Collagen What’s? 5 Amazing Benefits for Clear Skin You Need to Know!

If you’re starting to feel that your skin is sagging, not as firm, or has tired-looking wrinkles, Collagen might be the solution you’re looking for. So, what exactly is collagen? Today, I (the doctor) will take you on a deep dive into collagen, from how it works, its types, and how to choose supplements, to the technologies that help stimulate collagen from within, along with the best methods to supplement it for optimal results.

What is Collagen?

Collagen is the most important protein in the body, accounting for about 30% of all proteins. Its function is to add strength and elasticity to the skin and various tissues. Collagen is like the “glue” that holds our body together. Without it, the skin loses its firmness and wrinkles form easily.

How Many Types of Collagen Are There? How Do They Differ?

Currently, more than 28 types of collagen have been discovered, but the main ones used in cosmetics include:

• Type I: The most abundant in the body. It helps strengthen the skin, reduce wrinkles, and slow down sagging (found in skin, tendons, bones).
• Type II: Found in cartilage, it helps with knee and other joints.
• Type III: Works with Type I to increase the elasticity of the skin and blood vessels.
• Type IV: Found in the basement membrane, the deep layer of skin cells.
• Type V: Found in hair, nails, and the placenta, it helps nourish and strengthen hair, skin, and nails.

Why Does Our Body Need Collagen?

During childhood and adolescence, the body produces collagen at its peak. However, after the age of 25, collagen production decreases by about 1% per year. This process accelerates with external factors such as UV sunlight, pollution, stress, insufficient rest, and poor dietary habits. This collagen deficiency leads to premature aging, wrinkles, and increased sagging.

How is Collagen Important to the Skin and Body?

From my years of experience caring for patients in dermatology and aesthetics, one of the main factors that make skin “look youthful” and “healthy from the inside out” is the level of collagen in the skin layer.

Collagen and the Skin:

About 70-80% of collagen is located in the middle layer of the skin (the Dermis). It helps increase elasticity, reduce sagging, fill in wrinkles, and retain moisture.

Collagen and Other Body Systems:

• Joints and Bones: Reduces friction in the joints.
• Blood Vessels: Prevents blood vessels from becoming fragile.
• Hair and Nails: Strengthened by Type V collagen.
• Muscles and Organs: Helps maintain the body’s structural integrity.

How Do Different Forms of Collagen Differ?

Currently, there are several ways to supplement collagen, including “oral,” “injectable,” “IV drips,” or “collagen-stimulating lasers from within.” Each method has its own advantages and limitations. Let’s look at each one.

1. Oral Collagen (Collagen Supplements)

• Formats: Powder for drinks, tablets, jellies, or ready-made drinks.
• Popular Types: Hydrolyzed Collagen / Collagen Peptide / Collagen Tripeptide.
• Pros: Easily absorbed, especially the hydrolyzed or peptide forms. Convenient and easy to take.
• Considerations: Results are slower than injections (around 4-8 weeks). Requires continuous consumption in appropriate amounts.

2. Injectable Collagen

• Formats: Intramuscular injection or intravenous (IV Drip) administration.
• Types Used: Collagen Extract or Hydrolyzed Collagen.
• Pros: The body absorbs it quickly, suitable for those needing short-term skin rejuvenation.
• Considerations: The results may not last long; repeat injections are needed every 2–4 weeks. Should only be performed by a specialized doctor for safety.

Read more: IV Drip Skin vitamin program that nourishes deep at the cellular level.

3. Stimulating Collagen from Within

Some people may not want to take or inject collagen directly. They can opt for procedures that stimulate the body to produce collagen on its own, such as:

• Ulthera Prime and Ultraformer III: Lifts the skin with ultrasound waves that penetrate deep to the SMAS layer.
• Oligio: High-frequency RF waves that tighten the skin and restore the collagen structure.
• Sylfirm X Plus: Targeted RF waves that address pores, redness, and deep collagen stimulation.
• Pros:
  • Stimulates natural collagen production.
  • Provides gradual but sustainable results.
  • Suitable for those who want firmer skin without injections.

Fish Collagen vs. Bovine Collagen: Which is Better?

• Marine Collagen (Fish): Has smaller molecules, is absorbed quickly, and is ideal for skin care.
• Bovine Collagen (Cow): High in Type I and III, more affordable. Currently, collagen that has undergone the Hydrolyzed process is popular because it allows the body to absorb it more easily, regardless of the source.

Who Should Start Supplementing with Collagen?

