When it comes to glowing, youthful-looking skin, collagen is the silent hero working behind the scenes.
Collagen is much more than a beauty buzzword—it’s a structural protein in skin that keeps your skin firm, smooth, and resilient, so when it’s absent, it’s inevitable but noticeable.
What is collagen?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body. It acts like scaffolding for your skin, bones, muscles, and connective tissue. When it comes to your skin, collagen is primarily found in the dermis—the middle layer—and it’s responsible for:
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Skin elasticity and firmness
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Smooth, plump texture
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Healing wounds and maintaining hydration
Think of collagen as the “glue” that holds your skin together. Without it, things start to sag, crease, and feel thinner or more fragile.
Why do we lose collagen?
Starting in your mid-20s, your body naturally starts producing less collagen, by about 1% each year, so you can understand the obsession ladies have with slowing down the loss rate.
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Sun exposure (UV radiation): Damages collagen fibres and inhibits new production
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Smoking: It contains toxins that break down collagen and restrict blood flow to the skin
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Poor diet: Especially low-protein or low-antioxidant diets
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Stress and lack of sleep: Chronic stress and poor sleep interfere with repair and regeneration
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Hormonal changes: Especially during menopause or due to PCOS/endometriosis
Signs you’re losing collagen
Noticing subtle changes in your skin? These could be signs that your collagen levels are on the decline:
1. Fine lines and wrinkles
These are often the earliest and most noticeable signs. Collagen loss causes your skin to thin and lose elasticity, making it easier for lines to form.
2. Sagging or loose skin
Especially around the jawline, cheeks, or under the eyes, loss of structural support leads to a “drooping” look.
3. Dullness and dryness
Collagen helps the skin retain moisture. Less collagen can mean less hydration, resulting in dry, tired-looking skin.
4. Thinner skin
If your skin starts feeling more fragile or translucent, it could be due to reduced collagen density.
5. Slower wound healing
Collagen plays a role in skin repair, so you might notice cuts or acne scars taking longer to fade.
6. Pores look larger
As the skin loses firmness, it can sag around your pores, making them appear more prominent.
Supporting collagen production
The good news? You can support your body’s collagen levels naturally.
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Eat collagen-rich and collagen-boosting foods: Bone broth, salmon skin, eggs, citrus fruits, berries, leafy greens, and nuts
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Supplement wisely: Look for hydrolysed collagen supplements/peptides, often found in powders or capsules
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Use targeted skincare: Ingredients like retinol, vitamin C, and peptides can stimulate collagen synthesis
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Protect your skin from the sun: SPF is non-negotiable
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Stay hydrated and get quality sleep: Skin regenerates at night—give it what it needs
Collagen is the secret behind that healthy, bouncy, “lit-from-within” glow. While ageing is natural and beautiful, understanding how collagen impacts your skin can help you make more informed choices—whether that’s through diet, skincare, or lifestyle shifts.
Compiled by: Amy Steenkamp
First published on Woman & Home
