Is it any surprise that “collagen” has been one of the most searched terms on Google in recent years? Not only is it the most abundant protein in our bodies, but its inevitable decline visibly affects our appearance. In fact, collagen makes up a staggering 75% of the skin’s dry weight—so you can bet its absence is noticeable. This likely explains our collective obsession with maintaining collagen levels, especially since, starting around age 25, we lose about 1% of our collagen each year.

“The collagen in our skin results from a balance between production and breakdown,” explains Mercedes Abarquero Cerezo, a pharmacist and head of scientific projects at L’Oréal Dermatological Beauty Spain. “Over time, the cells responsible for collagen production slow down. Meanwhile, environmental factors like sun exposure, lifestyle habits such as diet and stress, and hormonal changes—especially in women during menopause—speed up its degradation.”

Of course, this loss happens gradually—so slowly that you might not notice it at first. “Our body is a balanced system,” says Abarquero Cerezo. “In the skin, collagen is constantly breaking down and being rebuilt. Any imbalance in the amount or quality produced leads to visible changes as we age.”

### 5 Signs Your Skin Is Losing Collagen
While these changes typically begin around age 25, Abarquero Cerezo notes that poor lifestyle habits can trigger earlier collagen loss. This decline alters the skin’s internal structure, leading to visible sagging and deeper wrinkles. Some of the most obvious signs include:

– Skin looks dry and dehydrated
– Expression lines and wrinkles become more noticeable
– Skin loses fullness and plumpness
– Increased sagging and loss of firmness
– Reduced elasticity and bounce

But that’s not all. Other signs of collagen loss include thinner skin, hollowed under-eyes, changes in facial shape (like narrower temples), more visible cellulite, brittle nails and hair, and even joint pain and muscle weakness. Collagen truly affects everything.

### Collagen and Menopause
Just as hormones impact mood and the body, they also influence the skin. The drop in estrogen during perimenopause and menopause accelerates collagen loss. In fact, “studies show that within the first five years of menopause, collagen levels can drop by up to 30%,” says Abarquero Cerezo. “Over the next 15 years, the decline continues at a faster rate—about 2% per year—compared to younger ages.”

Research on whether oral collagen supplements can slow this loss during menopause is limited, but it may be worth trying. “Consistent and cautious use of collagen supplements could improve skin elasticity, hydration, and reduce wrinkles,” notes one recent review. However, “it’s unclear exactly where these collagen peptides are used in the body. With more research, regulation, and post-market monitoring, collagen supplements could become a valuable tool in fighting aging.”

### How to Slow Collagen Loss
Can we stop collagen loss entirely? Unfortunately, no—it’s a natural part of aging. But we *can* slow it down with some proven lifestyle habits. Abarquero Cerezo recommends:

– Avoiding collagen-damaging factors like smoking and excessive sun exposure
– Wearing daily sunscreen (SPF)
– Prioritizing rest and stress reduction
– Exercising regularly
– Maintaining a healthy weight
– Eating a balanced, whole-foods diet rich in collagen-supporting nutrients like eggs, dairy, legumes, and other sources of essential amino acids and vitamins.

While we can’t turn back time, these steps can help keep our skin—and overall health—stronger for longer.Eat plenty of vegetables, fruit, whole grains, meat, and fish. Look for skincare products with collagen-boosting ingredients like glycosaminoglycans, proxylane, peptides, cassia extract, hyaluronic acid, and antioxidants such as vitamin C and niacinamide.

**Do collagen creams actually work?**
Topical collagen products, like creams and masks, can improve the appearance of skin, but they likely won’t prevent collagen loss deep within the skin. “Collagen is a large molecule, so it only absorbs into the skin’s surface layer,” explains Abarquero Cerezo.

In short, collagen creams provide instant smoothing and hydration, but for long-term collagen maintenance, focus on the ingredients and lifestyle tips mentioned above.

Here are some of Vogue’s top picks for collagen-boosting skincare:

– **SkinCeuticals HA Intensifier Multi-Glycan** – $120 (Bluemercury, SkinCeuticals)
– **Angela Caglia Cell Forté Serum with BIOMSC** – $325 (Bluemercury)
– **EltaMD UV Skin Recovery Face Sunscreen SPF 50** – $52 (EltaMD)
– **Estée Lauder Futurist Peptide-Power Serum Primer** – $56 (Dermstore, Nordstrom, Bluemercury)
– **La Roche-Posay 10% Pure Vitamin C Serum** – $45 (Amazon, Dermstore)
– **Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+** – $73 (Amazon), $70 (Dermstore)