What is Collagen, Why Does It Matter, and How Can You Prevent Collagen Loss?

At PureGlo, we talk a lot about collagen—but what exactly is it, and why is it so important for your skin? Whether you’ve heard of it in relation to aging, skincare, or the latest anti-aging treatments, collagen is one of the most talked-about words in the beauty world. And for good reason! Collagen plays a major role in keeping your skin firm, youthful, and plump.

So, let’s break it down in simple terms. What is collagen, what happens when we lose it, and how can we prevent that from happening? Read on to find out!

What Exactly is Collagen?

Think of collagen as the "scaffolding" of your skin. It’s a fibrous protein that exists in your connective tissue, giving your skin structure, strength, and elasticity. Collagen is what helps your skin stay firm and smooth, and it’s also found in your bones, muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Basically, collagen is what holds everything in place and makes sure things stay in shape!

When it comes to your skin, collagen helps keep it plump, youthful, and supple. It’s responsible for giving your skin that fresh, firm appearance you probably took for granted when you were younger.

What Happens When We Lose Collagen?

Collagen is produced naturally in your body, but, here’s the catch: as we age, collagen production slows down—and once it starts to decrease, the visible signs of aging begin to show up. This means you may start noticing:

• Fine lines and wrinkles: As the skin loses collagen, it becomes less firm, leading to sagging and the formation of wrinkles, especially around the eyes, mouth, and forehead.

• Loss of volume: Your skin might lose its plump, youthful appearance. Collagen is what keeps your skin looking full and lifted, so its loss can lead to a hollowed or sunken look.

• Thinning skin: Collagen is what gives your skin its thickness and strength. Without enough collagen, skin can become thinner, more fragile, and more prone to damage.

In short, collagen loss is one of the main reasons our skin starts to show visible signs of aging, like sagging, wrinkles, and dullness.

But don’t worry! There’s good news: collagen loss doesn’t have to be inevitable. With a little TLC, you can take steps to preserve your collagen and keep your skin looking vibrant and youthful for as long as possible.

What Causes Collagen Loss?

It’s not just about getting older—other factors can contribute to accelerated collagen loss. Here are a few common culprits:

• Sun Exposure: UV rays from the sun are one of the biggest enemies of collagen. They break down collagen fibers and prevent the body from producing new collagen, leading to premature aging. That’s why sunscreen is your best friend!

• Smoking: Smoking damages collagen and elastin, two proteins that keep your skin smooth and youthful. It’s one of the fastest ways to age your skin prematurely.

• Pollution and Environmental Stressors: Everyday exposure to environmental pollutants like car exhaust, smoke, and other toxins can also accelerate the breakdown of collagen in the skin.

• Poor Diet: A diet that’s low in key nutrients—like vitamin C, amino acids, and protein—can affect collagen production. These nutrients are essential for the body to create new collagen fibers, so it’s important to nourish your body from the inside out.

• Stress: Chronic stress can increase the production of cortisol, a hormone that can break down collagen and cause skin to lose its elasticity and firmness.

How Can You Prevent Collagen Loss?

While you can’t stop the natural aging process, there are plenty of things you can do to slow down collagen loss and keep your skin looking radiant, smooth, and youthful. Here’s how:

1. Wear Sunscreen Every Day

This is non-negotiable. UV rays are responsible for 80% of visible signs of aging, and they’re the primary cause of collagen breakdown. Make sure you’re applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every morning, even on cloudy days or indoors.

At our clinic, we recommend mineral sunscreens for daily use—they’re gentle, provide long-lasting protection, and help keep your skin safe from harmful UV rays.

2. Stay Hydrated

Hydration is key for maintaining the strength and elasticity of your skin. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to keep your skin plump, moisturized, and healthy from the inside out. Dry skin tends to show fine lines and wrinkles more, so hydration is your secret weapon!

3. Get Enough Sleep

Your body produces collagen while you sleep, so getting quality rest is essential for collagen regeneration. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep each night to allow your skin to repair itself and maintain its youthful bounce.

4. Treat Your Skin with Collagen-Boosting Skincare

To support your collagen levels externally, look for topical products that help stimulate collagen production. Some of the best ingredients for this include:

• Retinol (Vitamin A): Retinol helps increase collagen production and cell turnover, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

• Peptides: Peptides are small chains of amino acids that help rebuild and repair collagen fibers.

• Vitamin C: This powerful antioxidant protects collagen and supports your skin’s ability to produce more of it.

At our clinic, we offer medical-grade skincare from Vivier, ZO and SkinCeuticals, that is designed to target collagen loss and support your skin's natural collagen production.

6. Consider Collagen-Stimulating Treatments

There are also professional treatments available that can help stimulate collagen production and reverse some of the signs of collagen loss. For example:

• Microneedling: This treatment uses tiny needles to create controlled micro-injuries in the skin, stimulating the body’s natural collagen production and improving skin texture and firmness.

• Laser Treatments: Certain laser treatments can target the deeper layers of the skin, promoting collagen regeneration and improving skin tone and texture.

• RF (Radiofrequency) Therapy: This non-invasive treatment uses heat to stimulate collagen production deep within the skin, resulting in firmer, more youthful-looking skin.

• Sculptra: This injectable treatment uses poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) to gradually stimulate collagen production, restoring lost volume and improving skin texture over time. Sculptra is a great option for long-lasting, natural-looking results that address volume loss and promote collagen rebuilding in areas like the cheeks and jawline.

These treatments can work wonders when it comes to reversing the visible signs of aging and boosting your collagen levels.

The Bottom Line: Keep Your Collagen Healthy!

Collagen is the key to youthful, firm, and healthy skin—but as we age, we lose it. The good news is that with the right lifestyle habits, skincare routine, and professional treatments, you can protect your existing collagen and even boost production to keep your skin looking its best.

Ready to take action and support your skin’s collagen? We’re here to guide you with expert advice and treatments tailored to your skin’s unique needs. Let’s work together to keep your skin glowing, firm, and youthful for years to come!