The Best Collagen Supplement for Sagging Skin

Sagging skin is one of the most visible signs of ageing and a concern for many. While ageing is a natural process, the search for solutions to maintain firm, youthful skin has led to a growing interest in collagen skin supplements.

This article explores why skin sags and how collagen can help repair your skin. We’ll also highlight the best collagen supplements and additional nutrients that work synergistically to combat sagging skin.

Why Does Skin Sag?

Sagging skin is a natural part of the ageing process, but it can also be influenced by a range of factors, both internal and external. The skin, which is the body's largest organ, loses its firmness and elasticity due to the gradual breakdown of its structural components. Understanding why skin sags is crucial for knowing how to address and potentially reverse the effects through proactive measures like collagen supplementation, lifestyle changes, and proper skincare. Let’s explore the main causes of skin sagging in greater detail.

1. Loss of Collagen and Elastin

Collagen and elastin are two essential proteins in the skin that provide structural support and maintain its flexibility. These proteins are responsible for the skin’s firmness, smoothness, and elasticity.

Collagen: This is the most abundant protein in the human body, making up about 30% of the body’s total protein content. In the skin, collagen acts as the framework that gives the skin its strength and firmness. Collagen is also found in bones, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, but in the skin, it plays a critical role in maintaining the skin’s structure.
Elastin: As its name suggests, elastin allows the skin to “snap back” into shape when stretched. While collagen gives the skin its structure, elastin provides it with the ability to stretch and bounce back, maintaining its youthful appearance.

As we age, collagen and elastin production naturally decreases. Around our mid-20s, collagen production starts to decline at a rate of about 1% per year. By the time we reach our 40s or 50s, the effects of this collagen loss are noticeable in the form of fine lines, wrinkles, and skin sagging. In women, this decline accelerates during menopause, when hormonal changes, particularly the decrease in estrogen, further impair the skin’s ability to produce collagen and elastin. As a result, skin loses its firmness and begins to sag, especially in areas such as the cheeks, jawline, and neck.

2. Decreased Skin Hydration

Hydrated skin looks plump, firm, and youthful. One of the major factors contributing to skin hydration is hyaluronic acid, a naturally occurring substance in the body that binds water molecules, helping the skin retain moisture. However, as we age, the production of hyaluronic acid decreases, and this leads to a noticeable reduction in the skin's moisture levels. Dry skin can appear dull, thin, and more prone to sagging.

Moisture Loss: In addition to a decrease in hyaluronic acid, the skin’s ability to retain water diminishes with age due to a weakening of the skin’s natural barrier. This barrier, known as the stratum corneum, becomes less effective at keeping moisture in and harmful substances out, exacerbating the signs of ageing.
Lack of Plumpness: Dehydrated skin not only looks dull but also loses its elasticity. The plump, youthful appearance we associate with younger skin is largely due to its ability to retain moisture. As the skin becomes drier and less hydrated, it begins to sag more visibly.

The combination of reduced hyaluronic acid and impaired moisture retention can create a “crepey” appearance to the skin, leading to further sagging, especially around areas like the eyes, mouth, and under the chin.

3. Gravity and Facial Volume Loss

Gravity, the force that pulls everything down, is one of the most influential external forces on skin over time. As the years go by, the effects of gravity on the skin become more pronounced, especially in the face.

Facial Fat Pads: Beneath the skin, there are fat pads that provide volume and cushion. As we age, these fat pads begin to shrink and shift downwards, leading to hollow areas in the face. This loss of volume in areas like the cheeks, temples, and under the eyes causes the skin to sag as it loses its support structure. Without the cushioning of these fat pads, the skin is more likely to droop, creating the appearance of jowls, sagging under the chin, and sunken cheeks.
Bone Resorption: In addition to losing fat, bone resorption occurs as we age. Our bones, including the skull and jaw, naturally shrink and become less dense with age, further contributing to facial sagging. This is particularly noticeable around the jawline, chin, and cheekbones.

Gravity combined with these underlying changes in fat and bone structure contributes significantly to the sagging of the skin. While gravity is a force we can’t control, supporting the skin with collagen and other nutrients can help to mitigate its effects.

4. Environmental Damage

Environmental factors are another major cause of skin sagging. Exposure to the elements, particularly ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun, can damage the skin in numerous ways.

UV Radiation: The sun’s harmful UV rays penetrate the skin and cause DNA damage. This leads to the breakdown of collagen and elastin, weakening the skin's structural integrity. Over time, repeated sun exposure results in premature ageing, including sagging, wrinkles, and age spots. UV radiation is one of the most significant contributors to photoaging, which accelerates the breakdown of the skin’s structural proteins.
Pollution: Pollution, including particulate matter in the air, can contribute to oxidative stress on the skin. Free radicals generated by pollutants damage collagen and elastin, causing the skin to lose its youthful appearance. Exposure to environmental toxins can also impair the skin’s ability to regenerate and repair itself, further exacerbating sagging.
Smoking: Smoking is another environmental factor that accelerates skin ageing. Nicotine constricts blood vessels, reducing the oxygen and nutrients delivered to the skin. This slows collagen production and impairs skin regeneration, contributing to skin sagging and wrinkles. The chemicals in cigarette smoke also break down collagen and elastin, accelerating skin ageing.

