Collagen is one of the most abundant proteins in the human body. It is mainly found in skin, bones, muscles and connective tissue. It is crucial to maintaining skin elasticity, bone strength and joint health. The promotion of oral collagen supplements on the market is often confusing. ** The human body can synthesize collagen itself, but its synthesis amount and efficiency will decrease with factors such as age, sun exposure, and poor living habits. ** Current scientific evidence shows that oral collagen peptides may be partially absorbed and utilized, but the effect varies from person to person, and the effect may not be as basic and comprehensive as supporting the body's own collagen synthesis through a balanced diet (such as intake of enough protein and vitamin C) and a healthy lifestyle (such as moderate exercise and adequate sleep). Understanding the true source (synthesis in the body) and role of collagen is more important than simply relying on supplements to imagine the effects.

What is collagen?

Collagen is a structural protein that exists in the human body. It is mainly found in connective tissues such as skin, bones, muscles, and ligaments. It is one of the most abundant proteins in the human body, accounting for about 25% of the total protein in the whole body. Above %, the main function of collagen is to provide structural support and elasticity, helping to maintain skin tightness, bone strength and joint flexibility.

在皮肤中,胶原蛋白占据了真皮层的70%以上，是保持皮肤弹性、减少皱纹的关键成分，随着年龄的增长，胶原蛋白的合成会逐渐减少，皮肤也会逐渐失去弹性，出现松弛和皱纹。

Relationship between collagen and aging

Aging is a complex physiological process, and the loss of collagen is an important part of it. Studies have shown that the synthesis rate of collagen will gradually decrease from the age of 20, and by the age of 40, the loss rate of collagen even exceeds the rate of production, which is why many people start to feel obvious skin slack and increased wrinkles around the age of 40.

紫外线、吸烟、压力、不良饮食习惯等因素也会加速胶原蛋白的流失，如何延缓胶原蛋白的流失，或者通过外部手段补充胶原蛋白，成为了许多人关注的焦点。

Application of collagen in medical beauty

collagen products

There are many skin care products on the market that claim to be "rich in collagen", but are these products really effective?

• oral collagen: In recent years, oral collagen products have become very popular. The principle is that after oral administration, collagen is digested and absorbed, which in turn stimulates the body's own synthesis of collagen. Studies have shown that the effect of oral collagen varies from person to person, and the effect is not significant. More importantly, the collagen molecule is large and difficult to be directly absorbed, so its effect is more achieved through indirect methods (such as stimulating collagen synthesis).

• Topical collagen: Topical collagen products (such as creams and serums) usually contain collagen peptides or analogues. Due to the limitations of the skin barrier, it is difficult for topical collagen to truly penetrate deep into the skin, so the effect is limited. Some collagen peptides with smaller molecular weights can penetrate into the skin and play a certain moisturizing and repairing role.

Collagen in medical beauty projects

In the field of medical beauty, the application of collagen is more direct and significant.

• Collagen filler: This is a common non-surgical cosmetic item. By injecting collagen fillers, you can improve wrinkles, lip enlargement, chin enlargement, etc. Collagen fillers are usually obtained from animals (such as cattle, pigs) or artificially synthesized. After injection, they can fill wrinkles immediately, and the effect can usually last for 6 months to 1 years.

• Collagen regeneration technology: In addition to filling, there are some technologies that can stimulate the regeneration of the skin's own collagen, such as lasers, radio frequency, microneedles, etc. These technologies stimulate the dermis layer and promote the synthesis of collagen, thereby achieving anti-aging effects.

Collagen and medical aesthetic surgery

Collagen not only plays a role in non-surgical aesthetics, but also plays an important role in surgery.

• Facial lift surgery: During facial skin lifting surgery, collagen is an important component in maintaining skin tightness and elasticity. The purpose of the operation is to remove loose skin and improve facial contours. The regeneration and maintenance of collagen is the key to postoperative results.

• rhinoplasty surgery: In rhinoplasty surgery, collagen fillers are often used to shape the bridge of the nose. With the development of technology, more and more people are choosing to use autologous cartilage or artificial implants.

Misunderstandings and truths about collagen

Oral collagen can improve the skin

Many people think that oral collagen can directly improve skin condition, but in fact, the effect of oral collagen varies from person to person and requires long-term persistence. More importantly, the quality and source of collagen are also very important, and inferior products may be a burden on the body.

Topical collagen can directly anti-aging

Although topical collagen products can provide certain moisturizing and repairing effects, they cannot directly anti-aging. Real anti-aging requires comprehensive conditioning from the inside out, including healthy eating, adequate sleep, sun protection, etc.

Collagen filler effect permanent

The effect of collagen fillers is not permanent and usually lasts for 6 months to 1 years. Over time, the fillers will be gradually absorbed by the body, so regular supplements are needed.

How to scientifically supplement collagen?

均衡饮食

The synthesis of collagen requires the support of multiple nutrients, such as vitamin C, zinc, copper, etc. Eating more foods rich in these nutrients, such as citrus fruits, green leafy vegetables, nuts, etc., will help promote the synthesis of collagen.

Collagen peptide supplementation

Collagen peptide is a hydrolysate of collagen with a small molecular weight and is more easily absorbed by the body. Choosing high-quality collagen peptide supplements can help the body better synthesize collagen.

注意防晒

Ultraviolet light is one of the main reasons for collagen loss. Persisting in using sunscreen every day to avoid long-term exposure to the sun is an important measure to protect collagen.

maintain good living habits

Bad living habits such as smoking, stress, and staying up late will accelerate the loss of collagen. Maintaining good living habits will help delay aging and maintain skin health.

Collagen is an important part of human health and beauty, but its role is not a panacea. Whether it is through oral administration, external application, or medical beauty projects, the application of collagen requires scientific guidance and reasonable expectations. I hope that through this article, You can have a deeper understanding of collagen, and you can better protect and replenish collagen in daily life to stay young and healthy.

Do you have any questions about collagen? Welcome to leave a message in the comment area and let's discuss it together!

预约上海希颜陈达院长面诊咨询。提供多种联系方式与便捷预约通道，保护隐私，专业客服团队为您解答美学疑问。

Collagen, which is more real, what you know or what you imagine?