Looser skin, stiff joints, brittle nails… What if it all came from the same invisible thread: collagen?
Often cited as the “youth” active ingredient par excellence, collagen is in fact a vast family vast family of 28 different types of protein proteins. Each has its own structure, location and physiological role.
Let’s decode the main types of collagen and their benefits for skin, joints and body tissues.
What is collagen?
The collagen represents around 30% of the body’s proteins. A true biological glue (from the Greek kolla), it ensures the cohesion, elasticity and resistance of tissues.
Its emblematic triple helix – three coiled polypeptide chains – confers remarkable strength.
Fibrillar collagens fibrillar (types I, II, III, V and XI) form robust fibers in the extracellular matrix, while the non-fibrillar (types IV or X) adopt more flexible but equally essential network organizations.
Good to know : to promote natural collagen synthesis, ensure a sufficient intake of vitamin Can essential cofactor.
Type I collagen: the most abundant and structuring collagen
It is the the majority collagen in the human body.
Present in the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments and vascular and vascular walls, it provides firmness and tensile strength.
Type I collagen supplementation is particularly indicated for :
- Reduce the appearance of wrinkles and firm skin;
- Strengthen hair and nails ;
- Support bone bone densityespecially after the age of 40.
Type II collagen: the joint specialist
Located in the articular cartilagetype II collagen forms a network of fine, flexible fibrils that absorb pressure and limit friction.
It contributes to joint comfort and mobilityIt is particularly useful in cases of stiffness, intense sports or aging joints.
Type III collagen: the ally of suppleness and regeneration
Often associated with type I in the skin, type III collagen forms a flexible flexible mesh that promotes tissue regeneration and the vessel flexibility.
A supplement combining types I & III, in particular from hydrolyzed marine collagensupports :
- The skin regeneration (healing, post-dermatological procedures)
- The arterial flexibility and microcirculation
- A brighter, more even skin tone.
Type IV collagen: the basis of tissue membranes
Type IV forms a lattice within the basal membranes (under the epidermis, around vessels, kidneys or glands).
It ensures cohesion of the epithelial barrier and renal filtration.
It plays an essential role in selective tissue permeabilityeven though it is not used in consumer supplements.
Type V collagen: the fiber regulator
Present in small quantities, it regulates the size and organization of type I fibrils, notably in the cornea and skin.
Although rarely isolated, it is naturally present in marine and bovine collagen hydrolysates, contributing to structural structural regularity of the dermis.
Type X collagen: the engine of bone growth
Produced by chondrocytes, it is involved in the mineralization mineralization of cartilage and bone bone formationparticularly during growth or fracture repair.
Still reserved for biomedical researchresearch, it holds great promise in the fields of bone implants and regenerative dressings.
Other types of collagen: specialized roles
More than fifteen other types (VI, VII, VIII, IX, XI, XII, XIV, etc.) perform specific functions:
- Type VI muscle and connective tissue support
- Type VII epidermal-dermal anchorage
- Type IX and XII associated with cartilage
- Type XI present in nascent cartilage, in tandem with type II.
These “minor” collagens play an essential role in thefine tissue architecturebut are not yet available as supplements.
Summary table
Type | Main location | Main function | Complementary applications |
I | Skin, bones, tendons, ligaments | Resistance, firmness, elasticity | Beautiful skin, nails, hair, bone density |
II | Articular cartilage | Flexibility and pressure resistance | Joint comfort and mobility |
III | Skin, vessels, soft tissue | Flexibility, regeneration, vascular resistance | Skin suppleness, vascular support |
IV-V-X | Membranes, cornea, growth plate | Filtration, regulation, ossification | Research and biomaterials |
How to choose the right collagen?
The choice of collagen depends above all on your needs and objectives:
- Skin beauty & radiancetype I and III collagens, naturally present in skin, hair and nails (often of marine origin).
- Joints & mobility Type I, II and III collagens (generally of bovine origin) contribute to joint suppleness and comfort.
- Global support & tissue regeneration the multi-collagen alliance (types I, II, III, V and X) offers comprehensive action on skin, connective tissue and joints.
SASHINAH® – Beauty begins on the inside
At SASHINAH®we select collagens Peptan® type I and IIIrecognized for their puritytheir traceability and their bioavailability..
Designed with the body in mind.
Discover SASHINAH® supplements
Beauty Glow Essence — Peptan® marine collagen + Vitamin C + Hyaluronic acid
→ For firmer, more radiant and hydrated skin.
Synergy – Multi-collagen complex 5 types: Peptan® B (bovine), Peptan® F (marine), Colartix® (beef cartilage) and ESM® (eggshell membrane)
→ To support tissue structure, joint comfort and skin vitality.
Flexura – Peptan® bovine collagen + Glucosamine + MSM + Chondroitin + Vitamins C, D, E and B
→ To preserve mobility, joint suppleness and muscular comfort.
Sources
- Ricard-Blum S. The collagen family. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Biology. 2011;3(1):a004978. doi:10.1101/cshperspect.a004978.
- Shoulders MD, Raines RT. Collagen structure and stability. Annual Review of Biochemistry. 2009;78:929-958. doi:10.1146/annurev.biochem.77.032207.120833.
- Asserin J, et al. The effect of oral collagen peptide supplementation on skin moisture and the dermal collagen network. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2015. doi:10.1111/jocd.12174.
- Pappelbaum KI, et al. Oral collagen peptides and hair: insights from human hair follicle organ culture. Journal of Functional Foods. 2024;106124. doi:10.1016/j.jff.2024.106124.
*Food supplements are not a substitute for a varied and balanced diet or a healthy lifestyle.
The benefits mentioned are based on a number of clinical independent studies. The results may vary depending on the individual.






