Collagen is often called the “building block” of the skin, and for good reason. This essential protein plays a vital role in maintaining your skin’s structure, elasticity, and firmness. As we age, collagen production naturally declines, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of that youthful glow. Understanding how collagen works and how to support its production can help you keep your skin looking fresh and vibrant for longer. Dr. Tom Goyer, a skincare expert in Sydney, explains the science behind collagen and how you can preserve and enhance it for a youthful complexion.
What Is Collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, making up about 75-80% of your skin’s structure. It acts as a scaffold, providing strength, elasticity, and resilience to the skin. Collagen works alongside elastin (which gives skin its stretch) and hyaluronic acid (which retains moisture) to keep your skin firm, smooth, and hydrated.
- Where Is Collagen Found? Collagen is present in the dermis (the layer beneath the skin’s surface), as well as in tendons, bones, and connective tissues.
Tip: Think of collagen as the glue that holds your skin together, giving it structure and bounce.
How Does Collagen Keep Your Skin Youthful?
1. Provides Firmness and Elasticity
Collagen is responsible for maintaining the skin’s firmness and elasticity. It acts as a support system, ensuring your skin stays lifted and supple.
- How It Works: Collagen fibres form a network in the dermis, supporting the skin’s surface and preventing sagging.
2. Reduces the Appearance of Wrinkles
As collagen levels decline, the skin becomes thinner and less resilient, leading to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles. Maintaining collagen production helps keep your skin smooth and plump.
- How It Works: Collagen fills in the gaps where wrinkles and lines tend to form, smoothing out the skin’s surface.
3. Promotes Hydration
Collagen works with hyaluronic acid to retain moisture in the skin, which is crucial for a radiant and youthful appearance.
- How It Works: By maintaining the skin’s structure, collagen prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL), helping your skin stay hydrated.
Why Does Collagen Decline with Age?
Starting in your mid-20s, collagen production naturally decreases by about 1% per year. By the time you reach your 40s and 50s, your body produces significantly less collagen, leading to visible signs of aging.
- Factors That Accelerate Collagen Loss:
- Sun Exposure: UV rays break down collagen in the skin.
- Smoking: Chemicals in tobacco reduce collagen production.
- Poor Diet: A lack of collagen-boosting nutrients (like Vitamin C) can impair collagen synthesis.
- Stress: Chronic stress increases cortisol levels, which can degrade collagen.
Tip: Preventing collagen loss is just as important as stimulating its production.
How to Boost Collagen Production
1. Use Collagen-Stimulating Skincare Products
Topical skincare can support your skin’s natural collagen production, helping to maintain its structure and elasticity.
- Best Ingredients to Boost Collagen:
- Retinoids: Increase collagen synthesis and improve skin cell turnover.
- Peptides: Signal the skin to produce more collagen.
- Vitamin C: Plays a critical role in collagen formation and protects existing collagen from oxidative stress.
Tip: Apply these products consistently as part of your daily skincare routine for the best results.
2. Protect Your Skin from the Sun
UV radiation is one of the leading causes of collagen breakdown. Using sun protection can help preserve your collagen levels.
- What to Do: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher daily, and wear protective clothing when spending extended time outdoors.
Tip: Pair sunscreen with antioxidant serums like Vitamin C to boost your skin’s defence against UV damage.
3. Consider Collagen Supplements
Collagen supplements, typically made from hydrolysed collagen peptides, have gained popularity for their ability to support skin health from within.
- How They Work: Collagen peptides are broken down into amino acids that the body uses to rebuild collagen in the skin, joints, and connective tissues.
- What to Look For: Choose supplements with Type I and III collagen, which are most beneficial for the skin.
Tip: While research on collagen supplements is still evolving, many people report noticeable improvements in skin elasticity and hydration.
4. Eat a Collagen-Boosting Diet
Your diet plays a significant role in collagen production. Certain nutrients provide the building blocks needed to maintain and repair collagen in the skin.
- Collagen-Boosting Foods:
- Protein-rich foods (e.g., chicken, fish, eggs, and beans)
- Vitamin C-rich fruits (e.g., oranges, strawberries, and kiwis)
- Zinc-rich foods (e.g., nuts, seeds, and shellfish)
- Bone broth, which contains natural collagen
Tip: Avoid excessive sugar and processed foods, as these can lead to collagen degradation.
5. Try Professional Treatments
If you’re looking for more dramatic results, professional treatments can stimulate collagen production deep within the skin.
- Top Collagen-Boosting Treatments:
- Microneedling: Creates micro-injuries that trigger collagen production.
- Laser Resurfacing: Stimulates collagen growth while improving skin texture.
- Radiofrequency (RF) Therapy: Uses heat to encourage collagen remodelling.
Tip: Consult with a dermatologist to find the treatment that best suits your skin type and goals.
Collagen is the foundation of youthful, radiant skin. While its natural decline is inevitable, there are many ways to support collagen production and maintain your skin’s firmness, elasticity, and hydration. By incorporating collagen-stimulating skincare, sun protection, a balanced diet, and professional treatments, you can enjoy healthier, more resilient skin for years to come. For personalised skincare advice and treatments, Dr Tom Goyer is here to help. For more expert tips, visit Dr Tom Goyer’s blog.