Collagen is one of the most popular supplements on the market today. And for good reason: It’s believed to improve skin health and condition with regular use.

Before you start looking into different collagen supplements, let’s go over how the various types of collagen work and how they impact your health.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is a protein that your body produces throughout your life. It’s made up of several amino acids that your body uses to help it maintain its vital functions.

Though different types of collagen are found throughout your body, it’s most concentrated in your muscles, bones, tendons, and, of course, your skin.

The structure of the collagen itself strengthens the parts of the body where it’s found. For example, collagen promotes firmness in the skin and helps keep it more elastic and less vulnerable to wrinkles and fine lines. In your bones, it increases strength and density.

That’s why collagen is becoming so important for proper skin care and anti-aging routines. When you supplement what your body is producing, you’re giving your skin the tools it needs to maintain a more youthful appearance at all times.

What Are the Different Types of Collagen?

You know that there are different types of collagen produced in your body, but how many types of collagen are there? Believe it or not, there are 16 different types! And your body produces all of them. What type of collagen is best, and which should you use to see results? 

When it comes to collagen and skin health, only four of those varieties are truly important and beneficial. So, what are the 4 types of collagen that you need to understand when it comes to your skin, and what does each type do?

Type I

Type I collagen is the most common type in your body. It’s this type of collagen that provides your skin with the elasticity and wrinkle-fighting ability you need to look your best.

This type of collagen also gives your bones their structure and maintains your body’s connective tissues, tendons, and ligaments. It’s even found in your teeth! Any part of your body that needs a more rigid structure is where you’ll find type I collagen.

Type II

Type II collagen is predominantly found between your joints. In every joint, there’s a little protective cushion that helps absorb shock and makes your regular movements more comfortable. This cushion is made of collagen.

Type III

Type III collagen is found in your organs and muscles. It’s what allows them to move, function, and recover from periods of stress. Think of it as a protein that allows your muscles and organs to maintain their structure under stress. They’re able to move and shift to accommodate your body’s needs and then go back to their normal position without damage.

Type III collagen is what allows that to happen on a regular basis.

Type IV

Type IV collagen is most commonly found in the body’s basement membranes. These membranes act as filters between different tissues like your skin, fatty tissues, and muscle tissues.

The membranes effectively filter out contaminants and allow beneficial nutrients to flow where they’re needed.

In Short

These four types of collagen are different from one another, but all perform essential tasks. Without even a single one, your body wouldn’t be able to function as well and your skin wouldn’t be as clear and vibrant as you want it to be.

Sources of Collagen

Though your body produces so many different types of collagen, you may not produce enough to help you keep your skin healthy as you age. That’s why many people choose to supplement with extra collagen.

There are several easy ways to gain access to collagen, but before you can start looking into supplements, you’ll need to figure out which one you’re most comfortable with.

Food and Food-Based Supplements

One of the most popular ways to supplement your body’s natural collagen production is to take supplements internally. You can get additional collagen in the form of powdered supplements and capsules.

These products allow you to better control the dosage, making them ideal for people who know their bodies are struggling to produce a sufficient amount of collagen.

You can also find collagen in the food you eat. Foods like bone broth, chicken skin, pork skin, and gelatin are full of collagen. You can easily incorporate these foods into your diet by adding them to recipes that you already love.

Topical Supplements

If you’re primarily looking for ways to improve your skin’s elasticity and reduce the appearance of wrinkles, topical collagen supplements are your best bet. These come in many different forms, ranging from moisturizers and serums to oils and face masks.

The Benefits of Using Collagen

Unfortunately, your body starts to produce less collagen as you get older. Worse, the collagen it does produce won’t be as good or high-quality as the collagen you produced when you were younger. This often leaves you dealing with sagging skin and wrinkles that only get worse as you age. By incorporating collagen into your daily routine, you may start to notice some significant changes.

Your Skin Will Firm Up

One of the biggest benefits that collagen has to offer is its ability to help your skin regain its elasticity. Remember, collagen sits beneath your skin and helps provide the support structure that keeps your skin firm and elastic.

By using collagen in your skincare routine, you may be able to supplement your body’s natural levels of collagen to encourage your skin to firm up. Over time, this may help keep those visible laugh lines and wrinkles from becoming noticeable.

Collagen May Improve Your Nails

When you use a collagen serum or overnight face mask, you’ll use your fingers to massage it in. This means some of that beneficial collagen will get applied to your fingers, nails, and hands.

Over time, the collagen, combined with the moisturizing components in the serum or mask, may help strengthen and hydrate your nails. You may experience fewer broken nails, less dry skin, and fewer cracked cuticles. 

Boosts Moisture and Hydration

Collagen has an amazing ability to encourage better moisture retention and hydration in your skin. When your skin is hydrated, it’s better able to maintain its elasticity. It can also smooth out some of those wrinkles and fine lines on its own.

Reduces Signs of Sun Damage

Though no supplement is a substitute for a good sunscreen, using collagen as part of your skincare routine may help reduce and repair visible signs of sun damage.

Remember, sun damage causes your skin to sag and lose its elasticity. Worse, it can encourage discoloration and premature age spots. Applying the right skincare products can help you repair some of that damage.

Give Your Skin the Help It Needs

If you’re looking for a simple way to give your skin that youthful glow you love, adding collagen to your skincare routine may be a great option. It will help hydrate your skin, improve elasticity, and restore your skin’s youthful glow.

Looking to improve your skin’s health but aren’t sure where to start? Try Raybae’s overnight collagen mask for a long-lasting, hydrating solution that provides collagen where you most need it.