How skin ages: collagen and elastin

How skin ages: collagen and elastin

How skin ages: collagen and elastin
We understand the ageing process from the inside out and how to slow it down with care

Skin ages when, with the years, the production of collagen and elastin decreases, while external factors such as the sun speed up this process. The result is a loss of density and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Understanding how skin ages is the first step towards effective anti-ageing care.


How skin ages: what happens beneath the surface

The skin is the largest organ of the body and over time it goes through natural changes. To understand how skin ages, it helps to look at its three main layers, because ageing starts deep down, long before we notice it on the surface.

Infographic how skin ages: young skin with dense collagen on the left and mature skin with a wrinkle and broken-down collagen on the right

On the left the skin is young, with dense collagen and good hydration. On the right, with the years, collagen breaks down, a wrinkle appears and the skin loosens.

1
Epidermis (surface layer)
Holds the moisture. With the years it renews more slowly and becomes thinner, and the skin loses radiance.
2
Dermis (middle layer)
This is where collagen and elastin are. It is exactly here that the visible loss of collagen and the appearance of wrinkles begin.
3
Hypodermis (fat layer)
The deepest layer, which gives density. As it decreases, the contour of the face softens.

The role of collagen and elastin

Collagen is like an inner scaffold that keeps the skin firm, and elastin returns it to shape after movement. Hyaluronic acid holds the moisture between them. When these structures decrease with the years, the skin gradually becomes softer and fine lines appear.

🧱
Collagen
support and firmness
🔄
Elastin
flexibility and return to shape
💧
Hyaluron
moisture and density

Together, collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid build the support and the moisture of young skin.

After around the age of 25 the body produces less collagen every year. That is exactly why anti-ageing care is most effective when it starts in good time.

≈1%
annual loss of collagen after the age of 25
25
the age at which the decline begins
up to 80%
of external ageing is linked to the sun
Good to know

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the skin. Together with elastin and hyaluronic acid it builds the support and the moisture of the dermis, which is why caring for it is at the heart of every anti-age routine.

Internal and external ageing

Researchers divide skin ageing into two kinds. One is written into our nature, the other depends on lifestyle and is the one we influence most.

Internal (chronological) ageing
🧬 Genetics⏳ Age⚖️ Hormones
Written into our nature. Our influence over it is limited.
External ageing
☀️ Sun🚭 Smoking🍬 Sugar😴 Stress and sleep
Depends on lifestyle. Our influence over it is large which is why care focuses here.

Which factors speed up the loss of collagen

Everyday habits can speed up the loss of collagen and age the skin prematurely. The good news is that most of them are in our hands.

Sun (UV rays)
The main external factor for premature ageing. Breaks down collagen and elastin in the dermis.
Smoking
Narrows the blood vessels and deprives the skin of oxygen and nutrients.
Sugar and glycation
An excess of sugar makes the collagen fibres stiffer and more brittle.
Lack of sleep and stress
At night the skin recovers. A lack of sleep slows this process down.
Dehydration
Insufficient moisture makes fine lines more visible.

The sun is the leading external factor for the loss of collagen. Read in more detail how the sun ages the skin, as well as the other causes of wrinkles.

Myths and facts about skin ageing

There are many misconceptions around the topic of ageing. Here are the most common ones, looked at soberly.

Myth: ageing depends only on genes
Genetics plays a role, but external factors sun, smoking, diet determine a large part of visible ageing and are within our control.
Fact: prevention in your twenties is the most effective
The earlier the protection of collagen begins with sun protection and hydration, the more slowly the visible signs appear.
Myth: an expensive cream stops time
No product brings youth fully back. Good care supports the look and the feeling of firmness, but realistic expectations matter.

How to help the skin look younger

We cannot stop time, but we can slow down the visible signs of ageing with consistent and gentle care. Here are the main steps for younger-looking skin.

1
Sun protection every day even in winter and in cloudy weather, to protect the collagen.
2
Hydration morning and evening, so the skin stays dense and elastic.
3
Antioxidants and rose oil, which nourish and support the skin's protection.
4
Gentle cleansing without aggressive products that disturb the protective barrier.
5
Healthy sleep and diet, rich in antioxidants and water.

These habits are the foundation of the whole anti-ageing skin care. From here on it helps to recognise the first signs of ageing and to know which herbs work against ageing.

The natural anti-age routine by InaEssentials

It is not a single product that works against ageing, but a consistent anti-ageing skin care morning and evening. That is why InaEssentials offers three complementary products with organic rose oil from our own fields.

❤️Rose Elixir intensive anti-age serum

Concentrated night and day care with rose oil that nourishes mature skin and supports the feeling of firmness and elasticity. Discover the Rose Elixir serum.

❤️Crème de rose day cream with SPF 30

Hydrates and creates a protective layer against UV rays the main external factor for photoageing and the appearance of wrinkles. Discover Crème de rose.

❤️Rose Eye Lift eye cream

The delicate eye area ages first. Rose Eye Lift targets fine lines, puffiness and dark circles. Discover Rose Eye Lift.


Special offer complete anti-age routine

Anti-age routine Rose Elixir serum, Crème de rose and Rose Eye Lift by InaEssentials

Build your entire anti-ageing care with one set and look after your face and eye area at once.

Buy the Crème de rose day cream and the Rose Elixir serum and receive the Rose Eye Lift eye cream as a GIFT. The complete routine in one.
Get the complete routine

Customer reviews of the anti-age routine

★★★★★ Real reviews for the serum, the day cream and the eye cream
Rose Elixir serum
Rose Elixir serum InaEssentials
★★★★★

Received this free with my latest subscription order, been using for a few days and I had to write a review. It smells amazing and soaks into my skin so quickly and leaves it feeling silky smooth. Hoping for good results as I've already ordered another bottle ready plus taken the plunge and ordered the face cream too. Will update review after a few weeks of using but impressed and loving it so far!

Rainy, Verified purchase
Crème de rose day cream
Crème de rose day cream InaEssentials
★★★★★

Even at the sight of the packaging, it's clear that a lot of attention, care, and love have been put into the creation of this product. The cream has an exceptionally smooth texture, and upon application, you can't help but feel its natural origin. The cream smells of "Nature and Life"! And there's nothing better I can provide for my skin. Congratulations on the final result! 🌷

Jade Ryan, Verified purchase
Rose Eye Lift eye cream
★★★★★

I've been using the Rose Eye Lift cream for a week now and I'm very happy. Together with the rose day cream and the Rose Elixir face serum.

Helen Crawford, Verified purchase

See all reviews


About the InaEssentials family

The InaEssentials family in the rose fields

InaEssentials is a Bulgarian family producer with over 25 years of experience in organic farming and natural cosmetics with rose oil, herbal waters and actives from our own fields. Every product is created with care for the skin and with respect for nature.

Frequently asked questions

The InaEssentials family and anti-ageing skin care
At what age does skin ageing begin?
The first imperceptible changes in collagen production begin at around the age of 25, but the visible signs usually appear towards the thirties. That is why preventive anti-ageing care is useful even before wrinkles appear.
Can lost collagen be restored?
The skin does not fully return to the levels of youth, but the right care, sun protection and nourishing actives such as rose oil support the look and the feeling of firmness of the skin.
Which is the most important factor for premature ageing?
Sun exposure. UV rays break down collagen and elastin, which is why daily sun protection is the strongest anti-age habit.
Sources and important information

The information in this article is for educational purposes and does not replace medical advice. InaEssentials products are cosmetics and not medicines, and are intended for external skin care. If you have skin conditions or any doubts, consult a dermatologist.

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