Once we hit our mid-20s, the natural levels of collagen in our body start to decline. As a result, signs of aging like wrinkles and looser skin begin to appear. However, the rate at which this happens—and how the symptoms of low collagen manifest—can vary greatly from person to person.
While the term collagen may be unfamiliar to some of you, for many others it’s a common and prevalent concept that generates significant interest in their lives. For example, a survey in England found that online searches for the term “collagen loss” rose by 79% year-on-year, while “collagen deficiency” and “symptoms of low collagen” also increased by 52% and 50%, respectively.
To address these questions, Dr. Dave Riley, chief scientist at Absolute Collagen, shared four changes in the body that may indicate that collagen levels are decreasing.
Wrinkles
One of the first and most significant signs of aging is when you start to see wrinkles appear. The reason this happens is primarily due to a slowdown in collagen production.
Collagen is the protein that gives your skin structure and strength, so as it gradually decreases, wrinkles will begin to form. When wrinkles first start to appear, they are likely to show up around your face.
Our everyday facial expressions, like smiling or frowning, also contribute to the development of wrinkles over time, so you’re likely to first notice fine lines around your mouth, eyes, and forehead.
The Pinch Test
The pinch test on the hand is one of the easiest ways to check your collagen status. All you need to do is pinch the skin on the back of your hand.
The longer it takes for the skin to bounce back, the less elastic it is—less elasticity generally means less elastin, hyaluronic acid, and collagen. In young individuals, the skin will spring back immediately. As you age, this time will gradually increase to several seconds, and will grow even longer when you reach your 50s.
Brittle Hair
Collagen is essential for thick, strong, and nourished hair, as it directly impacts the health of our scalp—just like it does for our skin. This is why, as collagen levels deplete over time, there is a greater chance that your scalp will become dry and flaky. This can lead to hair that looks limp and lifeless.
Loose Skin
If you’re starting to notice a more tired appearance in your skin, especially in areas under the eyes or around the cheeks, it could be a sign of collagen loss.
Collagen helps maintain the plumpness and glow of your skin, which means that as production decreases, your skin will begin to look thinner. These changes are often most pronounced in the cheeks and under the eyes, as the loss of volume in these areas can create sagging skin and a more hollow appearance.