Collagen and elastin are the two structural proteins that give skin its firmness, elasticity and youthful resilience. In younger skin, these fibres form a dense, supportive network within the dermis, allowing skin to spring back after movement and resist gravity. As we age, however, the natural production of both collagen and elastin slows down, existing fibres become fragmented, and the skin’s underlying framework weakens. This gradual breakdown is one of the primary reasons wrinkles deepen, fine lines form and skin begins to sag.
Collagen acts as the skin’s scaffolding. It provides strength and helps maintain smoothness by supporting the outer layers of the skin. Elastin, as the name suggests, allows skin to stretch and recoil. When these proteins are abundant and well-organised, skin appears plump and firm. Over time, intrinsic ageing reduces the skin’s ability to replenish these fibres, while external factors such as UV exposure, pollution, smoking and chronic stress accelerate their degradation. The result is skin that creases more easily, struggles to hold moisture and gradually loses definition around areas like the jawline, cheeks and eyes.
One of the most significant contributors to collagen loss is sun damage. Ultraviolet radiation triggers enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases, which actively break down collagen fibres. This process, known as photoageing, explains why wrinkles often appear earlier and more deeply on sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck and hands. Elastin fibres are also affected, becoming thickened and disorganised, which leads to skin that looks looser and less responsive. While ageing is inevitable, understanding these mechanisms helps explain why certain preventative and corrective approaches are more effective than others.
Topical skincare can play a meaningful role in supporting collagen and elastin, provided the ingredients are backed by evidence. Retinoids, derived from vitamin A, are among the most researched and effective options. They work by increasing cell turnover and stimulating fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen. With consistent use, retinoids can soften fine lines, improve texture and help skin appear firmer over time. Vitamin C is another key ingredient, acting both as a powerful antioxidant and as a cofactor in collagen synthesis. When used correctly, it can help protect existing collagen from environmental damage while encouraging new production.
Hydration also plays an important supporting role. While moisturisers cannot replace lost collagen or elastin, ingredients such as hyaluronic acid can temporarily plump the skin, making fine lines less visible and improving overall skin smoothness. Well-hydrated skin also provides a healthier environment for cellular processes involved in repair and regeneration. This is why combining active ingredients with a strong moisturising routine is often more effective than relying on treatments in isolation.
Beyond daily skincare, professional treatments can stimulate deeper changes within the skin. Microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries that trigger the skin’s natural healing response, encouraging new collagen formation. Radiofrequency treatments use heat to tighten existing collagen fibres while promoting long-term collagen remodelling. When combined with a tailored skincare regimen, these approaches can significantly improve skin firmness and elasticity over time. Clinics such as SkinGym often focus on this combined strategy, pairing targeted treatments with supportive at-home care to maximise results.
Lifestyle choices are another critical, and often overlooked, factor in collagen and elastin preservation. A diet rich in antioxidants helps neutralise free radicals that damage skin proteins, while adequate protein intake provides the building blocks needed for collagen production. Sleep, stress management and avoiding smoking all contribute to healthier skin ageing by reducing inflammatory processes that accelerate structural breakdown. Although collagen supplements are popular, the evidence remains mixed, and they are best viewed as a potential complement rather than a standalone solution.
Ultimately, while no treatment can completely stop the ageing process, understanding how collagen and elastin decline allows for more informed and realistic approaches to skin care. Protecting what you have, stimulating what you can, and supporting skin health from both the inside and outside can make a visible difference. With consistent habits and evidence-based treatments, it is possible to soften wrinkles, improve firmness and help ageing skin age more gracefully rather than prematurely.
