What is collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It makes up your connective tissues that support your joints and gives our skin its strength and elasticity. It also plays an important role in your hair, nails, bones, and intestinal lining. Collagen isn’t considered a complete protein since it doesn’t contain all nine essential amino acids. However, it’s a unique type of protein that gets the majority of its structure from two amino acids our bodies produces: glycine and proline.

As we age, collagen production slows. This gradual loss of collagen starts in the late 20s and early 30s. It’s one of the major contributors to the aging process. The most noticeable sign is skin looking less pump, which brings with it fine lines and wrinkles. Aside from age, many lifestyle factors play a role in diminishing collagen in the body. Exposure to sun, alcohol, and refined sugar all impact collagen production and speed up the aging process.