Collagen makes up an astounding 75% of the dry weight of the skin. In layman’s terms, it’s the scaffolding that holds it all firmly in place. As we age, our collagen levels begin to deplete, which causes visible changes within our skin. In fact, once we reach 25, we lose approximately 1% of our collagen stores each year. As the skin becomes less elastic, larger pores and wrinkles start to appear.
“Collagen is an abundant structural protein in the human body and plays a central role in maintaining the integrity, firmness, and elasticity of the skin,” aesthetic doctor Sophie Shotter, MD, previously told Vogue.
“As time goes on, the cells in charge of collagen synthesis reduce their activity,” pharmacist and scientific medical manager at L’Oréal, Mercedes Abarquero Cerezo, explains. “Factors that accelerate its degradation include sun exposure, diet, stress, and hormonal changes—especially in women during menopause.”
5 signs your skin is losing collagen
While collagen loss is natural, there are many products and treatments that can help increase levels and boost the skin’s elasticity. First, you’ll want to identify the signs that your skin is losing collagen before discussing a treatment plan with your dermatologist or skin specialist. Here, the experts break down the main things to look out for.
Loss of firmness and increased sagging
The first sign that your skin is losing collagen is usually noticing a difference in firmness. “Your skin begins to feel less resilient, and pores look more prominent as their supporting structure weakens, while the skin gradually becomes thinner,” cosmetic dermatologist and brand founder, Sam Bunting, MD, explains.
Skin appears dry
As the scaffolding that supports the skin, collagen aids its water-holding capacity. When your collagen levels decrease, your skin may appear drier because it has a reduced ability to retain moisture. This can be addressed through dietary changes, as well as topical products and application techniques.
More pronounced expression lines and wrinkles
Due to a loss of firmness caused by lower collagen levels, you may find that fine lines stop disappearing when your face is in a neutral position, and wrinkles are more noticeable.
Skin appears less full and plump
Your skin will visibly look slightly thinner, softer, and less elastic as it loses collagen. You may notice that it doesn’t bounce back, as it used to when you were younger, after pressing it gently.
Your face shape changes
Other signs of losing collagen include the skin appearing thinner, the area around the eyes appearing more hollow, changes in face shape, such as narrow temples, brittle nails and hair, and even joint pain and muscle weakness. Collagen really does impact everything.
Collagen and menopause
According to Bunting, collagen levels are profoundly affected by menopause. The loss of estrogen is the main culprit. “Estrogen directly supports collagen synthesis, so as levels fall during perimenopause and menopause, collagen production drops sharply,” she explains. “This is why many women notice a significant shift in skin firmness, thickness, and resilience during this period.”
