Why Does Collagen Decrease?

Oral or topical collagen has limitations because it does not directly replenish collagen in the dermis. Ingested collagen is broken down into amino acids and peptides during digestion and absorbed, but it is not necessarily used as collagen in the skin.

Collagen in cosmetics also has a large molecular size, making it difficult to reach the deep dermal layer. Most topical products primarily help with moisturizing and improving surface condition, and they have limitations in restoring the structural collagen loss in the dermis.

Therefore, it is appropriate to understand supplements and cosmetics as supportive means for managing the skin environment. To improve existing dermal collagen loss or reduced elasticity, procedures that stimulate collagen production in the dermal layer may also be considered.

Yes, the rate of collagen decrease can accelerate after menopause. Because estrogen is involved in collagen production, a decline in estrogen after menopause reduces collagen synthesis and increases breakdown.

In particular, during the few years around menopause, collagen loss in the skin, along with reduced elasticity, dryness, and decreased skin thickness, may become more pronounced. Afterward, collagen loss continues gradually and affects skin aging changes.

However, the rate and degree of change vary greatly among individuals. Depending on genetics, UV exposure, lifestyle habits, and skin care status, skin changes can differ even among people of the same age.

Yes, smoking and excessive drinking are representative lifestyle factors that accelerate collagen loss. Smoking impairs blood circulation, inhibits collagen production, and activates enzymes that break down collagen. In a study comparing identical twins, the twin who smoked showed more advanced skin aging.

Drinking can cause dehydration and nutritional imbalance and increase oxidative stress, negatively affecting skin health. In addition, factors such as UV exposure, lack of sleep, rapid dieting, and insufficient protein intake also contribute to accelerating collagen loss.

Importantly, most of these factors can be controlled. Quitting smoking, moderating alcohol intake, thorough UV protection, adequate sleep, and a balanced diet can help slow the rate of collagen loss, and it is advisable to combine these with any procedure you undergo.

The principle of rebuilding collagen through procedures is to deliver controlled stimulation to the skin, prompting it to produce new collagen on its own. In other words, it uses the skin's healing response to promote collagen remodeling.

Representative examples include energy-based procedures such as ultrasound and radiofrequency, which deliver thermal stimulation to the dermal layer to induce structural changes in collagen and subsequently stimulate fibroblast activity to help generate new collagen. Microneedling with RF and collagen booster injections also share the same principle by utilizing the skin's healing response.

The collagen remodeling induced this way typically appears gradually over several weeks, not immediately after the procedure. However, the degree of stimulation and response vary greatly among individuals, and excessive stimulation can be burdensome, so it is recommended to determine an appropriate procedure plan through consultation with a specialist.