Did collagen give Byeon Woo-seok the glowing skin to play a teenager in “Lovely Runner”?

At the AAA (Asia Artist Awards) held in Thailand on the 27th, actor Byeon Woo-seok (33) proved his popularity by winning six awards: AAA Popularity, AAA Asia Celebrity, Best Artist, Best Couple, Best OST and Actor of the Year.

Byeon portrayed an 18-year-old high-school student in Lovely Runner, drawing attention for naturally wearing a school uniform despite being in his thirties. He previously said that while preparing for the drama, he diligently visited dermatology clinics and took collagen to portray the school scenes.

Even popular actors take collagen. Can oral collagen really be expected to improve skin?

First, collagen is a protein important for supporting not only skin but many body tissues. It is generally known to decline gradually after age 25; as it decreases, skin loses elasticity and wrinkles form. For healthy, firm skin, therefore, attention to collagen within the skin is necessary.

However, taking it orally is unlikely to directly generate collagen. Because collagen consists of many linked amino acids, the body does not absorb it intact.

Thus, to promote collagen and healthy skin, collagen injections delivered directly into the dermis are preferable to oral or topical forms. Representative examples include Baby Collagen, Radiesse and Rejuran Healer.

Collagen injections can stimulate production, improve texture and overall condition, but procedures differ in duration, post-treatment foreign-body sensation and adverse effects. Deciding after sufficient consultation with a professional is important.