• Individuals aged 25 and over whose skin is beginning to degenerate.
• Those with dry skin, wide pores, or dull skin from pollution.
• Those with knee joint problems, or thin or deteriorating bones.
• People who get little rest, are stressed, or smoke.
• Those who have lost a significant amount of weight, to tighten the skin.

What Can Collagen Help With?

• Reduces wrinkles, firms up the skin for a youthful appearance.
• Increases moisture, plumps the skin, and minimizes pores.
• Reduces the problem of brittle hair and nails.
• Strengthens bones and joints.
• Boosts the immune system, promotes wound healing, and reduces inflammation in the body.

What Technologies Stimulate Collagen from Within?

• Ulthera Prime: Fast-acting ultrasound waves with a system to visualize skin layers during treatment.
• Ultraformer III: Covers both face and body, provides lifting and is suitable for deep-seated problems.
• Oligio: Less painful RF with quick results.
• Sylfirm X Plus: Dual Wave RF that reduces redness, melasma, and freckles, and stimulates skin brightening.

For these procedures, you should consult a doctor to choose the one that suits your skin problem, age, and desired results. I recommend starting with a detailed skin analysis first.

How to Take Collagen for the Best Results

Many people start taking collagen hoping it will give them beautiful skin, a clear face, and fewer wrinkles. But if taken incorrectly, you might not see the expected results. I will recommend the correct techniques for taking collagen to “truly” get results:

When is the best time to take collagen?

• On an empty stomach. This is when the body absorbs it best, especially in the morning before a meal or before bed.
• Taking it with a lot of food in the stomach may reduce its absorption efficiency.

What should you take it with for better absorption?

Vitamin C

An essential co-factor necessary for the body’s process of creating new collagen. It is recommended to take collagen with vitamin C or choose a product that already contains it.

Other nutrients that support its function

• Zinc: Helps in wound healing and skin regeneration.
• Biotin: Strengthens hair and nails.
• Amino acids like Glycine, Proline, Lysine: These are the basic building blocks of collagen.

Recommended Daily Dosage

• For Hydrolyzed or Peptide collagen, a daily intake of 2,500–10,000 milligrams (mg) is recommended, depending on the formula and objective.
• Taking too much may not provide additional benefits and some people might experience minor side effects like bloating.

Behaviors that Reduce Collagen Production Efficiency

• Smoking and drinking alcohol.
• Consuming high amounts of sugar or refined carbohydrates.
• Staying up late, insufficient rest.
• Not protecting the skin from sunlight.

If you are going to invest in taking collagen, you should also adjust your behaviors to see clear results. For those who want faster results and want to be sure their body is receiving collagen, [this is recommended].

Is It True? Taking Collagen Causes Acne.

Some people get acne from products containing sugar or synthetic substances. You should choose a sugar-free formula. If you have sensitive skin, medical technologies like Oligio, Sylfirm X Plus, or IV Drips are recommended instead.

Why do some people get acne from taking collagen?

• Other ingredients in the product: Some formulas have high sugar content or artificial sweeteners like sucralose. Sugar can trigger inflammation and cause acne in people with oily or sensitive skin.
• Detox Reaction: During the first 1–2 weeks of starting collagen, the body may expel waste or residual substances through the skin, which can manifest as acne. This is usually temporary and improves as the body adjusts.
• Poor gut health, incomplete absorption: People with intestinal or digestive issues may experience bloating or allergic rashes, leading to poor collagen absorption and an accumulation of substances that trigger skin inflammation.

How to Prevent and Cope

• Choose collagen products that are sugar-free or have no artificial flavorings.
• If you have a history of seafood allergies or inflammatory acne, start with a small dose and consult a doctor first.
• Combine it with drinking enough water and getting adequate rest.

Is Taking Collagen for Too Long Dangerous?

It is generally safe when not exceeding 10,000 mg per day. It should be taken in cycles of 2–3 months, followed by a 1-month break, for safety.

Are There Negative Effects of Taking Too Much Collagen?

Symptoms that may occur in some individuals:

• Bloating, nausea, especially if taken on a full stomach or in excessive amounts.
• Acne breakouts / oilier skin (if the product contains sugar or flavorings).
• Increased workload for the liver and kidneys, especially for those with pre-existing conditions related to waste elimination systems.

Should you take a break from collagen?

• Generally, you should take a break every 2–3 months to let your body rest. Some may choose a cycle of “take for 3 months, break for 1 month.”
• During the break, you can focus on other skin care methods like [IV Drip] or Skin Quality treatments for deep internal nourishment.

