What happens to collagen after age 25?
Collagen makes up about 30% of all protein in the human body and is the main component of the dermis, joint cartilage, tendons and bones. The problem is the body cannot store it — collagen is continuously produced and broken down by enzymes called matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs).
After age 25, the balance shifts against production: collagen synthesis declines by around 1–1.5% per year, while breakdown accelerates under the influence of UV radiation, oxidative stress, smoking and a high-sugar diet. By age 40, skin may contain as much as 30% less collagen than at age 20.
After age 25, collagen synthesis declines by approx. 1–1.5% per year. After menopause, the rate of decline accelerates significantly — up to several percent per year during the first years after oestrogen levels change.
Early signs of collagen deficiency
Collagen deficiency rarely appears suddenly — it's a process spread out over time. It's worth knowing the early signals before changes become clearly visible:
"Thirsty" and less elastic skin
Skin loses its ability to bounce back to its original shape after stretching. Fine dehydration lines appear — especially around the eyes and mouth — that don't disappear after moisturizing with cream.
Brittle nails and hair loss
Nails break with minimal effort, and hair sheds more heavily than usual or loses density. The keratin that builds hair and nails needs collagen amino acids — glycine and proline — for proper synthesis.
Joint pain after exertion
Joint cartilage is 95% collagen. When its synthesis declines, cartilage thins — the result can be pain and creaking in joints, particularly the knees, after physical exertion or prolonged sitting.
Slower wound and scar healing
Collagen is a key component of the healing process — it forms the scaffolding for new tissue. When its synthesis is limited, minor wounds, chafing or post-surgical scars regenerate more slowly and can leave more visible marks.
When to start supplementation — by age
| Age | State of collagen | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 25 years | Synthesis at full level | Not necessary preventively — a balanced diet rich in protein and vitamin C is sufficient |
| 25–35 years | Decline of 1–1.5% per year, first subtle changes | A good time for preventive supplementation — effects are stronger when you start earlier |
| 35–50 years | Noticeable decline; accelerates after menopause in women | Supplementation clearly advisable; worth combining with topical cosmeceutics |
| Over 50 years | Significant deficiency; changes in skin, joints and bones clearly visible | Supplementation well justified; effects require patience and consistency |
How long should you take collagen, and should you take breaks?
The effects of collagen supplementation don't appear overnight — this comes down to biology. Fibroblasts stimulated by signalling peptides need several weeks to produce measurable amounts of new fibres, and the epidermal renewal cycle takes 28–42 days. The first effects (hydration, elasticity) appear after 4–6 weeks, with full effects after 3 months of regular use.
Collagen is a natural dietary component (bone broth, fish, gelatine) and continuous supplementation is safe. There's no evidence that breaks in supplementation are necessary. WellU recommends regular, continuous use of Nutrivi products — similar to daily skincare with Larens cosmeceutics.
Internal supplementation and external skincare — why combine them?
Collagen peptides taken orally (Nutrivi Glowin'UP) reach fibroblasts through the bloodstream and stimulate their activity throughout the whole body. Larens cosmeceutics (Biopeptide Serum Spray, Lifting Face Cream) applied to the skin deliver peptides directly to the dermis and epidermis.
Both channels work complementarily — they don't replace each other. Clinical studies of Larens cosmeceutics alone showed a 671% increase in collagen synthesis in the skin. Oral supplementation supports this effect from within, especially in deeper tissues — joints, tendons and blood vessels — that cosmeceutics cannot reach.
This content is for informational and educational purposes. It does not replace medical or dietary consultation. Consult a doctor before starting supplementation, especially in cases of pregnancy, breastfeeding or chronic illness.