Collagen is a human’s most abundant protein, but what does collagen do in the body? It’s often referred to as the “glue” that holds your body together, so here’s our breakdown into the many ways collagen contributes to overall health and why it’s essential to your well-being.
What Does Collagen Do in the Body
Structure
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, found in your skin, bones, muscles, tendons, blood vessels, and cartilage. Think of it as the scaffolding that provides structure and strength to your body’s tissues. Whether you’re walking, running, or even just typing on your keyboard, collagen is behind the scenes, ensuring your body can move and function smoothly.
As we age, collagen production naturally decreases, leading to the visible and invisible signs of aging. Wrinkles, sagging skin, joint discomfort, and decreased muscle mass can all be linked to reduced collagen levels. This is why collagen is essential—not just for your appearance but for how your body operates on a daily basis.
Skin Health
One of collagen’s most well-known roles is in maintaining skin elasticity and hydration. This protein helps keep your skin firm and youthful, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As your body’s natural collagen production declines with age, the skin loses its elasticity, becoming more prone to sagging and showing signs of aging. That’s why collagen is often featured in skincare routines and anti-aging products—it’s all about keeping that youthful glow.
But collagen isn’t just a beauty booster. It helps repair and regenerate skin, making it essential for wound healing and even replacing dead skin cells. In short, it keeps your skin looking and feeling healthy from the inside out.
Joint Health and Mobility
Collagen is a key component of cartilage—the tissue that cushions your joints and prevents bones from rubbing against each other. It’s also what keeps your joints moving smoothly. As we age or engage in high-impact activities, our cartilage can wear down, leading to discomfort or even conditions like osteoarthritis.
Maintaining healthy collagen levels can improve joint flexibility and potentially reduce the pain associated with cartilage deterioration. It’s why many athletes and individuals with joint issues turn to collagen supplements to support joint function and mobility.
Building Strength from Within
While calcium often takes the spotlight for bone health, collagen is just as crucial. Collagen gives your bones their structure and helps maintain bone density, especially as you get older. For postmenopausal women, in particular, collagen can play a role in slowing down bone loss and reducing the risk of conditions like osteoporosis.
By acting as a support system for your bones, collagen helps maintain their strength and reduces the risk of fractures and injuries as we age.
Muscle Mass and Strength
Collagen also plays an important role in building and maintaining muscle mass. It’s a key component of skeletal muscle, helping to keep your muscles strong and functional. When combined with resistance training, collagen may help boost muscle mass and strength, making it a valuable part of an active lifestyle. This is particularly important as we age since natural muscle loss begins to accelerate after our 30s.
Why Supplement Collagen?
As collagen production naturally decreases with age, supporting your body’s collagen levels becomes more important. While your body can produce collagen on its own, lifestyle factors like diet and aging can influence how much your body creates.
Incorporating collagen-rich foods such as bone broth, fish, chicken, and egg whites into your diet can help, as can eating foods rich in vitamin C, zinc, and copper, which are important for collagen synthesis. Some people also choose to supplement with collagen to boost their levels and support skin, joint, and bone health.
While no single action can prevent the natural decline of collagen, supplementing with high-quality collagen can help maintain your body’s structure and function as you age.
If you’re considering adding collagen to your routine, explore our range of premium supplements here, designed to help you maintain your body’s structural integrity and stay resilient at any age. Discover the potential benefits of HSN Marine Collagen and start supporting your health from the inside out.