Collagen & Elastin: The Dynamic Duo Behind Firm, Youthful Skin

Written by an independent, certified dermatologist

 

As we age, our skin starts to show signs of time - wrinkles, sagging, fine lines. But behind these visible changes are two key proteins that play a vital role in keeping our skin looking youthful: collagen and elastin.

Understanding how collagen and elastin work, and more importantly, how to preserve and boost them, is essential for anyone looking to maintain firmer, smoother, and more elastic skin after 40. Let’s take a closer look at the science - and what you can do about it.


What Are Collagen and Elastin?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in your skin. It acts like scaffolding - giving your skin structure, firmness, and strength. It’s what keeps everything plump and lifted. As we get older, our collagen production slows dramatically, particularly during and after menopause, which is why wrinkles, fine lines, and a loss of firmness become more noticeable.

Elastin, while lesser known, is just as vital. It gives your skin its ability to stretch and bounce back. Think of it like the skin’s internal spring system. Without enough elastin, skin starts to sag, losing that youthful "snap" and tightness, especially around the jawline, eyes, and neck.

Together, these two proteins are the foundation of youthful, resilient skin - and when they start to break down, signs of ageing start to show.


Why Collagen and Elastin Decline After 40

By age 40, the natural ageing process, hormonal changes (especially declining estrogen), and external stressors like sun exposure and pollution start to speed up collagen and elastin breakdown.

  • Collagen production declines by about 1% each year after 25
  • Elastin production slows significantly post-30, and the damage becomes more visible after 40
  • During perimenopause and menopause, the loss of estrogen reduces skin hydration, elasticity, and repair speed, further accelerating the breakdown of these proteins

The result? Wrinkles, sagging skin, “turkey neck,” loss of volume, and a crepey texture that doesn’t bounce back like it used to.


How to Boost Collagen and Elastin Naturally

While ageing is natural, there are steps you can take to help stimulate new collagen and elastin production - and preserve what you’ve got.

1. LED Light Therapy

Red and near-infrared light have been widely studied for their ability to stimulate fibroblasts, the skin cells responsible for producing collagen and elastin. When skin absorbs these specific light wavelengths, it triggers a healing response that boosts these proteins over time.

  • Red/Deep Infrared Light (640–780 nm): Stimulates fibroblasts to increase both collagen and elastin, improving skin firmness and reducing fine lines.
  • Purple Light (405 nm): Combines red and blue light to target skin texture and tone while promoting collagen regeneration.
  • White Light (600 nm): Promotes cell regeneration deep within the skin to improve firmness and overall skin health over time.

Devices like the DermaGlow LED & EMS Mask are specifically designed with these wavelengths in mind, targeting common areas of concern like the cheeks, jawline, and neck.

2. EMS (Electrical Muscle Stimulation)

EMS is an added technology used in some LED masks and devices (including the DermaGlow). It works by stimulating the muscles beneath your skin, improving tone, lifting sagging areas, and enhancing the effects of collagen-boosting treatments. The tightening effect from EMS can visibly lift areas like jowls, the chin, and the neck - areas where both collagen and elastin loss tend to show most.

3. Retinol-Based Skincare

Retinol (a derivative of vitamin A) is a gold standard for skin ageing. It promotes cell turnover and collagen production while also improving elastin fibre integrity. When used consistently, it helps to firm the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.

Tip: Use retinol in your nighttime routine and pair it with LED therapy (before applying it) for amplified results.

4. Hydration + SPF = Protection

Dehydrated skin shows wrinkles and sagging more visibly, so don’t underestimate the power of a high-quality moisturiser. Ingredients like hyaluronic acid help keep the skin plump and hydrated, while daily broad-spectrum SPF protects existing collagen and elastin from UV breakdown.

5. Nutrition for Skin Resilience

A collagen and elastin-supporting diet includes:

  • Vitamin C: Needed for collagen synthesis (found in berries, citrus fruits, leafy greens)
  • Zinc and Copper: Support tissue repair and collagen formation
  • Protein: Essential for building all skin cells, including fibroblasts
  • Omega-3 fatty acids: Reduce inflammation and support skin hydration


Neck and Eye Area: Where Collagen and Elastin Loss Shows First

Two areas of the face where loss of elasticity is most noticeable are the neck and under-eye area. This is because the skin is thinner and has fewer oil glands - making it more vulnerable to environmental damage and gravity.

Products like the Dermaglow LED & EMS Mask can target the neck area with deeper infrared light and EMS toning. Meanwhile, the Dermaglow Under-Eye Glasses, a newer addition to the range, combine red light and gentle EMS pulses to support the delicate skin under the eyes—where fine lines and laxity can show up early.


The Long Game: How to Maintain Firm, Elastic Skin Over 40

Consistency is key. Boosting and protecting your collagen and elastin isn’t a one-time fix - it’s about incorporating science-backed, daily rituals that support skin regeneration over time.

Try combining:

  • 3 - 5 LED light therapy sessions per week
  • Daily SPF and antioxidant-rich moisturisers
  • Weekly use of retinol-based serums
  • Targeted EMS treatments for lifting and firming


Final Thoughts

Collagen and elastin are the true heroes of youthful skin. While their decline is a natural part of ageing, understanding how to support and stimulate these proteins can make all the difference - especially after 40.

LED therapy, EMS technology, smart skincare, and healthy habits form a powerful strategy to help your skin stay firmer, smoother, and more resilient well into your 50s, 60s, and beyond.

Explore tools like the DermaGlow LED & EMS Mask and the new DermagGlow Glasses to support collagen and elastin across the areas that need it most. When combined with the right skincare and lifestyle choices, your skin has everything it needs to thrive - naturally.