Collagen is an important component that helps skin maintain firmness, elasticity and youthfulness. However, from after age 30, the body's natural collagen production process begins to slow down, averaging a decrease of about 1% per year. This is one of the reasons why wrinkles, sagging and less smooth skin gradually appear.
According to Dr. Shireen Furtado, a senior consultant in dermatology, medicine and aesthetics at Aster CMI Hospital (Bangalore, India), taking care of and supporting collagen from the age of 30 is more preventive than treatment. This approach helps maintain skin structure, slow down the aging process and protect skin health in the long term.
The role of collagen in the skin
Collagen is a protein that accounts for a large proportion of the skin structure, responsible for supporting and connecting tissues. When collagen is abundant, the skin has good elasticity, quickly recovers and maintains its smoothness. Conversely, when collagen levels decrease with age, the skin easily forms wrinkles, sags and loses elasticity.
According to Dr. Furtado, skin care products containing collagen can help improve moisture, make skin look plumper and support skin protection barriers. Although collagen applied externally cannot completely replace the amount of lost collagen, when combined with sun protection, reasonable nutrition and healthy living, the effectiveness of natural collagen protection will be enhanced.
Why should collagen be supplemented after 30?
From about 25–30 years old, the body begins to reduce its ability to produce collagen. This not only affects the skin but also affects hair, nails, joints and bones. Factors such as prolonged stress, environmental pollution, unbalanced diet and frequent exposure to UV rays further cause collagen to be destroyed faster.
Supplementing collagen early helps maintain moisture, improve skin firmness and limit the risk of premature aging. Although collagen cannot completely remove deep wrinkles, it can fade small wrinkles and improve skin texture when combined with supporting ingredients such as vitamin C, retinol and peptide.
How to effectively support collagen enhancement
According to experts, some simple habits can help the body produce collagen better, including maintaining a protein-rich diet, supplementing with vitamin C, drinking enough water, using sunscreen daily, getting enough sleep, controlling stress and avoiding smoking. In addition, regular exercise helps improve blood circulation and nourish the skin from the inside out.
The addition of collagen to the skin care routine should start with suitable products such as serum or moisturizer, use regularly and combine with a healthy lifestyle to achieve sustainable results.
