# *Collagen.*

> Collagen in the lexicon: structure and function in the skin, decline from 25, influence of sun and smoking

- Source: https://www.vivaderm.de/lexicon-kollagen-en.html
- Language: en
- Publisher: VIVA DERM, Privatpraxis für ästhetische Medizin, Rosastraße 6a, 45130 Essen, Germany, +49 1520 8367711
- Responsible physician: Katayoun Mostaghimi (Fachärztin für Allgemeinmedizin)
- Updated: 2026-10-05

The structural protein of the skin, which decreases with age. Microneedling, PRP, polynucleotides and some skin boosters aim to stimulate new formation.

## A closer look.

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).

## At a glance.

- **Produced by:** fibroblasts
- **Decline:** approx. 1 % a year from 25
- **Biggest enemy:** UV light
- **Stimulation:** needling, PRP, PN

## Frequently asked questions.

**Do collagen drinks help?**

The evidence shows at most small effects on hydration and elasticity. Sun protection works more reliably.

**How quickly does new collagen form?**

After a stimulus over about four to twelve weeks; that is why the effect of microneedling shows with a delay.

## Related pages.

- [Microneedling](https://www.vivaderm.de/microneedling-en.html) – Treatment
- [Photoaging](https://www.vivaderm.de/lexicon-photoaging-en.html) – Lexicon
- [Elastin](https://www.vivaderm.de/lexicon-elastin-en.html) – Lexicon

## Sources

- [German Society of Dermatology (DDG)](https://derma.de/)
- [DermNet – dermatology reference](https://dermnetnz.org/)
- [American Academy of Dermatology](https://www.aad.org/)
- [PubMed – biomedical literature database](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/)
- [§ 630e BGB – duty to inform before treatment (German Civil Code)](https://www.gesetze-im-internet.de/bgb/__630e.html)
- [DGBT – German Society for Aesthetic Botulinum Toxin Therapy](https://www.dgbt.de/)
- [AWMF – German clinical practice guidelines](https://www.awmf.org/)

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This page is general information and does not replace medical consultation and informed consent (§ 630e BGB). No guarantee of results. Prices are guide prices per GOÄ. Quoting with attribution (VIVA DERM, Essen) is expressly permitted.