Our Protective Shield: Our Skin

The skin is the heaviest and largest organ of our body. More than just an aesthetic appearance, our skin is a hidden hero with many functions:

• Helps regulate body temperature.
• Hosts vitamin D production.
• Plays a role in the absorption and elimination of substances.

Most importantly, our skin acts as an incredible barrier protecting us from the outside world:

• Mechanical Barrier: Contributes to physical protection with its rapidly renewing keratin layer and sebum (skin oil).
• Chemical Barrier: Supports blocking external factors through sweat and other secretions.
• Immunological Barrier: Assists defense mechanisms through macrophage cells residing in the skin.
• UV Barrier: Supports protection against sun rays thanks to melanin pigment.

The health, strength, and flexibility of this protective shield fully depend on its main structure.

Our Skin Is in Constant Contact with Our Environment: Why Does Collagen Decrease?

Advancing age, smoking, excessive stress, air pollution, sun exposure, and inactivity can negatively affect the collagen balance that gives the skin elasticity and vitality.

Collagen is one of the key skeletal structures that keep skin tight, firm, and durable. When this structure weakens periodically, the following changes may be observed in the skin:

• Decreased elasticity due to loss of elastin and collagen
• Dryness, thickening, and loss of vibrancy in the skin
• Oxidation of barrier lipids and sensitivity to external factors
• Inflammatory processes, pigmentation spots, and wrinkle appearances

What Is Collagen and How Many Types Are There?

Collagen is a structural protein that makes up 25% of the total proteins in our body, holding tissues together. Although there are more than 20 types of collagen in the human body, four main types stand out:

• Type I Collagen: Constitutes the majority of collagen in the body. It supports the structure of skin, tendons, connective tissue, and bone. It is among the factors that determine the skin's strength and water retention capacity.
• Type II Collagen: Has looser fibers and is abundant in joints/cartilage structures.
• Type III Collagen: Found in the structure of muscles, internal organs, and blood vessels.
• Type IV Collagen: Located in the basal lamina, aiding liquid passage to the skin.

An Important Supporter: Vitamin C contributes to the normal collagen formation needed for the normal function of the skin. In case of vitamin C deficiency, the formation of bonds between collagen fibers may be negatively affected.

Factors Negatively Affecting Collagen Structure

Over the years, both the quality and quantity of collagen may decrease. Factors accelerating this process are:

• Sugar and Refined Carbohydrates: Can negatively affect collagen structure when consumed excessively.
• Sun Rays (UV): Intense exposure can damage collagen structure and trigger the "photo-aging" process.
• Lifestyle: Inactivity, insufficient water intake, irregular sleep, and poor stress management can affect collagen quality.

Sources of Type 1 and Type 2 Collagen

Collagens used as supplements are obtained from animal sources such as fish, beef, and chicken:

For Skin Support: Hydrolyzed Type 1 Collagen

Type 1 collagen obtained from fish and beef is presented in small molecular weight peptides (hydrolyzed).

Why Fish Collagen? Fish collagen's peptide structure is smaller than beef's. Because of its low molecular weight, it is more easily absorbed from the digestive system, has high bioavailability, and shows compatibility with skin structure.

Form Preference: Powder sachets or capsule forms that offer portability (e.g., Marine Collagen Powder Sachet or Marine Collagen Capsules) can be preferred according to the skin's periodic needs and easily incorporated into daily routines.

For Joint Support: Unmodified Type 2 Collagen

This type, obtained from chicken cartilage, is used in its natural form without hydrolysis. It interacts with immune cells in the intestines (Peyer's patches) and contributes to the "oral tolerance" mechanism. Thus, it helps balance sensitivity in the joint area and supports movement comfort.

Form Preference: Formulations containing patented unmodified Type 2 collagen (e.g., supplements containing UC-II) can be included in routine plans when joint health and cartilage tissue comfort are targeted.

The Place of Regular Collagen Use in Your Routine

• Skin, Hair, and Nails: Helps the skin appear smoother, more elastic, and stronger; supports cell renewal processes.
• Joint and Bone Health: Contributes to supporting tendon and ligament structures. Helps maintain joint comfort.
• Digestive System: Supports the intestinal wall and contributes to normal digestive functions.
• Eye Health: Helps protect the cornea structure.

What to Consider When Choosing and Using Collagen Supplements?

• Daily Amount: For effective support, a daily intake of at least 2000 mg of hydrolyzed collagen can be considered.
• Molecular Weight: Smaller collagen peptides under 3000 Dalton provide absorption advantages (absorption becomes easier as Dalton value decreases).
• Rich Content: Collagen supported by vitamin C, plant antioxidants, hyaluronic acid (for moisture retention), and elastin oligopeptides strengthens its mechanism of action.
• Usage Duration: According to studies, at least 2 months (8 weeks) of regular use is recommended to observe effects.
• Age and Gender Factor: Collagen deficiency can affect everyone regardless of gender. Therefore, it is suitable for use by both women and men. It can be included as a preventive from the 20s, and portion amounts can be increased after 40 years upon expert recommendation.