Collagen is often described as the glue that holds the body together, and with good reason. It accounts for roughly one-third of the body’s total protein and forms the structural framework for skin, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments and cartilage. But collagen is not a single uniform substance. In fact, scientists have identified at least twenty-eight different types, each performing unique roles in maintaining tissue strength and flexibility. The most common and widely studied forms are types I, II and III, which support everything from skin elasticity to joint comfort and muscle repair. Understanding these types of collagen can help you choose the right supplement for your personal wellness goals.
Want to learn more about how collagen supplements work and which type is right for you? Visit our [Collagen Guidance Hub] for answers to all the most commonly asked questions about this essential protein.
What Is Collagen and Why Does It Matter
Collagen is a fibrous protein made primarily from three amino acids: glycine, proline and hydroxyproline. These amino acids form a triple-helix structure that gives collagen its incredible strength and stability. Found throughout the body, collagen supports the shape and resilience of tissues, acting as a natural scaffold for everything from skin and hair to bones and organs.
The body naturally produces collagen, but this process slows with age, typically from the mid-twenties onwards. Factors such as UV exposure, smoking, stress and poor diet can accelerate collagen breakdown, leading to visible and physical signs of ageing. This is where collagen supplements can help, providing hydrolysed collagen peptides that the body can absorb and use to restore and maintain tissue integrity.
Type I Collagen: The Foundation of Skin, Bone and Tendons
Type I collagen is the most abundant form, making up around 90 percent of all collagen in the body. It is found in the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments and connective tissue. Its primary function is to provide tensile strength, meaning it helps tissues resist stretching and tearing. In the skin, type I collagen gives firmness and elasticity, maintaining smoothness and resilience against wrinkles and sagging.
Because of its structural role, type I collagen is often the focus of beauty and anti-ageing supplements. Marine collagen, sourced from fish, is especially rich in type I collagen and is prized for its small peptide size and high bioavailability. This makes it particularly effective for improving skin hydration, smoothness and overall tone. Bovine collagen also contains type I collagen, making it a versatile choice for both skin and joint support.
Type II Collagen: The Protector of Joints and Cartilage
Type II collagen is primarily found in cartilage, the flexible tissue that cushions joints and allows smooth movement. It also exists in the eyes and spinal discs. This type of collagen helps maintain the strength and elasticity of cartilage, preventing joint pain and stiffness. As we age, the natural decline of type II collagen contributes to discomfort during movement and reduced mobility.
Supplements containing type II collagen are particularly beneficial for joint health, especially for people who lead active lifestyles or experience wear and tear from repetitive motion. Chicken sternum collagen is a rich source of type II collagen and is often used in joint-targeted supplements. Studies have shown that type II collagen can help improve flexibility and reduce symptoms associated with joint degeneration.
Unlike type I collagen, which is best taken in hydrolysed peptide form, type II collagen is often consumed in its undenatured state. This helps modulate the body’s immune response, supporting cartilage repair and reducing inflammation in joint tissues.
Type III Collagen: The Supporter of Muscles, Blood Vessels and Organs
Type III collagen is found in muscles, blood vessels, skin and internal organs. It often works alongside type I collagen to maintain tissue elasticity and strength. In the skin, type III collagen supports structure and smoothness, while in blood vessels it helps maintain flexibility and circulation. It also contributes to the strength of muscles and connective tissue, making it a vital component for both aesthetic and functional health.
Bovine collagen, which contains both type I and type III collagen, is a popular choice for those seeking comprehensive support for skin, hair, nails, muscles and general wellbeing. By combining the two, it provides a more complete approach to maintaining youthfulness and mobility.
Beyond the Big Three: Lesser-Known Types of Collagen
While types I, II and III dominate most discussions, other types of collagen play essential roles in the body’s overall structure and function.
Type IV collagen forms the base layer of the skin and supports filtration systems in organs such as the kidneys. It helps create the basement membrane that separates tissues and controls what passes between them.
