Everything You Need to Know About Collagen

Collagen is often called the building block of beauty - and for good reason. It plays a vital role in keeping our skin youthful, firm, and resilient, while also supporting our overall health. As we age, collagen loss becomes one of the main contributors to visible signs of ageing. Let’s break down everything you need to know about collagen, how it works, and how to support it.

What Is Collagen?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It acts like a structural scaffold, providing strength, elasticity, and support to our skin, muscles, bones, tendons, and connective tissues.

Think of collagen as the “glue” that holds everything together; keeping skin plump, smooth, and firm.

Where Is Collagen Found in the Body?

Collagen is found throughout the body, including:

• Skin - for firmness, elasticity, and hydration

• Bones & joints - for strength and flexibility

• Muscles & tendons - for movement and stability

• Hair & nails - for strength and growth

• Blood vessels & organs - for structure and repair

Around 75% of our skin is made up of collagen.

The Role of Collagen in Skin

In the skin, collagen works alongside elastin and hyaluronic acid to:

• Maintain firmness and elasticity

• Prevent sagging and fine lines

• Support skin repair and regeneration

• Create a smooth, youthful texture

When collagen levels are high, skin looks plump, lifted, and radiant.

How Do We Lose Collagen?

Collagen production naturally starts to decline from our mid-20s, decreasing by about 1% per year. Over time, the body produces less collagen and breaks it down faster.

Why Do We Lose Collagen?

Several internal and external factors accelerate collagen loss:

• Ageing

• UV exposure (sun damage)

• Smoking

• Poor diet & sugar intake

• Chronic stress

• Lack of sleep

• Environmental pollution

These factors damage collagen fibres and slow down new collagen production, leading to wrinkles, laxity, and dull skin.

What Can We Do to Protect and Boost Collagen?

While we can’t stop ageing, we can slow collagen loss and stimulate new production:

• Wear daily SPF

• Eat a protein-rich, nutrient-dense diet

• Support skin with antioxidants (vitamin C, zinc)

• Avoid smoking and excessive sugar

• Maintain a consistent skincare routine

• Consider collagen-stimulating treatments

  
  

What Makes a Good Collagen Supplement?

Not all collagen supplements are created equal. Look for:

• Hydrolysed collagen peptides (easier to absorb)

• Type I & III collagen (best for skin)

• Added vitamin C (essential for collagen synthesis)

• Minimal fillers or sugars

• High bioavailability

Collagen supplements support skin from within and can also benefit joints, hair, and nails.

Can We Get Collagen Through Skincare?

Topical collagen cannot penetrate deeply enough to replace lost collagen. However, skincare still plays a crucial role.

While collagen creams act mainly as hydrators, ingredients that stimulate collagen production are key:

• Retinol & retinal

• Vitamin C

• Peptides

• Growth factors

• AHAs

These ingredients encourage your skin to produce its own collagen.

What Aesthetic Treatments Can Increase Collagen?

Professional treatments are one of the most effective ways to stimulate collagen production at a deeper level. Popular collagen-boosting treatments include:

• Microneedling

• Radiofrequency skin tightening

• Ultrasound treatments (e.g. HIFU)

• Laser skin rejuvenation

• PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

• Biostimulatory injectables

These treatments work by triggering the skin’s natural repair response, leading to firmer, smoother, more youthful skin over time.

Collagen is essential for youthful, healthy skin, but loss is inevitable without proper care. A combination of healthy lifestyle choices, targeted skincare, quality supplements, and advanced aesthetic treatments offers the best long-term results.

Supporting collagen isn’t about quick fixes - it’s about investing in your skin’s future.