Collagen is one of those things you might not see, but you can definitely feel its effects. Think of it as the skin’s internal support system—providing structure, firmness, and that healthy, youthful bounce we all love. Without it, skin simply wouldn’t look or feel the same.
But as the years go by, our natural collagen levels decline. This can lead to a loss of skin elasticity, increased fine lines, and the visible signs of aging. While it’s a natural part of growing older, some prefer a more proactive approach.
That might be why collagen for skin is suddenly everywhere—in serums, powders, even smoothies. But does it really work? What are the collagen benefits for skin? And how can you support your skin’s natural collagen levels? Let’s take a closer look.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body. It works like scaffolding for your skin, made up of long chains of amino acids that form strong, flexible fibers. These fibers provide the firmness, elasticity, and resilience that keep your skin looking healthy.
Imagine your skin like a mattress: collagen is the inner springs, keeping it firm and bouncy. It’s produced in the dermis (the middle layer of the skin) by fibroblasts—tiny collagen-making cells that work around the clock.
Where does collagen come from?
Your skin is smart—it can take care of itself for the most part. But some factors can accelerate collagen breakdown, and understanding them can help you better support your skin.
1. Lifestyle factors
Everyday habits—like sleep, stress, and pollution—impact your skin. Together, these external influences form what scientists call the exposome.
The exposome includes everything from climate to nutrition, tobacco use, and sun exposure. These factors affect your fibroblasts’ ability to support skin firmness and elasticity.
Did you know? Science shows that sun exposure is one of the top causes of collagen loss and signs of skin aging such as wrinkles.
2. Age
Starting in your late 20s, natural collagen production drops by roughly 1% each year. Over time, this results in less firmness and more fine lines. While it’s all part of embracing your well-aging journey, healthy habits can help your skin look its best.
3. Hormonal changes
Hormones—especially estrogen—play a major role in supporting collagen. During menopause, a drop in hormones can cause collagen levels to fall almost 30% within five years. That’s why skin may feel a bit thinner, drier, and less elastic.
4. Glycation
This is when excess sugar binds to collagen and elastin, making them stiff and brittle. Glycation weakens the fibers and speeds up the appearance of aging. The drivers behind this process? Diets high in refined sugars and fried foods, as well as aging.
How to support your skin’s natural collagen
1. Wear sunscreen daily
Sunscreen is a non-negotiable for healthy, happy, beautiful skin. It’s your first line of defense against collagen loss. In fact, up to 80% of visible aging is caused by UV rays. A broad spectrum sunscreen protects your skin from sun damage, helping to support its structure and preserve elasticity.
2. Build skin-friendly habits
Little choices can make a big difference. Prioritize restful sleep, eat more fruits and vegetables, and cut back on processed foods. Good habits help your skin repair, rejuvenate, and retain hydration.
3. Use ingredients that support skin structure
Topical collagen? It doesn’t absorb well. Instead, use ingredients that encourage your skin to bounce back:
- Retinaldehyde (Retinal): Helps with visible firmness and smoother texture. Find it inside Retinal Advanced night serum.
- Vitamin C: Supports natural collagen and delivers antioxidant protection. Find it inside Melatonik® repair serum.
- Peptides: Help skin maintain a healthy-looking structure. Find them inside Eryfotona Ageless sunscreen.
FAQs: Collagen and your skin
Can you put collagen directly on your skin?
Not effectively. Collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin. Instead, look for ingredients that support the skin’s natural collagen network (like retinoids, antioxidants, and peptides).
What foods are rich in collagen?
Bone broth, chicken skin, and fish skin are excellent sources of natural collagen. For a plant-based option, look for vegan collagen boosters that contain vitamin C, zinc, and amino acids to support your body’s own collagen synthesis. Adding glow-boosting foods like citrus fruits, bell peppers, leafy greens, and seeds to your shopping list can also help.
Do collagen supplements work?
Some studies show that hydrolyzed collagen supplements—especially when paired with vitamin C—can help improve skin hydration, firmness, and overall texture. Just remember, they’re a complement to a strong skincare routine, not necessarily a replacement.
Looking forward
The benefits of collagen for skin go beyond the surface. Committing to a daily self-care routine can lead to smoother skin, better hydration, and that radiant glow we all want. But, most importantly, it plays a role in your unique skin health journey.
Whether it’s through serums and creams, balanced nutrition, or mindful habits, every step counts. Your skin appreciates it all—no matter how big or small.
References:
SHUSTER, S., BLACK, M.M. and McVITIE, E. (1975), The influence of age and sex on skin thickness, skin collagen and density. British Journal of Dermatology, 93: 639-643. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2133.1975.tb05113.x Tobin DJ. Introduction to skin aging. J Tissue Viability. 2017 Feb;26(1):37-46. doi: 10.1016/j.jtv.2016.03.002. Epub 2016 Mar 14. PMID: 27020864. Danby FW. Nutrition and aging skin: sugar and glycation. Clin Dermatol. 2010 Jul-Aug;28(4):409-11. doi: 10.1016/j.clindermatol.2010.03.018. PMID: 20620757. Jin Ho Chung, Jin Young Seo, Hai Ryung Choi, Mi Kyung Lee, Choon Shik Youn, Gi-eun Rhie, Kwang Hyun Cho, Kyu Han Kim, Kyung Chan Park, Hee Chul Eun, Modulation of Skin Collagen Metabolism in Aged and Photoaged Human Skin In Vivo, Journal of Investigative Dermatology, Volume 117, Issue 5, 2001, Pages 1218-1224, ISSN 0022-202X, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.0022-202x.2001.01544.x. Griffiths, C., Al., E., Unit, A. A. F. the D., Others, J. S. and, Others, L. L. H. and, Others, S. F. and, S. A. Madhi and Others, Cypess, A. M., & A. Maqsood and L. R. Imel. (1993, December 30). Restoration of collagen formation in photodamaged human skin by tretinoin (retinoic acid): Nejm. New England Journal of Medicine. Retrieved March 3, 2022, from https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJM199308193290803 Reilly DM, Lozano J. Skin collagen through the lifestages: importance for skin health and beauty. Plast Aesthet Res 2021;8:2. http://dx.doi.org/10.20517/2347-9264.2020.153 Collagen. The Nutrition Source. (2022, March 2). Retrieved March 3, 2022, from https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/collagen/ L. R. (1970, January 1). Laure Rittié. Cold Spring Harbor Perspectives in Medicine. Retrieved March 3, 2022, from http://perspectivesinmedicine.cshlp.org/content/5/1/a015370.long Morita A, Torii K, Maeda A, Yamaguchi Y. Molecular basis of tobacco smoke-induced premature skin aging. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc. 2009 Aug;14(1):53-5. doi: 10.1038/jidsymp.2009.13. PMID: 19675554