How Collagen Works (And Why You Should Start Supporting It Early)
Short version: Collagen is your skin’s scaffolding. From your mid-20s it naturally declines, which is why fine lines, laxity and dullness creep in. The earlier you start supporting it (smart skincare + lifestyle + targeted treatments), the longer your skin stays bouncy, firm and glowy.
What is collagen—really?
Collagen is a structural protein that gives skin firmness, elasticity and strength—think of it as the framework that keeps everything lifted.
Type I & III collagen dominate in skin.
Fibroblasts (skin cells) make collagen and elastin, but production slows with age and damage (UV, stress, sugars, smoke).
When does collagen decline start?
From about age 25, collagen production begins to dip a little each year. Add sun exposure, poor sleep, high stress and low-protein diets and the drop accelerates showing up as fine lines, enlarged pores, a crêpey texture and less snapback after expressions.
The big collagen killers
UV exposure: #1 cause of premature breakdown (hello, photoaging).
Glycation (sugar): stiffens collagen fibres → loss of bounce.
Inflammation & stress: cortisol disrupts repair.
Smoking & pollution: free-radical damage.
Low protein intake: not enough building blocks to repair.
How to support collagen (starting now)
1) Daily skincare that actually moves the needle
Sunscreen (every day): The single most important collagen saver.
Vitamin A (retinoids): Encourages fibroblasts to produce new collagen; smooths texture over time.
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid): Essential co-factor for collagen synthesis and a potent antioxidant for brightening.
Peptides (e.g., palmitoyl peptides, copper peptides): Signal skin to support repair.
Niacinamide: Strengthens barrier so skin can stay in “repair mode”.
2) In-clinic treatments (Jannali & Sutherland Shire clients)
These are your collagen accelerators—they stimulate controlled repair so your skin makes fresh collagen.
Skin Needling (Microneedling): Creates micro-channels that trigger a wound-healing cascade → new collagen & elastin over 6–12 weeks. Pairs beautifully with PDRN boosters for extra regeneration.
LED Light Therapy (Red/Infrared): Energises cells (photobiomodulation) to enhance collagen production and calm inflammation—perfect post-treatment or as a gentle collagen top-up.
IPL Photo-Rejuvenation: Reduces sun damage and redness that undermine collagen quality; clearer, more even skin reflects light better and supports long-term collagen health.
RF-based treatments (if/when applicable in your clinic): Heat collagen to contract and remodel fibres for a firmer look.
Local tip: If you’re in Jannali or the Sutherland Shire, book a personalised skin plan at our clinic, we’ll map a collagen routine from everyday skincare to in-clinic boosts based on your skin type and lifestyle.
3) Nutrition & lifestyle (collagen is built from the inside out)
Protein at most meals: Collagen is made from amino acids (glycine, proline, hydroxyproline).
Vitamin C-rich foods: Citrus, berries, capsicum = better collagen cross-linking.
Minerals: Zinc and copper support repair enzymes.
Sleep & strength training: Deeper recovery hormones + mechanical signals both support firm skin.
Manage sugar & alcohol: Keep glycation and inflammation low.
When will I see results?
Topicals: 6–12 weeks for visible texture and firmness changes (keep going!).
Skin Needling / RF: Collagen remodelling builds month over month; best results are cumulative across a series.
LED: Glowy calm fast; collagen benefits build with consistent sessions.
Start early, age softly
Supporting collagen in your 20s and 30s is like compound interest for your skin small, consistent inputs now equal firmer, smoother skin later. If you’re already noticing fine lines or laxity, it’s not too late; you just need a smarter plan and a bit more consistency.
Your personalised Collagen Plan (Book in Jannali)
Not sure where to start? Book a Skin Assessment and we’ll design a 6–12 week plan/skincare, treatment plan and at-home support to protect and rebuild your collagen.
Book your Collagen Consultation in Jannali →