TL;DR: Collagen is the body’s most abundant protein and the scaffolding for skin, bones, tendons, and more. Type I & III are the two most relevant for skin elasticity and structural support. Hydrolyzed “peptides” are simply collagen pre-broken into tiny pieces your gut can absorb.
What collagen actually is....
Collagen is a family of at least 28 proteins that share a triple-helix structure (think three strands twisted like a rope). Types I, II, III make up ~80-90% of the collagen in the body; Type I dominates in skin, bone and tendons, while Type III sits alongside Type I in skin and blood vessels to add elasticity.
Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives+2sciencedirect.com+2
Why your body needs vitamin C to make it.
Your fibroblasts weave collagen from the amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline. That triple helix can’t form properly without vitamin C (plus minerals like copper and zinc).
What “collagen peptides” really are.
Raw collagen is a big, tough protein. Hydrolyzed collagen (peptides) is collagen broken into small di-/tripeptides that your intestines can absorb, yes, studies detect signature collagen peptides (like Pro-Hyp) in the bloodstream after ingestion.
American Chemical Society Publications+1
Where Type I & III shine.
Because Types I & III concentrate in skin and connective tissue, Type I & III peptides are commonly chosen for skin elasticity, hydration, and general structural support. (Type II is the cartilage specialist.)
Bottom line
Your body can build collagen, but output slows with age, UV exposure, and stressors. Diets rich in protein and vitamin C help, and supplemental collagen peptides provide readily absorbed building blocks that research links to benefits in skin and connective tissue.
