Collagen 101: Here’s Everything You Need To Know

Collagen 101: What It Does, Why It Declines, and How to Protect It Early

Collagen plays a major role in how skin looks, feels, and ages - but it’s only part of the story. Alongside elastin, collagen forms the structural support system that keeps skin firm, smooth, and resilient.

From our mid-twenties onward, the body naturally produces less of both proteins. Over time, this decline can show up as fine lines, loss of bounce, uneven texture, and dullness.

The good news? While collagen and elastin loss is inevitable, how quickly it becomes visible - and how skin responds - is not.

This guide breaks down what collagen and elastin do, why they weaken over time, and how a preventative approach can help protect skin’s future.

What Is Collagen and Why Does Skin Need It?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and a critical building block of skin, hair, nails, bones, and connective tissue.

In skin, collagen acts as a structural framework, helping to:

• Maintain firmness and strength
• Support smooth texture
• Keep skin looking plump and supported

You can think of collagen as the underlying architecture that keeps skin looking stable and resilient.

The Different Types of Collagen in Skin

There are more than 28 types of collagen in the body, but two are most important for skin health:

• Type I collagen (around 80–85%)
  Responsible for skin’s overall structure and strength.
• Type III collagen (around 10–15%)
  Supports flexibility and plays a role in repair and renewal.

Together, these collagen types help skin remain firm yet adaptable.

Why Elastin Is Just as Important as Collagen

While collagen provides structure, elastin provides movement.

Elastin allows skin to stretch and return to shape, creating that visible “bounce” associated with youthful-looking skin. Unlike collagen, elastin is produced mainly early in life and regenerates very little in adulthood.

As elastin degrades:

• Skin loses its ability to rebound
• Sagging and laxity become more noticeable
• Skin can appear tired or less resilient

This makes elastin preservation especially important in preventative skin care.

What Causes Collagen and Elastin to Break Down?

Both intrinsic ageing and external stressors contribute to collagen and elastin decline. Common factors include:

• UV exposure – accelerates protein breakdown
• Environmental pollution – increases oxidative stress
• Chronic stress – impacts collagen synthesis
• Dehydration – makes fine lines more visible and stresses skin structure

From around age 30, collagen loss averages about 1% per year, while elastin degradation is even harder to reverse.

Why Prevention Matters More Than Replenishment

Many traditional collagen products focus on replacing what’s already been lost. But modern skin science shows that preserving existing collagen and elastin is more effective than trying to rebuild later.

A preventative strategy focuses on:

• Reducing oxidative stress
• Supporting hydration and barrier strength
• Protecting structural proteins from accelerated breakdown

This approach helps skin age more gradually and maintain resilience longer.

What Is Collagen and Elastin “Banking”?

Collagen and elastin banking is a proactive skin care concept centred on protecting what your skin already has.

Rather than reacting to visible ageing, banking helps:

• Preserve firmness and bounce
• Support long-term skin structure
• Maintain a stronger, more resilient barrier

Think of it as investing in skin health now to support better outcomes later.

How Hydration Supports Collagen and Elastin

Hydration isn’t just about comfort - it plays a direct role in how collagen and elastin function.

Well-hydrated skin:

• Appears plumper and smoother
• Places less stress on structural proteins
• Helps maintain visible bounce

Advanced hydration technologies can deliver water efficiently without heaviness, creating an ideal environment for collagen and elastin support.

A Modern Approach to Collagen Support

Dermalogica’s Pro-Collagen Banking Serum and Pro-Collagen Banking Water Cream are designed to support a preventative skin longevity routine.

Pro-Collagen Banking Water Cream is an intensely hydrating water cream that:

• Helps fight oxidative stress
• Uses water-burst technology for deep yet lightweight hydration
• Supports the skin barrier for visible bounce

It is clinically proven to boost collagen by 44% and elastin by 56%* while visibly reducing fine lines and wrinkles in just 3 days.**

*Based on in vitro testing versus untreated skin.
**Results at 3 days. Expert assessment in an independent clinical study, 31 subjects, 2 applications per day for 8 weeks.

Why Skin Longevity Starts Earlier Than You Think

Skin ageing doesn’t begin when lines appear - it starts much earlier at a structural level.

By prioritising hydration, barrier support, and oxidative stress defence early, skin is better equipped to:

• Maintain firmness
• Retain bounce
• Recover from daily environmental stress

Prevention isn’t about stopping time - it’s about helping skin respond to it more gracefully.

Collagen Care Is a Long-Term Strategy

Collagen and elastin decline is natural, but visible ageing doesn’t have to feel sudden or accelerated.

With a consistent, prevention-focused routine, you can help support skin’s structure, resilience, and hydration - today and into the future.