Collagen is a type of protein. In fact, it’s the most abundant structural protein in animals. A structural protein is one that makes up the structure or framework of your cells and tissues Trusted Source.

There are 28 known types of collagen, with type I collagen accounting for 90% of the collagen in the human body .Trusted Source

Collagen is composed mainly of the amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. These amino acids form three strands, which make up the triple-helix structure characteristic of collagen (3Trusted Source).

Collagen is found in connective tissue, skin, tendons, bones, and cartilage. It provides structural support to tissues and plays important roles in cellular processes, including :

• tissue repair
• immune response
• cellular communication
• cellular migration, a process necessary for tissue maintenance

Connective tissue cells called fibroblasts produce and maintain collagen. As people grow older, their collagen becomes fragmented, fibroblast function becomes impaired, and collagen production slows .

These changes, along with the loss of another key structural protein called elastin, lead to signs of aging such as sagging skin and wrinkles.

Collagen uses

Your body naturally produces collagen, and you can consume it through dietary sources such as chicken skin and fish skin as well as collagen supplements.

Oral and topical collagen products like supplements and face creams are popular for treating signs of aging such as wrinkles, loss of skin hydration, and joint pain.

You can buy collagen in powder, capsule, and liquid form.

You can take it as a supplement or add it to beverages — both hot and cold — and foods such as oatmeal, yogurt, and energy balls.

Healthcare professionals also use collagen and collagen-based materials in the medical field, including in treating wounds, burns, and diabetic ulcers .

Additionally, cosmetics companies use collagen in products like moisturizers and serums because of its moisturizing and humectant properties .