Collagen is the most important structural protein in the skin – and one of the key factors when it comes to elasticity and a smooth complexion . Without collagen, the skin loses not only volume but also resilience . It 's no wonder , then , that this protein is at the heart of many anti - aging concepts . But what many don't know: Our bodies begin producing less collagen as early as our mid-twenties . This process often only becomes visible years later – with fine lines, sagging facial contours, and a loss of elasticity.
In this blog post Let's take a closer look at what collagen actually is, what role it plays in the skin – and what you can do, based on medical evidence, to promote the skin's own collagen production and slow down its natural breakdown.
What is collagen – and why is it so important for beautiful skin?
Collagen, with a share of around 30 to 35%, is the most abundant protein in the human body and gives skin, bones, tendons, cartilage and blood vessels their stability and strength.
Collagen plays a particularly crucial role in the skin : it is the main component of the so-called extracellular matrix ( ECM) in the dermis, our middle layer of skin. There , together with elastin and hyaluronic acid , it forms a tightly woven network of fibers , which can be visualized as a three - dimensional supporting framework . This network gives the skin its firmness and elasticity – and thus its youthful, smooth appearance. If this framework becomes unstable or damaged, the skin loses volume and the first wrinkles appear.
Our skin is dominated by two collagen types: type I , which provides firmness , and type III , which gives it greater elasticity . Both are produced by specialized cells – the fibroblasts. For these cells to produce high-quality, functional collagen , the body needs certain amino acids such as glycine, proline , and hydroxyproline. Micronutrients such as vitamin C and zinc are also essential . and copper essential – they support the enzyme processes that are responsible for the correct fiber structure and stability of collagen .
What happens when collagen is broken down ?
Unfortunately, it 's a completely natural process: starting around age 25 , our skin begins to produce less collagen . On average , production decreases by about 1 to 1.5% per year – slowly but steadily. At the same time, certain enzymes in the skin become more active, so-called matrix metalloproteinases ( MMPs). They are responsible for breaking down damaged collagen fibers – actually a useful repair mechanism. However, under certain conditions , these enzymes can become overactive and break down more collagen than the skin can regenerate .
This process is particularly accelerated by external, epigenetic influences . UV radiation ( especially UVA light), free radicals, chronic inflammation , and environmental toxins, for example , lead to an increase in MMP activity – and a progressive weakening of the collagen structure .
A particular risk factor is sugar – or more precisely , glycation . In this process , excess sugar molecules bind to the body's own proteins , such as collagen. The result is so-called AGEs ( Advanced Glycation End Products), which harden and impair the function of connective tissue – and cause the skin to age faster .
How collagen loss manifests itself
Unfortunately, when collagen levels in the skin drop, this does not go unnoticed , and typical signs of an emerging collagen deficiency are:
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a loss of volume and elasticity, especially in the cheek and jaw area
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the increase in fine lines and deeper wrinkles – especially around the eyes and mouth
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sagging contours, for example at the jawline
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dry, thinning and more sensitive skin
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delayed wound healing in minor injuries
But the effects extend beyond the skin . Collagen also plays a vital role in joints, cartilage, blood vessels , and connective tissue . If the collagen structure is weakened , this can manifest itself , for example , in joint problems or weaker connective tissue .
The good news: Even if the natural decline of collagen cannot be completely stopped , there are now many scientifically sound approaches to slow down the breakdown – and to specifically stimulate the body's own production .
Targeted support of collagen production
Even though the natural breakdown of collagen is part of biological aging , we are not simply at its mercy. With the right lifestyle and targeted care, the body's own collagen synthesis can be actively promoted. It 's worthwhile to address this on two levels : from within. about nutrition and micronutrients – and from the outside through scientifically based skincare.
1. From the inside:
The basis for a tight Skin health doesn't just begin with skincare – it starts from within. Our bodies need certain nutrients to produce and maintain collagen . Besides classic micronutrients like vitamin C, zinc , and copper , collagen powders have become increasingly popular in recent years . and so-called hydrolyzed peptides increasingly coming into focus .
These powders – mostly derived from bovine or fish collagen – contain collagen already in broken-down, highly bioavailable building blocks, and initial studies show that these peptides Collagen powder can be absorbed through the intestines and acts as a signaling molecule for the body's own collagen production in the skin – more precisely , in the fibroblasts of the dermis. Many people now easily integrate collagen powder into their daily routine , for example , in coffee , smoothies , or yogurt . Consistency is key : the best effects are often seen after 8 to 12 weeks of daily intake.
But collagen needs more than just its own building blocks. Above all, the Amino acids Glycine, proline and Hydroxyproline – also found in high-quality collagen powder – forms the structural framework of every collagen fiber. This blueprint is complemented by vitamin C , which is essential for the enzymatic stabilization of the fibers .
Equally important: Zinc and copper . Both minerals act as cofactors for specific enzymes that cross-link and strengthen the collagen structure . Those who also follow an antioxidant- rich diet with polyphenols out of green tea, dark Berries or grape seeds When it sets, the newly formed collagen is additionally protected from premature breakdown by free radicals.
2. From the outside:
While nutrition and supplements provide the building blocks for new collagen , modern skincare directly targets the skin 's regulatory mechanisms . Our NIGHT was specially developed to optimally support the skin's own regeneration at night – the most important phase for cellular repair processes .
The focus is on a highly concentrated AHA complex that gently removes dead skin cells , stimulates skin renewal and collagen synthesis in fibroblasts . stimulates .
