5 signals: your skin is losing collagen - and it's time to do something about it

Collagen is not just a buzzword, but the most important protein in our skin. Its loss is inevitable, and from around the age of 25, we lose about 1% of collagen per year. This directly affects our appearance - skin becomes less firm and wrinkles appear.

Expert Mercedes Abarquero Cerezo of L'Oréal explains it simply:

"As we age, the cells that create collagen work worse. Plus external factors such as the sun, stress and poor diet accelerate its breakdown."

❗ 5 signs that collagen is running low:

• Skin is dry and dehydrated

• Wrinkles and lines are becoming more noticeable

• Your face doesn't look as firm and voluminous

• Sagging appears

• The skin loses its elasticity and "bounce" effect

There are other signs: skin becomes thinner, eyes look sunken, signs of cellulite appear, hair and nails become brittle.

⚡ Collagen and menopause: a double blow to the skin

Hormonal changes - especially during menopause - dramatically increase collagen loss. In the first 5 years of menopause, the skin can lose up to 30% of its collagen, and then 2% each year thereafter. This leads to deeper wrinkles and an obvious loss of elasticity.

Can this be slowed down with collagen supplements? The research so far is mixed. Supplements may possibly help with skin hydration and smoothness, but exactly how and where the body uses the resulting collagen is still unclear.

🛠 What really helps slow collagen loss?

Collagen cannot be completely preserved, but it can be slowed down:

• 🚭 Don't smoke and protect yourself from the sun

• 🌞 Use sunscreen every day

• 😴 Get enough sleep and less stress

• 🏋️ Exercise regularly

• 🥗 Eat a balanced diet: eggs, meat, fish, vegetables and fruit rich in amino acids and vitamins

• 💦 Use cosmetics with active ingredients that stimulate collagen (peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, antioxidants)

🧴 Collagen creams: do they work or not?

Creams and masks with collagen make the skin smooth and pleasant to the touch, but the collagen itself from them is almost not absorbed inside. It is therefore important to choose products that contain peptides and other ingredients that can "wake up" the skin and stimulate its own collagen.

✨ The conclusion is simple: if you want to keep your skin looking younger for longer, start with the right care now!