How do age-related changes in collagen and elastin production affect skin brightness?

By Dr. Bollmann, Cosmetic Surgeon and Owner of BARE SkinCare

Are you noticing that your skin looks less radiant as you get older? There's a scientific reason for that. Our skin's brightness is deeply connected to proteins called collagen and elastin. As we age, our natural production of these proteins decreases, leading to changes in the way our skin looks and feels.

What are collagen and elastin?

• Collagen: Think of collagen as the scaffolding of your skin. This abundant protein provides structure, firmness, and a plump appearance. In fact, collagen makes up around 80% of the dry weight of young skin.
• Elastin: As the name suggests, elastin is what gives our skin its elasticity, allowing it to bounce back into shape after stretching.

Think of collagen and elastin as a youthful team that works together for radiant, healthy-looking skin. However, sadly, their production declines with age. Beginning in our mid-20s, collagen production decreases by approximately 1% per year. Elastin production also slows, and the elastin fibers we do have become less organized and functional.

How Collagen and Elastin Decline Affects Skin Brightness

1. Loss of Fullness and Shadows: Collagen loss leads to the thinning of the dermis (the deeper layer of skin) and reduced volume. This creates a sunken, less full appearance which can cast shadows, making skin look less even and bright.

• This patient had a deep chemical peel; dark shadows are obvious in the before picture. A lower lid blepharoplasty would improve the lighter shadow in the after-picture - due to the accumulation of a fat pad.
• The best skincare ingredient to add collagen and plump up the skin is a peptide serum.

1. Changes in Texture and Light Reflection: Healthy, young skin has a smooth surface that reflects light evenly, contributing to a radiant glow. Elastin decline causes skin texture to become rougher and less organized. This rough texture scatters light in a less uniform way, making skin appear duller. 

   • Skincare products with retinol, retinaldehyde, peptides and EGF will help this.

2. Reduced Microcirculation: Optimal collagen and elastin support good blood flow in your skin, ensuring a healthy, rosy glow. When these proteins decline, circulation can slow down, leading to paleness. 

   • The aging process causes loss of elasticity in the blood vessels, decreasing circulation.

Beyond Age: Other Factors Affecting Skin Brightness

While age-related collagen and elastin loss is a significant factor, it's not the sole culprit in dull skin. Other contributors include:

• Sun Damage: Excessive UV exposure accelerates collagen and elastin breakdown, as well as causing uneven pigmentation.
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• Dehydration: Proper hydration is essential for plump, radiant skin. Dehydration can cause the skin to look sallow.
• Lifestyle Factors: Smoking, poor diet, and lack of sleep can inhibit skin renewal and radiance.

Solutions to Restore Brightness

Fortunately, there are ways to combat the effects of aging on skin brightness. As a cosmetic surgeon, I recommend the following approaches:

• Topical Skincare: Ingredients like retinol (a vitamin A derivative), peptides, vitamin C, and hyaluronic acid can stimulate collagen production and improve skin texture. Look for chiral (safer), cosmeceutical (more effective) products specifically formulated to address radiance and glow.
• Protect Your Skin: Daily sunscreen with a minimum SPF 30 is non-negotiable to prevent further sun damage that diminishes brightness. Higher SPF will last longer.
• Professional Treatments: Procedures like microneedling, targeted chemical peels, and various light and laser therapies can stimulate collagen and elastin renewal, improve texture, and address uneven pigmentation.
• Injectable Fillers: For volume loss contributing to shadows and dullness, dermal fillers can restore youthful fullness for a brighter appearance. Check with your doctor as to the length of time they will last - they wear off.

The Bottom Line

While reduced brightness is a natural part of aging, it doesn't mean you have to accept dull looking skin. By understanding the role of collagen and elastin, taking proactive steps in your skincare routine, and exploring professional treatments, you can achieve a revitalized and radiant complexion at any age.

Ready to unveil your skin's radiant potential? Explore the transformative power of collagen and elastin with expert guidance from Dr. Bollmann, Cosmetic Surgeon and Owner of BARE SkinCare. Discover how to reclaim your youthful glow and banish dullness for good. From smoothing away shadows to restoring texture and brightness, unlock the secrets to ageless beauty. Elevate your skincare routine with science-backed solutions and embrace a luminous complexion that radiates confidence. It's time to say hello to a brighter, more youthful you!