What Collagen Actually Is
Collagen is a structural protein organised into long triple-helix chains that form the scaffold of the dermis. Type I and Type III collagen are most abundant in skin and together provide:
- Tensile strength and firmness
- Elasticity and bounce
- Volume and support
Why It Degrades
From age 25, collagen production declines by approximately 1% per year. This is accelerated by:
- UV radiation — directly degrades collagen via matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)
- Glycation — sugar binding to collagen fibres makes them stiff and cross-linked
- Chronic inflammation — cortisol suppresses collagen synthesis
- Smoking — reduces fibroblast activity and damages existing fibres
What Actually Works
Clinically Proven
Microneedling creates micro-injuries that trigger a wound-healing cascade, forcing fibroblasts to synthesise new collagen. Studies show a 400% increase in collagen and elastin after a course of treatments.
Radiofrequency (RF) therapy heats the dermis to 40–42°C, denaturing existing collagen and stimulating aggressive new production. Results continue for 6 months post-treatment.
Retinoids are the only topical ingredient with robust RCT evidence for collagen synthesis stimulation.
Nutrition Support
- Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis (cofactor for hydroxylase enzymes)
- Glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline are the amino acid building blocks
- Antioxidants reduce MMP activity
What Doesn't Work
Oral collagen supplements have limited evidence. The collagen molecule is too large to be absorbed intact — it's broken down into amino acids during digestion.