Types of collagen – kind, source, and molecular weight

There are 28 different types of collagen in the human body. Each variety plays a specific role and contributes to maintaining a healthy and youthful appearance. On the Internet, you will most commonly find information about the first three types. While the best collagen for joints and cartilage is Type II collagen, when it comes to skin care, Types I and III play a crucial role.

Collagen Types I and III - the best skincare collagen

Type I collagen is the most abundant variety of the protein - up to 90% of all collagen molecules in the human body are this type.¹ It builds the skin, bones, tendons, and the connective tissue. It is essential for the firmness and elasticity of the epidermis, helping to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Type III collagen is the second most abundant type (between 5% and 20% of all protein molecules), found primarily in the skin, blood vessels, and muscles.² It works in synergy with Type I to ensure smooth and well-hydrated skin, while also contributing to healthy connective tissue structure.

Bovine and Porcine Collagen

These two types rank among the most widely used varieties in skincare and dietary supplements. Both primarily contain Type I and Type III collagen molecules. Bovine collagen is known for its ability to support joint health, as it also contains glycosaminoglycans - compounds that help improve lubrication and joint mobility. However, it has a higher molecular weight, making it harder to be absorbed compared to fish collagen.

Porcine collagen is similar to bovine collagen in composition and structure, with one of its main advantages being that it is more easily absorbed by the human body. Despite these benefits, both types have their disadvantages related to lower water solubility, slower absorption, and a higher production carbon footprint.

Fish collagen – advantages

Fish collagen is considered to be the most effective choice when it comes to skincare. This type of collagen is extracted from fish skin, scales, and bones and it contains almost entirely Type I collagen - the most important structural component for maintaining smooth, firm, and hydrated skin.

Fish collagen is absorbed more quickly and efficiently compared to bovine and porcine collagen, due to its low molecular weight. This makes it the preferred choice for people looking for a product with proven effectiveness in improving skin elasticity and slowing down signs of ageing.

Apart from that, fish collagen is considered to be a more eco-friendly option, as its production releases significantly lower levels of carbon emissions. It also meets a broader range of dietary and religious requirements, making it a versatile choice. Its only downside is a slightly higher price compared to other types of collagen, but this is justified by its better absorption and noticeable improvement in skin elasticity and hydration.

Molecular weight and hydrolysis - why are they important?

The molecular weight of collagen is a key factor that determines how well it can be absorbed and how effective it can be in the body. The smaller the collagen molecules are, the more easily they pass through intestinal walls and enter the bloodstream, where they are used to repair and rebuild the connective tissue.

High-molecular-weight collagen types, on the other hand, require significantly more time and processing by means of enzymes in the body to be absorbed. This leads to lower effectiveness and potentially reduced benefits for the skin and connective tissue.

Hydrolyzed collagen, also known as collagen peptides, is collagen that has been broken down, which makes it significantly more bioavailable, i.e. easily absorbed by the body. Hydrolysis is a process that breaks long collagen chains into shorter peptides with a molecular weight between 1,000 and 5,000 Daltons (Da), allowing for rapid absorption.

Marine collagen (i.e. fish collagen) stands out with the lowest molecular weight among all non-hydrolyzed types - between 1,000 and 1,500 Da, which makes it the best choice for fast and efficient absorption. In comparison, bovine and porcine collagen have higher molecular weight (typically above 3,000 Da).

Collagen in beauty care

Collagen levels in the body start to decline as early as the late teenage years, typically between 18 and 29. After the age of 40, collagen production in the body decreases by approximately 1% per year. In later years, around the age of 80, collagen synthesis can drop by up to 75% compared to youth.

Because of this natural decline with age, it is important to get the necessary amounts from external sources. You can introduce collagen into your daily routine through dietary supplements or skincare products, with each of these playing its own specific role in you skin health and beauty.

Effects of drinking collagen

Taking collagen as a dietary supplement provides the building blocks needed to repair and maintain the skin, hair, and nails. Collagen peptides stimulate the fibroblasts in our body (a type of cells that synthesizes collagen in the skin and tendons) and thus support regeneration and help prevent premature aging.

Appropriate collagen supplements contribute to maintaining good skin elasticity and hydration, thereby reducing fine lines and wrinkles. Collagen intake can also help maintain muscle mass and joint health, which is especially important for staying active while ageing.

Collagen as an ingredient in skincare products

Although collagen molecules in cosmetic products do not penetrate deeply into the dermis, they create a protective layer on the skin that helps improve its texture and reduce transepidermal water loss. That is why you will find it as an ingredient in products like hydrating serums or collagen face mists. Interestingly, for this application, the natural (non-hydrolyzed) form of collagen is more suitable due to its greater viscosity.

How to choose the best collagen for the skin

Choosing the right collagen depends on its source, the form of intake, and any additional ingredients that support absorption. While all types of collagen contribute to skin maintenance, some options are more effective than others depending on the needs of the body.

Source of collagen

Marine collagen is considered the best choice when it comes to skin care. Its low molecular weight ensures rapid absorption and high bioavailability, which means a greater amount of the collagen you take reaches the cells and boosts skin regeneration.

