Collagen is one of the key ingredients in cosmetic formulations due to its moisturizing and regenerating properties, among others.
Its ability to retain water molecules contributes to maintaining optimal moisture in the skin throughout the day, providing a more hydrated and smoother appearance. In addition to being a natural moisturizer, its ability to form a protective film helps reduce transepidermal water loss.
Collagen has also been shown to accelerate wound healing and promote tissue regeneration.
What is Fish Collagen?
Collagen is a crucial protein for the structure and elasticity of our body’s skin, bones, muscles, tendons and ligaments. Marine collagen is derived from the scales, skin and bones of marine fish. Which makes it a natural and sustainable source of this essential protein.
The primary structure of collagen consists of amino acids, mainly glycine (33%), proline and hydroxyproline (22%). The secondary structure is formed by amino acid chains grouped in a helix with three amino acids per turn.
Collagen Types
To date, up to 29 types of collagen have been characterized, however, more than 90% of the collagen in the whole body is of types I to V, with type I being the most abundant. Below are the tissues and organs where the most abundant collagen types can be found.
Type I Collagen
Marine collagen is mainly type I, which is the most abundant in the human body. This type of collagen is found in bones, tendons, ligaments, cornea and many connective tissues. It makes up approximately 85% of human skin, while type III collagen accounts for the remaining 15%.
Type II Collagen
Type II collagen is the main component of cartilage and is also present in intervertebral discs and in certain stages of embryonic development. It is found in large quantities in the vitreous humor of the eye, providing resistance to tissues during intermittent pressure. It is best known for its use in joint care and is also used to treat cosmetic issues such as cellulite, wrinkles and other signs of aging.
Type III Collagen
Its main function is to provide support to organs that expand, such as muscles, venous walls, intestines, skin and some glands. It is a molecule twice the size of type I and II collagens, and is the second most abundant. It is closely related to type I collagen.
Type IV Collagen
This collagen is found in the lens of the eye and is part of the filtering system in the capillaries and glomeruli of the kidney, helping to eliminate waste and excess water from the body. It is associated with proteoglycans and structural proteins, and is a component of the basement membrane of certain dermal cells that facilitate the filtration of substances.
Hydrolyzed fish collagen is rich in amino acids
Fish collagen stands out for its high content of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline, amino acids that are more efficiently absorbed by the human body compared to other types of collagen. These amino acids stimulate the cells of the skin, bones and connective tissues, in addition to promoting the production of new collagen. Marine collagen, extracted from the skin of wild fish from deep, cold waters, also contains a higher amount of essential amino acids compared to other collagens from fish or animals.
Benefits
Skin health : Marine collagen helps maintain skin elasticity and firmness, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Joint Health : It can improve joint health by providing the necessary structure and lubrication.
Hair and Nail Strengthening : Helps strengthen hair and nails, making them less prone to breakage and brittleness.
Bone Health : Contributes to bone density and overall bone health.
Digestion and Metabolism : Some studies suggest that marine collagen may help improve digestive health and speed up metabolism.
Fish Collagen in Cosmetics
Fish collagen has gained popularity in the cosmetic industry thanks to its numerous benefits for both skin and hair.
Skin: Marine collagen enhances skin hydration, improves elasticity, and helps reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Additionally, it promotes the production of natural collagen in the skin, giving it a more youthful and radiant appearance.
Hair: In hair care products, marine collagen strengthens the hair, shields it from external damage, and encourages healthy growth
Other Collagen Alternatives
Bovine collagen: It’s a type of collagen extracted mainly from the skin, bones and cartilage of cows. This type of collagen is especially rich in type I and type III collagen, which, like fish collagen, are essential for maintaining healthy skin, bones, tendons and ligaments.
Although it is also just as effective as fish collagen, its absorption rate may be slightly lower than that of fish collagen.
Moreover, in addition to the benefits for the skin, bovine collagen is very effective in supporting joint and bone health, aiding in the regeneration of cartilage and strengthening bones.
Bovine collagen is readily absorbed by the body, as it is the form of collagen closest to that found in humans. Type III collagen is found in muscles, vessels, arteries and organs, including the intestine. For this reason, bovine collagen is believed to be better for those suffering from intestinal problems. It is important for skin recovery, healing and elasticity. It is also one of the key components of the skin’s extracellular matrix, as well as supporting bone, cardiovascular, intestinal and digestive matrix health.
Fish Collagen or Bovine Collagen?
In reality, there is not a big difference between bovine collagen and fish collagen, and both have great benefits. However, as the names suggest, they are derived from different sources. Collagen is found throughout the animal kingdom, not just in humans. Bovine collagen comes primarily from cows. Marine collagen, on the other hand, comes from fish, mainly from scales and bones.
Chicken Collagen
We can also find chicken as another source of collagen, mainly chicken feet, a normally discarded source, which contain high levels of collagen that can be utilized. This variant is known as “Type II Collagen”, which is essential for joint health.
The production given by the limbs of this animal is beneficial for the skin. The proteins and amino acids present in collagen help improve skin elasticity, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. This is particularly important in aging, as the body’s natural production of this tissue decreases with age.
Offer the best of nature with our fish collagen, rich in essential amino acids for all-round health and vitality.
Contact our team for more information regarding any collagen supplements.
