What Is Collagen and Why It Matters for Skin Health?

About Dr. Veerander Ghotra

Dr. Ghotra is a qualified medical doctor and skin ageing expert with a Master’s degree in Skin Ageing & Aesthetic Medicine from the University of Manchester. His thesis focused on the role of oral collagen supplements in reversing signs of cutaneous ageing, and he is passionate about combining science, technology, and clinical artistry to restore skin health.

Collagen is the foundation of youthful, healthy skin—yet most people don’t know what it actually is, how it works, or what types exist. In this guide, Dr. Veerander Ghotra, skin ageing expert and aesthetic physician, explains the basics of collagen structure, types, and why it plays such a critical role in your skin's firmness and elasticity.

What is collagen?

Collagen is a structural protein that provides strength, elasticity, and volume to the skin and connective tissues. It forms the backbone of the dermis and helps maintain the skin’s youthful appearance.

• Collagen accounts for over 75% of skin’s dry weight

• It makes up 30% of total protein in the human body

• Produced by fibroblasts, mainly in the dermis

What is the structure of collagen?

Collagen has a unique triple-helix structure, made up of three amino acid chains tightly coiled together.

• Each chain contains repeating sequences rich in glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline

• These helices form fibrils, which bundle into collagen fibers

• The tightly packed structure gives collagen its tensile strength and resilience

The stability of collagen’s triple helix is critical for maintaining dermal integrity and is affected by UV exposure and oxidative stress.

(Reference: Lodish et al., Molecular Cell Biology)

How many types of collagen are there?

There are 28 known types of collagen, classified based on their structure and function. The most common types in the skin are fibrillar collagens, which form long, rope-like fibers.

Main categories of collagen:

• Fibrillar collagens – Type I, II, III, V, XI (form structural fibers)

• FACITs (Fibril-Associated Collagens with Interrupted Triple Helices) – Type IX, XII, XIV (regulate fiber formation)

• Network-forming collagens – Type IV, VII (form anchoring networks)

• Transmembrane collagens – Type XIII, XVII (found in skin and hair follicle cells)

Types of collagen in the skin

The skin contains several types of collagen, each with a unique role in maintaining structure and resilience. Type I collagen is the most abundant, making up about 80–90% of the skin’s collagen and providing strength and firmness. Type III collagen supports elasticity and is often found alongside Type I, especially in youthful skin. Type VII collagen helps anchor the epidermis to the dermis, reinforcing skin stability, while Type VI collagen plays a key role in organizing collagen fibers and supporting the dermal matrix. Together, these collagen types form the foundation of healthy, youthful skin.

Figure 1: The image illustrates the four main types of collagen in the skin—Type I, III, IV, and VII—highlighting their specific roles in providing strength, elasticity, and structural support. Type I and III work synergistically to give your skin both strength and stretch (Reference: Ricard-Blum, 2011; Watson et al., 2001)

Why is collagen important for your skin?

Collagen is the main protein responsible for your skin’s strength, hydration, and elasticity. Without it, skin becomes thin, loose, and wrinkled.

Key roles

• Maintains the dermal matrix (support structure of the skin)

• Gives skin its firmness and bounce

• Helps the skin heal after injury or treatments

• Keeps moisture locked into the deeper skin layers

How does collagen change with age?

Collagen production naturally declines as you age, and the rate of degradation increases with UV exposure, smoking, and hormonal changes.

Statistics:

• Starts declining at age 25

• Decreases by 1% per year

• Women lose up to 30% of collagen within 5 years of menopause

• Collagen in photoaged skin is fragmented and disorganized

(Reference: Shuster et al., 1975; Fisher et al., 1997)

FAQs: Collagen for Skin

Is collagen only important for older adults?

No. Collagen is essential at all ages. Supporting collagen early helps maintain firmness and prevent premature ageing.

Can collagen be restored naturally?

Yes. Collagen can be stimulated using microneedling, lasers, PRP, and biostimulatory injectables. Retinoids and antioxidants also protect existing collagen.

Are all collagen types used in skincare?

No. Most skincare and supplements focus on Type I and III, which are dominant in the skin. Type VII and VI are important structurally but not often supplemented.

Trust Your Skin to a Collagen Expert

At DocVeer Clinic, we use advanced skin imaging and evidence-based treatments to:

• Analyze your collagen levels

• Recommend personalized collagen-stimulating therapies

• Use high-quality oral supplements where appropriate

• Monitor changes in skin structure over time

Book your Collagen Skin Consultation today at DocVeer Clinic, near Amsterdam.

Message us or call to begin your journey to smoother, firmer skin—guided by science