Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Close Banner
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

3 Reasons Collagen Levels Decline & Lead To Wrinkles (Besides Age)

Hannah Frye
Author:
September 11, 2024
Hannah Frye
Beauty & Health Editor
By Hannah Frye
Beauty & Health Editor
Hannah Frye is the Beauty & Health Editor at mindbodygreen. She has a B.S. in journalism and a minor in women’s, gender, and queer studies from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Hannah has written across lifestyle sections including beauty, women’s health, mental health, sustainability, social media trends, and more. She previously worked for Almost 30, a top-rated health and wellness podcast. In her current role, Hannah reports on the latest beauty trends and innovations, women’s health research, brain health news, and plenty more.
How to tighten neck skin
Image by Vesnaandjic / iStock
September 11, 2024
We carefully vet all products and services featured on mindbodygreen using our commerce guidelines. Our selections are never influenced by the commissions earned from our links.

Have you ever wondered why you get wrinkles as you age? At the core, it has to do with naturally declining collagen levels. While this is a completely normal (and unavoidable) process, there are other factors at play (unrelated to age!) that can damage the collagen you already have, leading to premature wrinkles.

Here, find a few sneaky factors to note, plus how to maintain plump, firm skin for the long haul: 

1.

UV exposure

There's a research-backed link between UV overexposure and loss of collagen: One study observed collagen under UV light and found that there was a "significant decrease" in collagen structure afterward1

UV rays negatively impact collagen through various mechanisms, board-certified dermatologist Gary Goldenberg, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York previously told mbg. This includes DNA changes to the cells that make collagen, as well as the production of free radicals that can affect collagen directly via oxidative stress.

2.

Stress

Research shows that stress can be pro-inflammatory2, which can lower your ability to naturally produce collagen. Stress also causes an increase in hormones like cortisol, which research has found can decrease the production of collagen

"Less collagen is produced in high-stress states since more of the body's resources are used to combat stress and the inflammation it produces," Goldenberg says.

3.

Inflammatory foods

In case you aren't aware, "Inflammation is one of the main enemies of any tissue," Goldenberg notes—and the connective tissues fueled by collagen are no exception. Inflammatory diets, which often include eating plans that are high in sugar, simple carbohydrates, and processed meats, activate the immune system and promote inflammation throughout the body, board-certified dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D., once shared.

"This may interfere with healing, including healing of environmentally damaged skin cells," he says. Sugar3, in particular, can be tough on collagen. "High sugar levels can lead to hardening and fragmentation of collagen, weakening the skin foundation, and promoting premature skin aging," Zeichner adds.

How to deal

Essentially, there are more than a couple of reasons your collagen levels don't stay in tiptop shape throughout your life, some unrelated to age entirely. However, that doesn't mean you can't combat the decline. 

Many experts recommend adding a collagen supplement to your routine, as research shows that they can stimulate the skin's fibroblasts to encourage the natural collagen production process4. While they won't protect your skin from the sun or fend off stress, collagen supplements can help support your internal collagen bank.

What's more, some blends even include ingredients like hyaluronic acid to further support plump, hydrated skin. (Remember: ​​50% of the body's total amount of hyaluronic acid resides in the skin5, and consuming it can help replenish your natural reserves.)

Not sure where to find a trusted option? Here's our curated list of the best collagen supplements on the market, all approved by a nutrition Ph.D., to get you started. 

The takeaway

While age certainly plays a role in declining collagen levels, it's not the only thing impacting your body's collagen bank.

Do your best to protect your skin from excess UV exposure, consume anti-inflammatory foods, ease daily stress when you can, and add a collagen supplement to your routine for extra support. Believe it or not, these aren't the only reasons why collagen declines—check out our full guide for more tips. 

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

Watch Next

Enjoy some of our favorite clips from classes

What Is Meditation?

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Light Watkins

Box Breathing

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

What Breathwork Can Address

Mindfulness/Spirituality | Gwen Dittmar

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

Yoga | Caley Alyssa

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

Nutrition | Rich Roll

What to Eat Before a Workout

Nutrition | Rich Roll

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Nutrition | Sahara Rose

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Love Languages

Love & Relationships | Esther Perel

Related Videos (10)

What Is Meditation?

Box Breathing

What Breathwork Can Address

The 8 Limbs of Yoga - What is Asana?

Two Standing Postures to Open Up Tight Hips

How Plants Can Optimize Athletic Performance

What to Eat Before a Workout

How Ayurveda Helps Us Navigate Modern Life

Messages About Love & Relationships

Love Languages

Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.

More On This Topic

more Lifestyle
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.
Advertisement
This ad is displayed using third party content and we do not control its accessibility features.