Collagen — what it is and what is it good for

Updated July 14, 2026

You’ve probably noticed bottles of collagen supplements on store shelves, but do we actually know what collagen is?

What is collagen

The word “collagen” comes from the Greek for “glue-producing.” It makes up about a third of all protein produced in the human body and is essential for cell renewal. Collagen’s importance for skin is undeniable — in the skin’s deeper layers it forms a firm network of fibres that gives skin its elasticity and firmness. As we age, the body’s own ability to synthesize collagen gradually declines, and several external factors can speed this process up.

One of collagen’s main “enemies” is ultraviolet radiation from the sun. UV rays create free radicals in the body — unstable molecules that search for other molecules to bond with. When free radicals can’t find other radicals to pair with, they start attacking biologically active molecules, including collagen.

UV-A rays activate melanin, the pigment already present in the skin’s surface cells. This produces a tan that appears quickly but also fades quickly. UV-A also penetrates deeper into the skin and damages the cells (fibroblasts) that produce fibres — collagen and elastin. As a result, skin gradually loses elasticity and wrinkles start to appear. High doses of UV-A cause premature ageing.

UV-B rays stimulate new melanin production, which creates a longer-lasting tan within a few days. UV-B also activates cell division in the epidermis, contributing to its thickening. This protects skin from further UV exposure, but the process speeds up skin ageing and can contribute to damage of collagen fibres.

That’s why more and more people choose to supplement their collagen intake — to help maintain skin elasticity, support joints, and strengthen hair and nails.

Types of collagen

There are more than 20 types of collagen, but the first three are the most important for our body and beauty. Types I, II and III support skin, bones, teeth, joints, tendons, muscles, eyes, heart and blood vessels. Types I and III are most beneficial for beauty and skin, with type I being the most abundant. That’s why supplements aimed at skin, hair and nails most often contain type I and III collagen.

Type I SKIN · BONES · TENDONS · TEETH

The most abundant type of collagen in the body — forms the structural foundation of skin, bones and tendons.

Type II JOINTS · CARTILAGE

Found mainly in cartilage, it supports joint elasticity and flexibility.

Type III SKIN · BLOOD VESSELS · MUSCLES

Often found alongside type I, it supports skin firmness and blood vessel structure.

Collagen vs. gelatin — what’s the difference?

These two are often confused, but there’s a key difference between them.

Feature	Gelatin	Collagen (hydrolyzed)
Production	Partially broken down collagen, obtained by boiling	Fully broken down (hydrolyzed) collagen into smaller peptides
Solubility	Forms a gel	Does not form a gel
Nutritional value	Rich in protein and calories, but contains no collagen	Contains collagen — the key protein for skin, joints and ligaments

Where collagen comes from

Animal-derived collagen is obtained from the skin of cattle, chicken or pork, while marine collagen comes from fish bones, skin and scales. According to scientific studies, fish collagen is purer, safer and cleaner than animal-derived collagen. Most importantly, it’s very similar to what the human body produces naturally. Fish collagen contains many signalling peptides that stimulate cells to produce more collagen.

Collagen. Which one to choose

Which type or form of collagen you choose is up to you. It’s important to complete at least one full course — that’s when you’ll typically notice stronger nails, healthier hair, and more radiant skin. Of course, a varied, balanced diet and a healthy lifestyle matter too.

A well-known and convenient form is marine collagen powder, which is tasteless and easy to add to everyday drinks or food.

If you prefer a liquid form, Biovitup offers two concentrations — liquid marine collagen 10,000 mg for everyday use, or liquid marine collagen 12,500 mg for a higher concentration.