Collagen is a protein found in all human tissue, including skin, muscle, internal organs, bone, joints, and hair. More than 30 types of collagen have been identified to date. Among the most abundant are type I and type III collagen, which together constitutes about 70% of our skin.

Collagen I is tough, stiff, and ropy, while collagen III consists of fine, flexible fibers that help give tissue its elasticity.

Because our skin acts as a barrier against varying outside elements, the skin changes its ratio between collagen I and collagen III according to age. The older we get, the higher the ratio of collagen I. This makes our skin tougher but also less soft and flexible. Collagen III content, by contrast, is highest in infancy, after which it gradually declines. The loss of collagen III causes skin to lose its elasticity and moist feeling.

Collagen III also plays a critical role in the early phases of healing. When skin regenerates after an injury, such as a burn or cut, the process begins with collagen III. Later the ratio of collagen I increases until the healing process is complete. This underscores the repair function of collagen III.

With these facts in mind, researchers have been examining the effect of eggshell membrane in stimulating cell growth. According to a paper published in 2008, compounds present in eggshell membrane stimulate growth of human fibroblasts and increase production of collagen III. In addition, a 2010 study confirmed the positive impact of hyaluronic acid on skin cell proliferation.

Findings like these suggest promising directions in the eternal pursuit of ways to halt and reverse the aging process.