Collagen
What is collagen.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body, accounting for approximately 30% of total protein content. It provides structural support to skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and connective tissue.
In the skin specifically, collagen comprises roughly 75–80% of the dry weight. It forms a dense network in the dermis — the structural layer beneath the epidermis — providing firmness, elasticity, and hydration. When this network weakens, the visible result is fine lines, sagging, and reduced skin resilience.
Why collagen declines.
From the mid-twenties, the body’s natural collagen production begins to decline at an estimated rate of 1–1.5% per year. By age 40, the body has lost approximately 10–20% of its collagen. By 60, that figure rises to 30–40%.
The decline is accelerated by UV exposure, smoking, high sugar intake, chronic stress, and poor sleep. Menopause causes a sharp acceleration — women lose approximately 30% of their skin collagen in the first five years post-menopause.
This decline is not cosmetic alone. Collagen loss affects joint flexibility, bone density, gut lining integrity, and cardiovascular structure. Skin changes are the most visible marker of a systemic process.
Types of collagen.
The human body contains at least 28 identified types of collagen. Three account for the vast majority of collagen in the body:
| Type | % of body collagen | Primary location | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type I | ~90% | Skin, bone, tendon, ligament, teeth | Structural strength and skin firmness |
| Type II | ~10% | Cartilage, vitreous humour | Cushioning and joint flexibility |
| Type III | ~5–10% | Skin, blood vessels, organs | Skin elasticity and vascular structure |
For skin health, Type I and Type III are the most relevant. Type I provides tensile strength. Type III provides elasticity. Both decline with age.
Marine vs bovine collagen.
The two most common supplemental collagen sources are marine (fish) and bovine (cattle). They differ in collagen type, molecular weight, bioavailability, and environmental profile.
| Factor | Marine collagen | Bovine collagen |
|---|---|---|
| Primary types | Type I and Type III | Type I and Type II |
| Source | Fish skin and scales | Cattle hide and bone |
| Molecular weight | Lower (~3,000–5,000 Da) | Higher (~5,000–300,000 Da) |
| Bioavailability | Higher — smaller peptides absorb more efficiently | Lower — larger peptides require more breakdown |
| Skin relevance | Direct match — Type I and III are primary skin collagens | Partial match — Type II is primarily cartilage |
| Absorption rate | Up to 1.5x faster than bovine (peptide size dependent) | Standard absorption rate |
| Common use case | Skin, hair, nails | Joints, gut, general |
| Allergen | Fish | None (unless dairy cross-contamination) |
| Halal/Kosher | Generally compliant (fish source) | Requires specific certification |
Marine collagen’s advantage for skin applications is the combination of relevant collagen types (I and III) and superior bioavailability due to lower molecular weight. The smaller peptide chains are absorbed more efficiently in the gut and distributed to the dermis.
Hydrolysed collagen peptides.
Raw collagen is a large, insoluble protein that the body cannot absorb efficiently. Hydrolysis is the process of breaking collagen into smaller peptide chains using enzymes or controlled heat. The resulting hydrolysed collagen peptides are typically 2,000–5,000 Daltons in molecular weight — small enough to be absorbed through the intestinal wall and into the bloodstream.
Studies using radiolabelled collagen peptides have shown that ingested peptides reach the skin within 4–8 hours of consumption. Once in the dermis, they act as both building blocks and signalling molecules — stimulating fibroblasts to produce new collagen.
Not all hydrolysed collagen is equal. The degree of hydrolysis, source material, and peptide profile all affect efficacy. Marine-derived peptides tend to have lower molecular weights and a narrower peptide distribution, which may contribute to their higher absorption rates.
Dose and efficacy.
The dose of collagen per serving is one of the most important variables in supplementation efficacy. Published studies on skin health have used the following dose ranges:
| Dose range | Study findings | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| 2,500–5,000mg | Some improvement in skin hydration; limited elasticity data | 8–12 weeks |
| 5,000–10,000mg | Measurable improvements in skin elasticity, hydration, and wrinkle depth | 8–12 weeks |
| 10,000–15,000mg | Significant improvements across multiple skin parameters; higher compliance correlation with results | 8–24 weeks |
Most collagen supplements on the UK market deliver 5,000–10,000mg per serving. Products at the lower end of this range may support general collagen maintenance but fall below the doses associated with measurable skin improvement in published research.
Aura delivers 15,000mg of hydrolysed marine collagen per 25ml shot — exceeding the upper range used in published studies. This dose was chosen to maximize efficacy within a single daily serving.
The supporting nutrients.
Collagen synthesis in the body requires specific co-factors. Without adequate levels of these nutrients, ingested collagen peptides cannot be efficiently utilised. The following play direct roles:
| Nutrient | Role in collagen/skin biology | Mechanism |
|---|---|---|
| Vitamin C | Essential for collagen synthesis | Co-factor for prolyl and lysyl hydroxylase enzymes that stabilise collagen structure |
| Zinc | Supports skin cell division and repair | Required for metalloproteinase regulation and wound healing |
| Biotin | Maintains skin, hair, and nail keratin | Co-factor for carboxylase enzymes in fatty acid and amino acid metabolism |
| Vitamin A | Regulates skin cell turnover | Activates retinoid receptors that control epidermal renewal |
| Vitamin D3 | Supports skin barrier function | Regulates keratinocyte differentiation and antimicrobial peptide production |
| Selenium | Protects against oxidative damage | Component of glutathione peroxidase, a key antioxidant enzyme |
| Vitamin K2 | Supports tissue mineralisation | Activates matrix Gla protein, supporting calcium metabolism alongside D3 |
| Pantothenic acid | Energy metabolism for skin cells | Precursor to Coenzyme A, essential for cellular energy production |
A collagen supplement without adequate supporting nutrients provides raw material without the tools the body needs to use it. The formulation approach matters as much as the dose.
EFSA-authorised claims.
All health claims referenced on this website are authorised by the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) under Regulation (EC) No 1924/2006. The specific language used — “contributes to”, “supports”, “maintains” — reflects the legally required phrasing for food supplement claims in the UK and EU.
Collagen itself does not currently have an approved EFSA health claim. The claims made relate to the vitamins and minerals included in the formula (Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation, Biotin contributes to maintenance of normal skin, etc.).
This is a food supplement. It is not a medicine. It should not be used as a substitute for a varied and balanced diet and healthy lifestyle.