Written by the SiWell content team ·
Your skin's collagen decreases by approximately 1% per year starting from age 25, and this rate accelerates due to UV radiation, stress, and unhealthy habits. The result: thinner, drier skin with fine lines and reduced elasticity. Fortunately, you can slow down this process. Below, you'll read what research shows actually helps, from daily habits to targeted nutrients.
Why does skin lose strength?
Collagen and elastin are the building blocks of firm skin. Scientific research from the University of Michigan compared the collagen production of skin cells from young people (18-29 years old) with those of older people (80+), and found a significantly lower production of type I collagen in the older group. This process starts much earlier than you might think, but the effects accumulate: thinner, drier, and more sensitive skin, resulting in fine lines and loss of elasticity. External factors such as UV radiation accelerate this even further by activating enzymes that break down collagen fibers.
The basics: healthy habits
Strong skin starts with a healthy lifestyle. This includes:
Healthy diet rich in antioxidants
Drink enough water
Enough sleep and relaxation
Protect from within: targeted nutrients
In addition to a healthy diet, certain nutrients can play a demonstrable role in healthy skin structure:
- Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of the skin, according to EU-approved health claims.
- Zinc contributes to the maintenance of normal skin and protects cells from oxidative stress.
- Silicon occurs naturally in connective tissue and skin. Research has been conducted, but the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) concluded in 2011 that a cause-and-effect relationship between silicon intake and skin elasticity could not be established based on the evidence available at the time. Therefore, there is no EU-approved health claim for silicon in this area (yet), unlike for vitamin C and zinc. We prefer to be transparent about this.
Triple A Silicon is a liquid supplement containing silicon, along with other nutrients. Curious about its composition? View Triple A Silicon.
Protect from the outside
Apply sunscreen daily, even when the sun isn't shining. UV radiation is one of the biggest drivers of premature skin aging because it activates enzymes that break down collagen. Also, choose a mild cleanser and a nourishing cream to keep the skin barrier intact.
Consistency is key
Building stronger skin takes time, just as its loss is gradual. Combine healthy nutrition, targeted nutrients, and protection from external influences for the best long-term results. Expect several weeks to months before you see a noticeable difference from any approach, and that varies from person to person.
Frequently asked questions about skin aging
At what age does skin aging actually begin? Your collagen production starts to decline in your mid-twenties, by about 1% per year. The effects usually only become visible from your 30s or 40s, as the loss gradually accumulates.
What accelerates skin aging the most? UV radiation is considered one of the biggest external drivers, as it activates enzymes that break down collagen. Smoking, chronic stress, and lack of sleep also accelerate the process.
Does sunscreen really help against skin aging? Yes. Because UV radiation accelerates collagen breakdown via specific enzymes, daily sun protection is one of the most well-supported ways to slow down skin aging.
Sources
- Varani J, et al. Decreased collagen production in chronologically aged skin: roles of age-dependent alteration in fibroblast function and defective mechanical stimulation. American Journal of Pathology, 2006.
- EFSA NDA Panel. Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to vitamin C and zinc. EU register of health claims, Regulation (EU) No 432/2012.
- EFSA NDA Panel (2011). Scientific Opinion on the substantiation of health claims related to silicon. EFSA Journal.
