What is collagen good for? A guide to skin, hair and health

Collagen has become a buzzword in both the beauty and health worlds – and for good reason. It is one of the body's most important building blocks and plays a central role in everything from the elasticity of the skin to the strength of your joints, muscles and bones. But what exactly is collagen? And what is collagen good for in practice?

In this blog, we dive into everything you should know – and give you inspiration on how you can integrate collagen into your beauty routine. We take a closer look at how collagen affects your skin's glow and elasticity, what it means for hair health and growth, and why it also plays a role in your digestion, recovery and general well-being.

Whether you want to prevent signs of aging, boost your hair growth or support the body from the inside, collagen is an ingredient you shouldn't overlook. And the best part? You don't have to choose between skin care and diet – with the right products, you can give your body collagen both from the inside and the outside.

What is collagen?

Collagen is a protein that the body naturally produces and which is found in large quantities in connective tissue, skin, bones, tendons and cartilage. It acts as a kind of "glue" in the body and helps to keep structures strong and elastic. In fact, collagen makes up about 30% of the body's total protein content.

With age, the body's ability to produce collagen decreases - and this is when the first signs of aging such as wrinkles, sagging skin and joint problems begin to appear. This is why many choose to add collagen through diet, nutritional supplements or skin care.

Collagen exists in several types, with types I, II and III being the most common. Type I is particularly important for skin, hair and nails, while type II is primarily found in articular cartilage. When the body no longer produces enough collagen, you can experience everything from reduced flexibility to more visible signs of aging. By supporting collagen production from the outside – for example with products targeted at skin and hair – you can help to slow down or reduce the age-related changes.

Collagen for the skin – more than just anti-aging

The most well-known effect of collagen is probably its ability to improve the appearance of the skin. Collagen helps to keep the skin firm, plump and smooth. When collagen levels decrease, the skin loses its elasticity and fine lines and wrinkles become more visible.

Products like Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream 110ml is developed to give the skin a daily boost of collagen. The cream works in depth and leaves the skin hydrated and supple - perfect as part of your daily skin care routine, especially if you want to counteract visible signs of ageing.

What is collagen good for besides the skin?

Collagen also plays an important role elsewhere in the body – here are some of the most important areas:

Joints and cartilage: 

Collagen helps maintain flexibility and suppleness in your joints. A low level can lead to stiffness and pain, especially with age. Many find relief by supplementing with collagen, especially if they suffer from osteoarthritis or other joint problems.

Bone mass:

Collagen contributes to strong bones and prevents osteoporosis. It acts as the "scaffolding" the calcium adheres to, and without enough collagen the bones become more porous and fragile.

Muscles: 

Collagen proteins are necessary to maintain muscle mass, especially with age. At the same time, it helps with recovery after exercise and can help prevent injuries in physically active people.

Digestion: 

Collagen strengthens the intestinal mucosa and can therefore have a positive effect on digestion. It is thought to help especially with conditions such as leaky gut, where the intestinal wall is weakened.

Hair and nails: 

In addition to the skin, collagen is also beneficial for the hair and nails, where it can counteract fragility, promote growth and strengthen the overall structure.

Collagen for the hair – strength from root to tip

If you suffer from brittle, lifeless or broken hair, collagen can be your new best friend. Collagen strengthens both the hair strands and the scalp, and it contributes to healthy hair growth by stimulating blood circulation and nourishing the hair roots.

This means fewer broken hairs, less hair loss and more shine. Collagen also helps maintain the moisture balance in the scalp, which can prevent irritation and dryness.

Especially during periods of stress, hormonal fluctuations or change of season, when the hair often becomes weaker, collagen can be an important support. You can use it both in the form of nutritional supplements and hair care products that work directly on the scalp.

A good example is Aunt Jackie's Elixir Hair & Scalp Oil with Collagen 59ml, which combines collagen with nourishing oils to strengthen hair and scalp. Use the oil on the ends or as a treatment directly on the scalp - and feel the difference after a few weeks.

When and how should you use collagen?

There are many ways to use collagen, depending on your needs and goals. Here are some suggestions:

• As part of your morning routine: A day cream with collagen adds moisture and protects against early signs of aging. It's an easy way to start the day with a boost to the skin and ensure it feels supple and smooth throughout the day.
  

• In the evening: This is where the skin works best, and you can use a night mask like Medicube Collagen Night Wrapping Mask 75ml, which works intensively while you sleep. It is especially effective if you experience dry or flabby skin, as night is the body's natural regeneration time.
  

• As a dietary supplement: Collagen is also available in powder or capsule form and can be taken daily as a supplement to your skin and body care. It is a good option if you want to strengthen the skin from the inside and at the same time support joints, bones and hair growth.
  

• As part of your weekly routine: In addition to daily care, you can use collagen-containing masks or oils a few times a week as extra pampering - especially during periods of stress, fatigue or dry air.
  

Remember that the effect of collagen builds up over time. By combining several products - for example both cream, oil and night mask - you can give the skin, hair and body the best conditions to maintain strength, elasticity and glow. Be patient and consistent and you will gradually start to feel and see the difference.

Who benefits from collagen?

Collagen can be relevant for many, but especially if you:

• Are 30+ and want to prevent or reduce signs of aging – the body's natural collagen production already falls from the age of 25-30, and this is when the first signs begin to appear.

• Experience dry or flabby skin - collagen can help restore the skin's elasticity and moisture balance.

• Have joint or muscle pain - people with osteoarthritis or muscular tension often experience an improvement with daily collagen supplementation.

• Want healthier hair and nails – collagen contributes to strengthening hair roots and nail structure, which can reduce broken nails and hair loss.

• Trains a lot and will support the body's recovery – collagen helps to rebuild tissue, prevent overload and promote recovery after hard training.

Also people with digestive problems or a tendency to frequent injuries can benefit from supplementing with collagen. It's never too early to start thinking about collagen - and certainly not too late.

Summary: What is collagen good for?

Collagen is an essential building block for your body, and it plays a decisive role in the elasticity of the skin, the strength of the hair, the flexibility of the joints and much more. By integrating collagen into your daily routine – both inside and out – you can support the body in maintaining its strength, vitality and beauty.

At hairsouk.dk you will find a selection of carefully selected products with collagen that both care and strengthen. Whether you are looking for an effective face mask, a moisturizing cream or a nourishing hair oil, you can find something to suit your routine and your needs.