic tissue and supports regeneration.
• Type IV: Component of the basement membrane between the dermis and epidermis.

How does skincare affect collagen production?

Topical products cannot directly replace collagen synthesis, but they can stimulate it. Ingredients such as vitamin C , retinol , and peptides activate fibroblastic enzymes, which are responsible for building the collagen structure. ³

UV radiation is considered the biggest external factor in collagen breakdown. Consistent sun protection protects connective tissue from so-called photoaging.

Hydrolyzed collagen in cosmetics

Hydrolyzed collagen, often referred to as "collagen hydrolysate," is derived from natural sources and used in creams or serums. It binds moisture in the upper layer of the skin and temporarily improves skin elasticity. ^⁴

Products like NATURFACTOR 's Porcelain Skin Serum combine these moisture-binding properties with modern active ingredients to support the skin structure in the long term.

Nutrition and collagen formation

The body's own collagen production depends heavily on the intake of certain nutrients. A protein-rich diet with vitamin C, zinc, and copper supports the formation of new collagen fibers. ⁵

Collagen breakdown

With increasing age and due to external influences (UV light, oxidative stress, smoking), the activity of the enzyme matrix metalloproteinases , which break down collagen, increases. Regular care with antioxidants can slow down this process. ⁶

Conclusion

Collagen is the supporting structure of the skin. It provides firmness, elasticity, and resilience. A combination of antioxidants, UV protection and stimulating agents helps to maintain collagen production – for a more youthful complexion and long-term skin health.

Sources

1. German Nutrition Society (DGE): Structural proteins – their importance in the body . https://www.dge.de/wissenschaft/faq/strukturproteine/
2. Leipzig University – Institute of Biochemistry: Fibrous proteins and collagen structure . https://biochemie.uni-leipzig.de/forschung/kollagenstruktur
3. Pharmaceutical Journal Online (PZ): Collagen stimulation through vitamin C and retinoids . https://www.pharmazeutische-zeitung.de/kollagenstimulation-vitamin-c-und-retinoide-119024/
4. Haut.de – Collagen in cosmetics . https://www.haut.de/hautlexikon/kollagen/
5. Federal Centre for Nutrition (BZfE): Protein supply and collagen formation .https://www.bzfe.de/inhalt/eiweiss-und-kollagen-31356.html
6. European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV): ​​Skin Aging and Collagen Degradation Overview . https://eadv.org/research/skin-ageing-collagen