Collagen this, collagen that. It’s everywhere lately–but understanding collagen peptides is key to understanding what all the hype is about? Maybe because it’s your secret weapon to dewy, youthful-looking skin, healthy hair growth, strong nails, and even more flexible, comfortable joints. The catch? As you age, your natural collagen levels start to dip, meaning all those benefits can start slipping away...unless you step in and supplement.

How Collagen Levels Change with Age 

It’s no shock that collagen levels change with age, but when does it actually start? One study by Sibilla reported a peak in collagen levels for subjects between ages 25-34. As you age, your ability to replenish collagen diminishes about 1-1.5% per year (meaning your body makes less collagen and the collagen it does produce isn’t the same quality).² This might sound like a small number, but it adds up—and before long, the signs start showing up in the mirror (and in how you move).

Why Collagen Depletes As We Age

So…why does collagen start ghosting us as we age?

It all comes down to the collagen-producing cells (called fibroblasts) slowing down–they don’t get the same “rebuild” signal that they used to. On top of that, your body starts to produce more enzymes that break collagen down.

It’s a bit of a triple whammy: less collagen being made, more of it breaking down, and the stuff that’s left? Not quite the youthful, bouncy version you once had.

 

Signs of Collagen Depletion

Have a sneaking feeling your collagen is depleting? Here are a few telltale signs:

• Fine lines & wrinkles 
  
• Brittle, weak nails 
  
• Thinning hair or increased hair shedding
  
• Everyday joint pain
  
• Decreased mobility

Aging is natural, but certain lifestyle habits can fast-track collagen loss. Watch out for:

• Smoking

  • Smoking doesn’t help collagen–it actually interferes with your skin’s ability to repair itself, and it even breaks down collagen, getting in the way of your supplementation benefits.

• Sun Exposure

  • Summer is on the way, but heads up–UV rays can slow down how soon you’ll see results from collagen supplements.¹
    

• High Sugar Diet

  • Too much sugar can create advanced glycation end-products (AGEs), which cause collagen to become stiff and brittle, and lead to more visible signs of aging.³

 

How to Help Your Body Make (and Keep) More Collagen

Adding a collagen supplement to your routine is a great move–but it’s not the only one. Here's how you can help your body get the most out of it:

• Diet

  • Protein and vitamin C are collagen’s best friends. These two help your body produce and use collagen more efficiently.
    

• Stay Hydrated

  • Hydration = glowing skin
    
  • Plus, staying hydrated ensures that collagen gets where it needs to go.
    

• Powerhouse Pairs

  • Hyaluronic Acid: Supports lasting hydration for plump, dewy skin
    
  • Antioxidants: Guards your skin’s collagen reserves
    
  • Zinc: Protects collagen levels, while supporting healthy skin and hair.

Now You’ve Got the Scoop 

By now, you’re basically a collagen expert. Collagen production starts dipping in your mid-twenties, but you can slow the decline–and boost your glow–by sticking to good habits and smart supplementation. 

A healthy diet with good lifestyle habits, plenty of hydration, and key nutrients (hello, hyaluronic acid) can make all the difference. 

If you’re feeling ready to support your skin, hair, nails, and joints from the inside out, check out our Live Conscious Collagen Peptides to get started.