Despite its significant advantages, marine collagen is not suitable for people who are allergic to fish and seafood. If you cannot take fish collagen, hydrolyzed collagen from animal sources is the recommended alternative.

Hydrolyzed collagen for optimal absorption

Regardless of the source, hydrolyzed collagen is the best option for dietary supplements, as it is better absorbed. Through the process of hydrolysis, long collagen chains are broken down into smaller peptides that pass more easily through the digestive system and reach the cells.

For example, tripeptides, obtained by fish collagen hydrolysis can have a molecular weight as low as 300 Da, which is 3 to 5 times lower than the base form. Hydrolyzed collagen intake is also recommended because it has antioxidant and antimicrobial properties.³

Collagen supplements – how to choose between capsules, powder, or liquid collagen?

The form in which collagen is taken also matters for absorption and daily convenience. One of the most popular forms is collagen powder, as it can easily be added to various beverages like coffee, smoothies, or water. This makes daily consumption simple without the need to take additional capsules.

Liquid collagen offers the fastest absorption, since it's already in a dissolved form and quickly reaches the bloodstream. This option is convenient for people who want maximum results in a short time.

Collagen capsules are the easiest to dose and take, but their absorption may be slightly slower since the body first needs to break down the gelatin shell. Given that the effects of supplements are cumulative, this doesn't pose a significant barrier.

The important thing is to choose a collagen form that fits most conveniently into the pace of your daily life.

Additional active ingredients

Collagen supplements often contain additional ingredients that enhance its effectiveness. Vitamin C is among the most important ones, as it stimulates the natural collagen synthesis in the body. The combination of collagen and hyaluronic acid is also very common, as it improves hydration.

Other ingredients such as zinc, copper, and antioxidants can further support skin health by preventing oxidative stress and protect cells against damage. Appropriate choice of a collagen supplement with well-selected active ingredients can significantly boost the results and become an excellent ally for achieving healthy-looking hair, skin, and nails.

Collagen supplement with rose oil and Vitamin C by Alteya Organics

The premium collagen supplement with rose oil and Vitamin C by Alteya Organics is one of the newest products in our portfolio. Its innovative formula combines the best ingredients for comprehensive skincare, hair care, and joints’ health. The formula has been developed to support skin health and appearance.

The supplement contains fish collagen peptides of a low molecular weight, ensuring fast and efficient absorption. Produced in Europe, from high-quality fish skin, through a specialized process of enzymatic hydrolysis, the formula guarantees high purity and biological activity. The collagen peptides in this product include dipeptides and tripeptides that support the synthesis of new collagen in the body, enhance hydration, and improve skin elasticity.

The formula is enriched with hyaluronic acid, which locks in moisture and contributes to a hydrated, fresh, and smooth complexion. Vitamin C is included as a key ingredient, as it plays a vital role in natural collagen synthesis and protects the cells against oxidative stress. The Bulgarian rose oil, extracted from roses grown in Alteya's organic rose gardens, is a powerful antioxidant that strengthens the skin barrier, soothes the skin, and gives it a radiant glow.

Thanks to its clean and natural formula, this dietary supplement does not contain gluten, lactose, GMOs, and unnecessary additives. It is suitable for people looking for an effective and natural way to support skin regeneration, reduce the signs of ageing, and improve their overall well-being.

Key Ingredients and benefits

· Collagen peptides: high-quality marine collagen with a low molecular weight for maximum bioavailability and rapid absorption. Supports skin elasticity, hydration, and firmness.

· Bulgarian rose oil: rich in antioxidants, strengthens the skin barrier, soothes irritation, and gives the skin a natural glow.

· Hyaluronic acid: locks in moisture, improves skin texture, and helps achieve a smooth, youthful appearance.

· Vitamin C: supports the natural collagen production in the body, protects the skin from free radical damage, and works towards achieving an even skin tone.

This collagen supplement is a key element of our new line of dietary supplements, designed to boost skin health through high-quality natural ingredients.

Regular collagen intake is a crucial step towards maintaining healthy skin, strong hair and nails. As we age, collagen levels decline, leading to fine lines and sagging skin. That's why collagen supplements are becoming an effective way to compensate for what we lose in this natural process. Liquid collagen formulas, especially in hydrolyzed form, is absorbed quickly and supports the body's collagen production, improving skin condition and preserving its youthful appearance.

Choosing the right type of collagen is essential, as different types play specific roles for the skin and the connective tissue. Products containing collagen should be selected carefully, with attention to their collagen content and additional active ingredients. Whether you are looking for a way to slow down ageing or restore lost firmness, regular intake of high-quality collagen can be your greatest ally in the fight against sagging skin and in preserving the natural radiance of your face.

Resources:

1. Bächinger, H.P. et al. (2010) “Collagen Formation and Structure,” in Comprehensive Natural Products II. Elsevier, p. 472.
2. Kuivaniemi, H. and Tromp, G. (2019) “Type III collagen (COL3A1): Gene and protein structure, tissue distribution, and associated diseases,” Gene, 707, pp. 151–171. Available at:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gene.2019.05.003.
3. León-López, A. et al. (2019) “Hydrolyzed collagen-sources and applications,” Molecules (Basel, Switzerland), 24(22), p. 4031. Available at:https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules24224031.