5. Lifestyle and Genetics

In addition to the intrinsic and environmental factors, lifestyle choices and genetic predisposition play a crucial role in the rate at which skin sags and ages.

Nutrition: A poor diet lacking in essential nutrients can accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Diets high in sugar and refined carbohydrates promote a process called glycation, which damages collagen fibers and weakens their structure. In contrast, a diet rich in antioxidants, healthy fats, and protein supports collagen production and helps maintain skin elasticity. Nutrients such as vitamin C, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are particularly important for skin health and can help delay the onset of sagging.
Sleep: Sleep is a vital time for skin repair and regeneration. During deep sleep, the body produces growth hormone, which stimulates collagen production and repairs skin cells. Chronic sleep deprivation can hinder this process, leading to premature ageing and sagging.
Stress: Chronic stress elevates cortisol levels in the body, which can break down collagen and lead to skin thinning and sagging. Managing stress through relaxation techniques and a balanced lifestyle is important for maintaining healthy skin.
Genetics: Your genetic makeup influences how quickly your skin ages. Some people are genetically predisposed to have firmer skin for longer, while others may experience sagging at an earlier age. However, even if genetics play a significant role, environmental and lifestyle factors can either exacerbate or slow down the ageing process.

By addressing these factors early through proper skincare, nutrition, and supplementation, we can mitigate the effects of sagging skin and promote a more youthful, firm appearance. Collagen supplements, antioxidants, and other skin-boosting nutrients can play a crucial role in this process, helping to restore the skin's structure and elasticity while combating the forces that cause sagging.

How Does Collagen Help with Sagging Skin?

As we age, the body’s ability to produce and maintain collagen diminishes, leading to sagging skin and the appearance of wrinkles. Collagen supplements, particularly in the form of hydrolysed collagen (collagen peptides), offer a natural solution to combat these effects. By replenishing the body’s collagen levels, these supplements address the underlying causes of sagging skin, helping to restore the skin’s structural integrity, enhance its elasticity, boost hydration, and promote overall skin renewal. Let’s explore how collagen supplementation works and why it’s so effective in addressing sagging skin.

1. Rebuilding the Skin’s Structural Integrity

The skin’s structure is primarily built on collagen, which provides support, firmness, and strength. Over time, as collagen production slows, the skin begins to lose its firmness and elasticity, contributing to the sagging that many of us notice as we age. Collagen supplements, particularly hydrolysed collagen or collagen peptides, work by replenishing the body’s natural collagen reserves.

Hydrolysed Collagen: Collagen supplements are typically hydrolysed, meaning the collagen is broken down into smaller, more digestible peptides or amino acids. These peptides are easily absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to the skin, where they can directly stimulate collagen production in the dermis. In the dermal layers, fibroblasts—the cells responsible for producing collagen—are activated by these peptides. This process helps the skin rebuild its structure, providing much-needed support and strength to counteract sagging.
Structural Support: Collagen peptides stimulate not only the production of collagen but also elastin, which is another key protein that contributes to skin elasticity. By enhancing both of these proteins, collagen supplementation strengthens the skin’s structural framework, making it more resilient and less prone to sagging over time. With regular supplementation, the skin’s ability to maintain its firmness and overall structure improves, reducing the visible effects of ageing.

2. Enhancing Skin Elasticity and Firmness

One of the key signs of ageing is the loss of skin elasticity, which manifests as sagging, wrinkles, and loose skin. As collagen production declines, the skin becomes less able to bounce back after being stretched. Collagen supplements play a crucial role in enhancing skin elasticity, helping to restore the skin’s ability to “snap back” into place and counteracting the effects of gravity.

Elasticity and Firmness: Several studies have demonstrated that regular collagen supplementation can significantly improve skin elasticity and firmness. In a 2019 study published in Skin Pharmacology and Physiology, women who took collagen peptides daily for eight weeks showed a noticeable improvement in skin elasticity and a reduction in the appearance of wrinkles. By supporting the dermal matrix, collagen peptides help the skin regain some of the firmness and elasticity it loses over time.
Counteracting Gravity: The loss of skin elasticity is one of the primary factors behind sagging skin. Gravity continuously pulls on the skin, and without the elasticity to resist this downward pull, the skin begins to sag. By promoting collagen and elastin synthesis, collagen supplementation improves the skin’s resistance to gravity, making it firmer and more lifted. This not only reduces sagging but also helps to create a more youthful, toned appearance.

