Why Collagen Matters—And What You Can Do About Its Loss

If you’ve been hearing a lot about collagen lately, you’re not alone. It’s one of Google’s most searched beauty terms—and for good reason. Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, making up 70% of your skin’s dry weight. In an average adult, that’s nearly 4 kg of collagen! It’s what keeps your skin firm, smooth, and elastic. But here’s the catch: once you hit your mid-20s, your body starts producing less of it—about 1% less each year.

So, what happens when collagen levels dip? You start to notice visible signs: dryness, fine lines, sagging skin, and loss of volume. The process speeds up due to sun exposure, stress, lack of sleep, poor diet, and especially hormonal changes like those during menopause. In fact, studies show that women can lose up to 30% of their collagen within the first five years of menopause alone.

Mercedes Abarquero Cerezo, a pharmacist and scientific head at L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty Spain, puts it simply: collagen breakdown is normal, but when the body can’t keep up with rebuilding it, that’s when skin starts to show its age. It’s not just about one type of collagen either—your skin contains up to 16 types, and a shift in their balance can disrupt your skin’s inner structure.

5 Signs Your Skin Is Losing Collagen:

1. Dryness and dehydration

2. More visible fine lines and deeper wrinkles

3. Loss of facial volume

4. Sagging and reduced firmness

5. Decreased elasticity

The good news? While you can’t stop collagen loss entirely, you can slow it down with the right habits.

Here’s How to Protect Your Collagen:

• Sunscreen is a must – UV rays are one of collagen’s biggest enemies. Daily SPF is non-negotiable.

• Avoid smoking – It speeds up skin ageing and damages collagen.

• Manage stress – Chronic stress affects skin health, so prioritize rest and relaxation.

• Exercise regularly – It improves circulation and boosts overall skin vitality.

• Eat smart – Include protein-rich foods like eggs, legumes, dairy, fish, and meat. These provide amino acids needed for collagen synthesis.

• Use targeted skincare – Look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, peptides, proxylane, and cassia extract to support skin structure and hydration.

What About Collagen Creams?

They can make your skin feel smoother and more hydrated—but only on the surface. Due to their large molecular size, topical collagen can’t penetrate deep into the skin. So, while they help with texture, they won’t boost collagen production from within. For deeper support, your focus should be on nourishing your skin through a combination of diet, skincare, and healthy lifestyle choices.

Collagen loss is a natural part of aging—but with a little care, you can keep your skin looking and feeling its best for years to come.

Pic Courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright