It is difficult to say that collagen is delivered directly to the skin. Then how can we effectively supplement collagen? Hello. I'm Dr. Hyok Sue Oh from W Plastic Surgery. Many people these days regularly take collagen products, right? We've often heard that "taking collagen improves your skin,"

but many people wonder whether it actually works. So today, we'll look at whether oral collagen actually plays a role and fact-check it more accurately based on scientific concepts.

What role does collagen play? First, let's look at the role of collagen. Why is collagen important? Collagen makes up about 90% of the dermis layer of the skin and is also important in bones, joints, blood vessels,

teeth, and many other parts of the body. Simply put, it functions like the framework of the body. In the skin, collagen forms a network structure that supports and keeps the skin firm and elastic. However, did you know that

this important collagen also decreases over time? Starting around the mid-20s, collagen production naturally begins to decline. It is known to decrease by about 1% each year. As a result, over time, wrinkles appear,

skin elasticity decreases, and dryness may be felt. That is why many people try to supplement collagen. Does eating collagen go directly to the skin? The collagen found in foods we commonly eat, such as pig's feet and bone broth,

exists in the form of a firm protein structure. Because collagen molecules are large, they are broken down during digestion into amino acids or small peptides. This process is not very different from that of regular proteins. So, collagen is not absorbed in its original form,

but rather after being broken down. For this reason, it is difficult to say that collagen is directly delivered to the skin. Then how can we effectively supplement collagen? To overcome this limitation, hydrolyzed collagen peptides were developed.

This product breaks collagen down into smaller particles beforehand to improve absorption. Animal studies and some human studies have shown that after consumption, collagen-derived levels in the blood can increase.

In other words, collagen peptides may stimulate skin cells, promote collagen production, and help maintain skin moisture. Then, how effective is collagen when taken as a supplement? Some studies have reported that collagen peptides

do not immediately change the skin structure like a medical procedure would. Instead, they work as a nutritional supplement to help maintain skin condition over time. So rather than expecting dramatic changes, it is better to understand collagen

as having a supportive effect. There are also some precautions when taking collagen. People with sensitive stomachs may experience bloating after taking collagen. For those people, it is better to take it after meals. Also, to notice the effects more clearly,

consistent intake for at least two months is recommended. Oral collagen should not be considered a completely meaningless product. However, rather than being a method that dramatically improves skin on its own,

it is better viewed as a supportive measure added to basic skincare and healthy habits. This approach may be the most realistic. I'm Dr. Hyok Sue Oh from W Plastic Surgery. Thank you.

먹는 콜라겐, 정말 피부에 효과가 있을까? 의사가 알려주는 정확한 원리와 팩트체크