What is the role of collagen in the skin?

Collagen plays a crucial role in the structure and function of the skin, serving as a key protein that helps maintain its strength, elasticity, and overall integrity. As the primary structural protein in the extracellular matrix of connective tissues, collagen fibers form a supportive framework that keeps the skin firm and youthful.

In addition to providing structure, collagen also contributes to the skin's resilience, helping it withstand various stresses and strains. Its presence is vital for maintaining the skin's suppleness and for enabling it to return to its original shape after being stretched or compressed.

While other options mention important functions—such as moisture retention, wound healing, and skin pigmentation—these are not the primary functions of collagen itself. Moisture in the skin is more closely related to substances like hyaluronic acid, wound healing involves various growth factors and cells, and pigmentation is controlled by melanin production. Thus, the distinctive role of collagen as a supporter of structure, strength, and elasticity makes it a fundamental component of healthy skin.