When it comes to skincare, it is wise to know what works for your skin and what doesn’t.
With different skin types, the skincare routines also tend to vary greatly.
One thing that stays constant here is the protein that offers a stable structure to your skin, called collagen.
As collagen’s health benefits are catching on, people dive deeper into the science behind the nutrition it offers and the various types.
Are you trying to understand different types of collagen but don’t know where to begin from?
Keep reading to find out everything you must know about different types of collagen.
What Are The Things You Must Know About Types Of Collagen?
Collagen is undoubtedly the most abundantly available protein in your body, constituting around 25-35% of the whole-body protein content.
It is not only the building block of skin but also helps keep your skin wrinkle-free and young.
Here are few things you must know about the different types of collagen:
1. Structure Of Collagen
If you’re curious about how collagen works, the first thing you must know about is the structure of this protein.
It consists of three amino acids: proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline.
The collagen molecule is in the shape of a triple helix or triple spiral that combines with other molecules to form a mesh network in the dermis.
The dermis is the layer of skin between subcutaneous fat and the epidermis.
2. Natural Sources Of Collagen
As you age, collagen production keeps reducing, and you may need to start consuming food that contains collagen.
You must add natural sources of collagen to your daily diet to keep your skin in good condition.
Lentils, pulses, cottage cheese, tofu, soy, yogurt, rice, quinoa, and barley are excellent plant-based collagen sources.
You can also try bone broth, eggs, or pork for collagen, but make sure they are ‘pasture-raised.’
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3. Various Types Of Collagen
As per research, there are more than 28 types of collagen found in the human body. While there are many types, the most prominent ones among them are only four.
They are:
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Type I
90% of the total collagen present in your body is Type I.
It provides a structure to your bones, ligaments, tendons, connective tissues, among many other organs.
The level of Type I collagen tends to start decreasing once you reach the age of 25.
Since it is present in connective tissues, it may lead to fine lines, wrinkles, sagging skin, thinning hair, and brittle nails.
Related: 6 Ways Marine Collagen Can Help You Look Younger
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Type II
Another common type of collagen is Type II.
Although it is less prevalent than Type I, it is still imperative for you. Type II collagen forms the cartilage, and it keeps your skeletal system healthy.
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Type III
The third type of collagen, called Type III, facilitates the building of arteries and muscles.
It is present commonly in reticular fibers, also known as bone marrow.
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Type IV
Type IV collagen is also an essential type that helps with the inflation of skin, and it is present in the various layers of your skin.
4. Benefits Of Collagen
Collagen is essential for your body as it offers a wide array of benefits.
- The protein gives structure, rigidity, texture, and toughness to your skin.
- It helps in maintaining skin elasticity and ensures you have well-maintained skin.
- It’s pivotal for the health of almost every bodily system.
- Can protect you from plenty of skin problems like UV-induced melasma.
- It may also facilitate the healing of wounds quickly.
5. Other Uses Of Collagen
Besides keeping your skin healthy, collagen may also have many other medical uses.
They are used in skin fillers, wound dressing, guided tissue regeneration, vascular prosthetics, and even osteoarthritis treatment.
6. Collagen Destroying Behavior
While collagen’s level naturally starts reducing as you age, certain external factors also contribute to its depletion. You can try to avoid such factors that keep your skin healthy and smooth. Keep the following things that you must avoid:
- High-sugar diet: Sugar can interfere with the collagen’s ability to repair itself. Reducing sugar intake can help sustain the level of collagen.
- Smoking: The habit of smoking can adversely impact collagen production and synthesis. It can also delay wound healing and cause wrinkles.
- Sunlight: Exposure to ultraviolet radiation often reduces collagen production, so it is best to be careful in the sun and avoid burning.
7. Collagen Supplements
If the protein consumption is insufficient for your body to synthesize collagen, you may need to consume supplements to make up for the loss.
Two types of collagen supplements are gaining recent popularity: gelatin and hydrolyzed collagen.
They have broken down the large protein into smaller peptides to ensure your body can easily absorb it.
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8. Collagen Side-Effects
If you decide to take the supplements of different types of collagen, you must understand that there can be side effects.
You can face mild side-effects like upset stomach, diarrhea, and skin rashes after using collagen supplements.
If you face any of the symptoms, it is wise to stop consuming them and consult an expert.
Final Thoughts
Collagen has become a buzzword that pops up every time you mention skin care for aging skin.
Whether you want to make your skin soft and youthful or just facilitate healthy bodily functions, you need the essential protein collagen.
You can start consuming collagen-rich foods or using supplements to stay healthy and young.
