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    AnatomyC

    Collagen

    /KOLL-uh-jin/

    Definition

    The most abundant protein in the body, responsible for skin's firmness, elasticity, and structural integrity. Production declines with age.

    Collagen is a structural protein that makes up approximately 75–80% of your skin's dry weight. It forms a scaffold of fibers in the dermis (the skin's middle layer) that provides firmness, plumpness, and resilience. Think of it as the infrastructure that keeps your skin from sagging.

    Why Does Collagen Decline?

    Starting around age 25, collagen production decreases by approximately 1–1.5% per year. By age 50, most people have lost roughly 25–30% of their skin's collagen. UV exposure, smoking, poor nutrition, and environmental pollutants accelerate this decline. The visible result: fine lines, wrinkles, sagging, and thinner skin.

    Treatments That Boost Collagen

    • Microneedling: Creates controlled micro-injuries that trigger collagen synthesis
    • Chemical Peels: Stimulates collagen remodeling during the healing process
    • PiQo4 Laser Toning: Triggers deep-tissue collagen response with light energy
    • HydraFacial: Delivers peptides that support collagen production at the surface level
    ℹ️ Good to KnowCollagen can't be effectively delivered topically — the molecule is too large to penetrate skin. That's why treatments that stimulate your body's own collagen production (like microneedling) are far more effective than collagen creams.