What Is Collagen?
Collagen is a structural protein made up of amino acids (especially glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline) that acts like glue, holding tissues together. It’s naturally produced by the body, reaching a peak in our early 20s. By our mid-20s, collagen production begins to slow gradually by approximately 1% per year as we age. As we move through our 30s, a more noticeable decline includes the appearance of fine lines and a slight loss of skin elasticity. Through our 40s and 50s, wrinkles deepen, skin thins, and joint stiffness increases. By the time we reach our 60s, we experience pronounced skin sagging, thinning hair, brittle nails, slower healing, increased joint discomfort, and weaker bones.
The Different Types of Collagen and Why They Matter There are at least 28 types of collagen, but three are most relevant to human health. Each type serves a specific purpose:
- Type I – Skin, Bones, Tendons
- Makes up ~90% of your body’s collagen
- Found in skin, bones, ligaments, and tendons
- Supports skin elasticity and reduces wrinkles
- Strengthens bones and tendons
- Best for: Anti-aging, skin health, bone density
- Type II – Joints and Cartilage
- Found mainly in cartilage
- Supports joint health and flexibility
- Helps reduce symptoms of osteoarthritis
- Best for: Joint support, inflammation reduction
- Type III – Organs and Skin
- Often found alongside Type I
- Found in skin, blood vessels, and internal organs
- Supports gut health and cardiovascular integrity
- Best for: Skin, gut, and cardiovascular support
The Body’s Cells that Produce Collagen
- Fibroblasts (found in the skin’s dermal layers): produce Types I and III collagen.
- Chondrocytes (found in cartilage): produce Type II collagen
Our bodies can’t absorb collagen in its whole, intact form. It must be broken down (hydrolyzed) into small particles (peptides) with specific combinations of amino acids that are specific for different types of collagen. Example: Type II collagen does not stimulate Type III collagen to support the skin.
Key Cofactors That Support Collagen Production Taking collagen alone isn’t always enough — your body also needs certain cofactors to use it effectively. A cofactor is a substance, often derived from vitamins, that is required for an enzyme to function properly. Cofactors assist enzymes by facilitating biological chemical reactions. Vitamin C specifically, is an important cofactor for collagen synthesis:
- Collagen Synthesis: Collagen is made up of three polypeptide chains that must undergo a biological reaction to become functional. Vitamin C is a cofactor for the enzymes which are responsible for this reaction. This modification is essential for the stability and strength of the collagen fibers.
- Strengthening Connective Tissues: Without sufficient vitamin C, collagen production is impaired, leading to weakened connective tissues. This could affect the skin, joints, tendons, ligaments, and even bones.
- Type II Collagen Formation: Type II collagen is a major component of cartilage, especially in joints. Vitamin C specifically helps to ensure that Type II collagen fibers are correctly assembled and maintained in cartilage. Adequate vitamin C levels are important for maintaining the structural integrity of cartilage and preventing joint degradation.
- Vitamin C: Vitamin C is indispensable for the production of collagen, impacting connective tissue strength, elasticity, and ability to heal. Deficiency can lead to weakened tissues, poor wound healing, and a higher risk of injuries, making vitamin C an essential nutrient for maintaining optimal health.
Other cofactors are also important in a collagen product formulation:
- Zinc – Helps activate enzymes that make collagen.
- Copper – Supports cross-linking of collagen fibers for strength and stability.
- Hyaluronic Acid – Boosts skin hydration and helps with collagen retention.
Powder vs. Liquid Collagen: What’s the Best Form? Powdered formulations contain a higher amount of collagen, various types of collagen, and are more versatile and economical. While liquids could potentially be more convenient, they don’t typically contain different types, or the quantities needed to produce results. Liquid collagen is typically overpriced, as you’re mainly paying for water!
How Much Collagen Do You Need? The amount of collagen you need, through a combination of diet and supplementation, depends on your age, health goals, and diet.
General Daily Guidelines:
- 5–10 grams: Skin elasticity, hair, nails, and basic support
- 10–20 grams: Joint health, muscle recovery, and more intensive anti-aging benefits
- Up to 30 grams: For athletes, injury recovery, or therapeutic needs (under medical guidance)
It’s best taken consistently — results often become noticeable after 4 to 8 weeks of daily use.
Collagen supplementation isn’t just a trend, it’s a powerful way to support your body from the inside out. Whether you’re looking to smooth fine lines, ease joint discomfort, strengthen bones, or improve gut health, the right collagen, whether Types I and III for hair, skin, and nails, or Type II for joints and cartilage — supported by key cofactors like vitamin C — can help you feel and look your best.
Sisel Elevates Collagen to a Whole New Level
The Complete Guide to Collagen Sisel Elevates Collagen to a Whole New Level Our amazing CollagenB3™ formulation is packed with additional beneficial ingredients to optimize effectiveness and absorption.
CollagenB3™ is a unique, synergistic blend of Collagen Protein, MCT Oil, Hyaluronic Acid, Chaga, with a Mineral Complex, plus Amino Acids, Cordyceps, Magnesium, and Ginseng to help you look, think, and feel amazing. Contains Collagen Types I, II and III.*
Does one type of collagen do it all?
- Different Collagen Types = Different Structures and Roles Collagen isn’t just one single protein — it’s a family of proteins, each with a unique amino acid sequence and structure, which determines where it’s used in the body and what it does.
- Type I and III form tight, strong fibers ideal for skin, hair, nails, bones, and tendons.
- Type II forms a loose, mesh-like, cushioning network perfect for absorbing shock in cartilage, such as in joints in area like knees and spinal discs.
- Type II Is Not Found in Skin, Hair, or Nails Your skin, hair, and nails are made up primarily of:
- Type I collagen (about 80–90% in the skin)
- Type III collagen (especially in youthful skin) But Type II collagen is almost exclusively found in cartilage, not in the dermis or nail beds. So even if you consume Type II, it’s unlikely to be used by the body to support skin or hair structures.
- The Body Uses Collagen Amino Acids Where They’re Needed Most When you take a collagen supplement, it’s broken down into amino acids. Your body will rebuild those amino acids into specific collagen types depending on:
- Where it’s needed
- The cofactors available If you supplement with Type II collagen, you’re primarily providing the body with the raw materials to rebuild cartilage, which supports joint health. If you supplement with Types I and III collagen, you’re aiding skin rejuvenation, hair growth, and stronger nails.
The inclusion of all three types of collagen is a distinguishing factor compared to single-type formulations. Look for a supplement containing Types I, II, and III collagen for overall wellness. Sisel CollagenB3 has all 3!
Last Updated on September 15, 2025 by Katie Sisel Distributor
