Collagen
What is Collagen?
You've probably seen a flurry of collagen products at stores and online. Here's what we know about collagen. Collagen is a sturdy fibrous protein packed with large molecules making up the most abundant protein in the body. It is a major component of the connective tissues of our bodies and is mainly found in our muscles, bones, ligaments, and skin. Collagen makes skin elastic and strong. Collagen gives our skin its strength and structure, making up 75-80% of skin. The protein also plays a role in the replacement of dead skin cells and keeps your skin looking plump and wrinkle-free. There are over 20 identified types of collagen that serve different functions in the body. Types 1 - 5 are the most common types found in our bodies.
- Type I: skin, tendon, vasculature, organs, bone (main component of the organic part of bone)
- Type II: cartilage (main collagenous component of cartilage)
- Type III: reticulate (main component of reticular fibers), commonly found alongside type I
- Type IV: forms basal lamina, the epithelium-secreted layer of the basement membrane
- Type V: cell surfaces, hair, and placenta