Type V collagen is found in hair, the cornea of the eye and the placenta. It helps form and maintain the fine structures of these tissues.
Type X collagen supports bone formation and repair, particularly in the growth plates of developing bones. It plays a crucial role in bone health and regeneration, especially during healing after injury.
Though these types are less commonly discussed, they contribute to the body’s complex collagen network, ensuring structural integrity from head to toe.
How the Different Types Work Together
The body’s various types of collagen do not work in isolation. Instead, they form an interconnected system that maintains stability and elasticity across tissues. Type I and III collagen often work together in the skin, while type II and X support cartilage and bone development. This coordination ensures that tissues remain strong, hydrated and able to repair themselves after strain or damage.
This is why high-quality collagen supplements often contain a combination of types I, II and III, delivering broad support for beauty, mobility and overall wellness. By replenishing multiple collagen forms at once, they mimic the natural diversity of the body’s own collagen network.
How Collagen Supplements Deliver These Benefits
When collagen supplements are consumed, the large collagen molecules are broken down into hydrolysed collagen peptides through a process called hydrolysis. These smaller peptides are more easily absorbed through the digestive tract and enter the bloodstream, where they can be transported to the skin, joints, muscles and other tissues.
Once absorbed, the body uses these peptides as both building blocks and messengers. They supply amino acids like glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, which are essential for collagen synthesis, and they also signal fibroblasts, the body’s collagen-producing cells, to increase production. This process helps maintain the balance between collagen breakdown and renewal.
Different collagen types have different peptide structures, meaning the body can use them in targeted ways depending on where they are needed most. This is why a balanced collagen supplement containing multiple types can provide the most comprehensive benefits.
Choosing the Right Type of Collagen for Your Goals
The best collagen supplement for you depends on your individual health and beauty goals. If your focus is on skin, hair and nails, marine collagen rich in type I is ideal. For joint health and mobility, choose a supplement containing type II collagen from chicken or bovine sources. If you want all-round support for skin, muscle and connective tissue, bovine collagen with both types I and III is a versatile option.
It is also important to choose hydrolysed collagen peptides for maximum absorption and to combine them with vitamin C, which is essential for collagen synthesis. A diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats and hydration will further enhance your results.
Collagen Decline and the Importance of Supplementation
Collagen production begins to decline naturally in your twenties and can drop by about one percent each year. Lifestyle factors such as smoking, stress and excessive sun exposure accelerate this loss by increasing the production of free radicals that damage collagen fibres. Over time, this leads to sagging skin, joint stiffness and weakened connective tissue.
Supplementing with collagen helps offset this decline by supplying bioavailable peptides that the body can use to rebuild and maintain its collagen network. Consistent use over several months can lead to visible and measurable improvements in both appearance and comfort.
The Future of Collagen Science
Ongoing research continues to uncover new collagen types and their roles in the body. Scientists are developing advanced collagen formulations that target specific tissues, such as cartilage or bone, for more personalised results. Sustainability is also becoming a major focus, with marine and plant-based collagen alternatives offering environmentally friendly options for consumers.
Innovations such as smaller peptide sequences, enhanced delivery systems and combined formulations with nutrients like hyaluronic acid or coenzyme Q10 are expected to shape the next generation of collagen products. The goal is to make collagen not only more effective but also more accessible and sustainable.
Conclusion
Collagen is not a single substance but a family of proteins that work together to keep your body strong, flexible and youthful. Types I, II and III are the most abundant and beneficial, each supporting different areas of health, from skin to joints and muscles. By understanding how these types function and choosing a supplement that matches your personal goals, you can make the most of collagen’s remarkable potential.
If you’re looking for a simple way to support your collagen levels, our collagen gummies offer a delicious and easy alternative to powders or tablets, perfect for your daily beauty and wellness routine.
Share:
The Science of Collagen Peptides: How They Work in the Body
What Is Collagen and Why Does the Body Need It?