Collagen.

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the body and forms a scaffold of firm fibres in the dermis that gives the skin tensile strength; elastin provides stretch. It is produced by fibroblasts. From the mid-twenties production falls by about one percent a year, accelerating in menopause.

UV radiation, smoking, sugar (glycation) and lack of sleep accelerate the breakdown; sun protection is therefore the single most effective measure. Treatments that set a controlled injury or stimulus – microneedling, PRP, polynucleotides, certain skin boosters – prompt fibroblasts to form new collagen; the effect builds over weeks to months.

Collagen supplements are broken down into amino acids in the gut; some studies show small effects on skin hydration, large effects are not proven. Collagen creams stay on the surface because the molecule is too large to penetrate.

This lexicon entry is general information and does not replace the medical consultation required under German law (§ 630e BGB).