Who should not take it continuously?

• Those with liver, kidney, or weak digestive system diseases.
• Those who are pregnant or breastfeeding (should always consult a doctor first).
• Those with a history of seafood allergies (especially for fish-based collagen).

Do You Have to Take Collagen Forever?

It is not necessary to take it for the rest of your life. If you take good care of your skin, combined with [IV Drip] or collagen-stimulating procedures, it is sufficient.

Taking collagen in cycles is best. To get continuous good results without taking it forever, I recommend this model:

• Take it in a course of 2–3 months, then take a 1-month break to let the body rebalance.
• During the break, you can focus on external skin care or supplementary procedures.
• If you start experiencing dry or tired skin, or lack of rest during any period, you can resume supplementation.

If I stop taking it, will my skin go back to being bad?

• Your skin will not worsen immediately. However, without the collagen supplement, the body will return to its natural aging process.
• If you continue to have insufficient rest, drink little water, or are frequently exposed to the sun, your skin may deteriorate more quickly.

If you are someone who dislikes taking supplements regularly or is concerned about long-term safety, I recommend [IV Drip, Ulthera Prime, Ultraformer III, Oligio, Biostimulator].

Is Collagen Safe? Are There Side Effects?

It is generally safe, but should be avoided if you have seafood allergies or pre-existing liver and kidney conditions. It’s recommended to always consult a doctor first.

Potential Side Effects (uncommon):

• Gastrointestinal symptoms: Bloating, nausea, stomach discomfort, usually caused by taking too high a dose or taking it on a full stomach.
• Acne: If the collagen contains high amounts of sugar or artificial flavorings. Some bodies may experience a hormonal response or a temporary expulsion of waste through the skin.
• Food allergic reaction: Especially in those allergic to fish, shrimp, or other seafood, they may be allergic to collagen from these sources. Symptoms may include a red rash, itching, chest tightness, or difficulty breathing (in severe cases).

If you experience any of the above symptoms, you should stop taking it immediately and consult a doctor.

How to Reduce the Risk of Side Effects:

• Choose collagen that is certified by the FDA and has a clear manufacturing source.
• Avoid formulas with excessive artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or synthetic flavors.
• Start with a small dose in the first week to see how your body reacts.

If you have pre-existing conditions such as kidney disease, liver disease, or severe allergies, I recommend consulting a doctor before taking any type of collagen. And if you are concerned about long-term safety, you might opt for medical aesthetic procedures that do not involve ingesting substances, such as [Filler, Botox, Ulthera Prime, Ultraformer III, Oligio, Sylfirm X Plus, IV Drip].

When Will I See Results? How Long Does It Take?

• Oral: 4–8 weeks.
• Injectable: 1–2 weeks.
• Medical Technology: 1–3 months, with longer-lasting results.

My Recommendation:

• If you want to see results quickly, you should choose a combination of appropriate methods.
  • For example: Taking collagen + IV Drip + skin-stimulating procedures.
• Don’t expect “instant” results, as the skin needs time to generate new cells.

How Long Do the Results of Collagen Last?

• Oral: 1–2 months after stopping.
• Injectable: 2–4 weeks.
• Medical Technology: 6–12 months (depending on post-treatment care).

Tips to Extend the Results:

• Drink plenty of water, at least 1.5–2 liters per day.
• Avoid sunlight and use sunscreen every day.
• Eat a skin-healthy diet, such as fish, nuts, and fruits and vegetables.
• Undergo maintenance treatments like Skin Quality or IV Drip every 1–2 months.

Conclusion

Collagen is an essential protein that helps keep the skin firm, smooth, and youthful. However, as we age, the body’s collagen production decreases. Supplementing with collagen, whether through oral intake, injections, or stimulation with medical technology, is therefore a good option for sustainably caring for the skin from the inside out. You should choose products or services that are standardized, certified, and suitable for your individual skin condition for safe and effective results.

Medical Reviewer: Dr. Chaiwat Songsiriphan

COOLSCULPTING KOL [KEY OPINION LEADER]

• M.D., Chiang Mai University
• Cert. Laser and Aesthetic Skin Therapy (Harvard Medical School 2016)
• Cert. CoolSculpting University Seoul 2017
• Cert. Filler Injection Allergan Medical Institute

Over 10 years of experience in Aesthetic Dermatology

Latest Article Update: July 5, 2025