By your early thirties, the body’s natural collagen production begins to slow — gradually, but inevitably.
Scientists estimate a decline of around 1–1.5% per year, influenced by genetics, lifestyle and environment (Reilly et al., 2021). It’s a subtle biological shift rather than a visible change, but one that affects everything from skin texture to how our bodies replenish and move.
Rather than resisting the ageing process, the goal is to support renewal from within, giving the body what it needs to continue building strength, suppleness and vitality at every stage and phase of life.
The Science of Collagen Decline
Collagen is the body’s most abundant protein, making up around 30% of its total protein mass (Varani et al., 2006). It forms the connective network that gives structure to skin, bone, cartilage, tendons and ligaments.
Produced by fibroblasts, collagen relies on a precise combination of nutrients:
- Amino acids such as glycine, proline and hydroxyproline
- Cofactors including vitamin C, zinc and copper
- Adequate hydration and metabolic balance
Together, these elements build and stabilise collagen’s signature triple-helix structure, the hallmark of strong, elastic tissue.
As time passes, fibroblast activity naturally slows.
External factors including UV exposure, oxidative stress and disrupted sleep have also been shown to influence collagen turnover (Varani et al., 2006). Supporting the process through hydration and a healthy, balanced diet helps maintain the internal framework is key as we age.
Why Marine Collagen Matters
Among collagen sources, hydrolysed marine collagen is distinguished by its superior bioavailability and composition.
Marine collagen is made primarily of Type I collagen, the same type most abundant in human skin, bones and connective tissue. When hydrolysed, its peptides become small enough to be efficiently absorbed through the digestive tract and transported into the bloodstream.
Studies show that hydrolysed marine collagen is associated with improved skin hydration and elasticity in the studied populations (Evans et al., 2021)
A 2023 systematic review of 26 randomised controlled trials found that daily hydrolysed collagen supplementation significantly improved skin hydration, elasticity and dermal density when consumed consistently for 8–12 weeks (Pu et al., 2023).
These benefits are amplified when collagen intake is paired with the right cofactors, particularly vitamin C.
The Vitamin C Connection
Vitamin C is essential for collagen production.
It acts as a cofactor for two enzymes (prolyl hydroxylase and lysyl hydroxylase) which stabilise the collagen triple helix and enable proper cross-linking of new fibres.
Without adequate vitamin C:
- Newly produced collagen lacks stability
- Fibroblast activity is impaired
- Collagen synthesis slows
This is why vitamin C deficiency results in fragile connective tissue, and why pairing collagen peptides with vitamin C can support the body to make the most of both.
Collagen Beyond Skin
Collagen is present throughout much of the body’s connective framework. It is a major component of:
- Cartilage
- Tendons
- Ligaments
- Bone matrix
- The gut’s structural lining
- Blood vessel walls
Rather than acting as a standalone “beauty ingredient,” collagen functions as part of the underlying architecture that allows tissues to remain cohesive and resilient.
Nourishing the building blocks involved in collagen formation is simply another way of recognising how interconnected the body’s systems truly are.
Beauty Radiates From Within
We believe beauty is not about resisting change, but embracing it.
The body is always evolving: adapting, repairing and renewing. When we support these natural cycles with the right wellness habits like hydration, nutrients and consistency, we honour that innate intelligence.
This approach to ageing sees balance replace striving, vitality replace perfection and external beauty becomes a reflection of inner wellness, always.
References:
Varani J, Dame MK, Rittie L, et al. Decreased collagen production in chronologically aged skin. Am J Pathol. 2006;168(6):1861–1868. https://doi.org/10.2353/ajpath.2006.051302
Reilly DM, Lozano J, O’Neill CA. Skin collagen through the lifestages: importance for skin health and beauty. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021;20(4):1042–1052. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13997
Evans M, Lewis ED, Zakaria N. A randomized, triple-blind, placebo-controlled study evaluating the effects of fish-derived collagen on skin wrinkles and elasticity. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021;20(2):825–833. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.13543
Pu D, Li Q, Luo Y. Effects of oral collagen peptides on skin aging: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Nutrients. 2023;15(9):2080. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu15092080
