If you’ve noticed that your skin doesn’t feel quite as firm, smooth, or resilient as it once did, collagen is likely part of the reason. We hear the word collagen everywhere—from skincare products and supplements to lasers and injectable treatments—but what exactly is it, and can we really get it back?

What Is Collagen?
Collagen is one of the main structural proteins in our skin. Think of it as part of the framework that gives skin its strength, firmness, and support. Along with elastin and other components of the skin, collagen helps maintain the smooth, resilient appearance we associate with healthy skin. As we age, collagen production gradually slows while existing collagen begins to break down. The result? Skin can become thinner and less firm, fine lines become more noticeable, and we may begin to see changes in texture, elasticity, and facial structure.

How Collagen Changes With Age
Collagen loss doesn’t happen overnight. It is a gradual process that begins earlier than many people realize—

  • Ages 25–30: Collagen production begins to slow, with estimates commonly suggesting a decline of approximately 1% to 1.5% per year.
  • Your 30s: The changes are often subtle. You may begin noticing fine lines, slightly less “bounce” in the skin, or that your skin doesn’t recover quite as quickly as it once did.
  • Your 40s: Collagen loss becomes more noticeable as both production declines and breakdown continues. Skin may appear thinner, less firm, and less elastic.
  • Menopause: Research suggests women may lose up to 30% of their skin collagen during the first five years after menopause, followed by a more gradual decline in the years that follow.

It’s Not Just Aging
While collagen loss is a normal part of getting older, several factors can accelerate the process.

Sun exposure is one of the biggest. UV radiation damages collagen fibers and contributes to premature skin aging, which is one reason daily sunscreen is one of the most important things you can do for your skin. Smoking, environmental exposure, genetics, hormonal changes, nutrition, and lifestyle can also influence how our skin ages.

Can Skincare Build Collagen?
The right skincare routine is an important foundation. Daily broad-spectrum sunscreen helps protect existing collagen from UV damage. Retinoids are among the most researched topical ingredients for supporting collagen production and improving fine lines and skin texture.

What Treatments Actually Stimulate Collagen?
One of the most exciting areas of aesthetics is regenerative treatment. Instead of simply correcting what we see on the surface, certain treatments encourage the body’s natural healing response and stimulate new collagen production over time. For example:

  • Microneedling can improve texture, fine lines, pores, and overall skin quality.
  • Laser resurfacing uses controlled energy to stimulate remodeling within the skin. 
  • Biostimulatory injectables stimulate the body’s own collagen production, creating gradual improvements in support and skin quality. 

 

Marissa Russo is a board-certified nurse practitioner and founder of Skin Script CLT. Schedule your consultation today by calling or texting 980.350.9590, email [email protected], or visit www.skinscriptclt.com.