3. Boosting Skin Hydration

Skin hydration is crucial for maintaining a youthful, plump appearance. Dehydrated skin can appear dull and saggy, as it lacks the moisture necessary to maintain its volume and smooth texture. Collagen plays an essential role in helping the skin retain moisture, and supplementation can help boost hydration levels.

Collagen and Hyaluronic Acid: Collagen works synergistically with hyaluronic acid, a substance found naturally in the skin that helps retain moisture. Hyaluronic acid attracts water molecules, which helps keep the skin hydrated. However, as we age, the production of hyaluronic acid also decreases, which leads to dryness and sagging. Collagen supplementation can improve the skin’s hydration by stimulating the production of both collagen and hyaluronic acid. When the skin is well-hydrated, it appears more plump, smooth, and youthful, which helps to reduce the appearance of sagging.
Plumping the Skin: One of the immediate effects of improved hydration is a plumped-up, more youthful appearance. Collagen peptides promote moisture retention in the dermis, ensuring that the skin stays hydrated and full of life. The improved moisture levels help smooth out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, making sagging skin less noticeable. Hydrated skin is also more resilient, as it is better able to cope with external environmental stressors, leading to fewer visible signs of ageing.
Skin’s Natural Moisture Barrier: Collagen also helps to maintain the skin’s moisture barrier, which is crucial for preventing water loss. A compromised moisture barrier can lead to dry, cracked, and sagging skin. By supporting collagen synthesis, collagen supplements help maintain the skin’s natural barrier, which keeps it hydrated and protected from external factors that can contribute to further skin damage.

4. Promoting Wound Healing and Skin Renewal

Collagen is a key player in the skin’s natural healing and renewal processes. It is involved in wound repair, tissue regeneration, and cell turnover. As we age, the skin’s ability to repair itself diminishes, which can slow down healing and exacerbate the effects of sagging. Collagen supplementation can help accelerate the skin’s natural renewal processes, ensuring that the skin remains resilient, strong, and healthy.

Wound Healing: Collagen peptides are well-known for their ability to speed up the healing of wounds and injuries. Collagen plays an essential role in tissue repair by promoting cell growth and tissue regeneration. For ageing skin, this means that the skin can repair damage more effectively, whether it’s from UV exposure, minor cuts, or the general wear and tear of time. By accelerating wound healing, collagen ensures that the skin remains in good condition, preventing the deepening of wrinkles and the worsening of sagging.
Skin Renewal: Collagen supplementation supports the skin’s renewal processes by stimulating the production of new skin cells. As the dermis becomes more resilient and its collagen levels are restored, the skin’s overall appearance improves. This ongoing renewal helps reduce the visible effects of sagging, as the skin becomes more capable of repairing itself and maintaining a youthful appearance.
Strengthening the Skin: Collagen’s role in strengthening the skin is not limited to its structural support; it also enhances the skin’s ability to defend itself against environmental stressors like pollution and UV radiation. A stronger, healthier skin barrier reduces the likelihood of sagging caused by external factors, and collagen supplementation helps to maintain this strength over time.

Best Collagen Supplements for Sagging Skin

Collagen supplementation is one of the most effective ways to combat sagging skin, and when it comes to choosing the right collagen supplement, the quality and composition of the collagen source are key factors. Correxiko Double-Hydrolysed Marine Collagen stands out as one of the best options for targeting sagging skin. This premium marine collagen is specifically formulated to address the structural damage that leads to loose, sagging skin, offering a combination of highly bioavailable collagen, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C that works synergistically to restore the skin’s firmness, elasticity, and hydration.

Here’s why Correxiko Double-Hydrolysed Marine Collagen is one of the best choices for sagging skin:

1. Double-Hydrolysed for Superior Absorption

The process of hydrolysing collagen—breaking it down into smaller, more digestible peptides—makes it easier for the body to absorb and utilise. Double-hydrolysed collagen takes this process one step further. By using two rounds of hydrolysis, the collagen is broken down into even smaller fragments, significantly improving its bioavailability. This means the body can absorb it more efficiently and use it effectively to stimulate collagen production in the skin.

Why This Matters for Sagging Skin: With sagging skin, it’s crucial to provide collagen peptides in a form that the skin can readily use to repair itself. The double-hydrolysed format ensures that the collagen is easily absorbed into the bloodstream and transported to the dermis, where it stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin fibres. This enhances skin strength and firmness, which are essential for combatting sagging.
Faster Results: The superior absorption of double-hydrolysed collagen leads to quicker results. The peptides reach the skin faster, enabling more immediate improvements in skin texture, elasticity, and hydration. This is especially important for individuals looking to address sagging skin in a timely manner, as they will see noticeable benefits with consistent use.

2. Sourced from Wild-Caught Fish

The source of collagen is an important factor when selecting a supplement for skin health. Marine collagen, specifically sourced from byproducts of wild-caught fish, is considered the gold standard due to its high concentration of Type I collagen, the type most abundant in the skin, hair, and nails. Type I collagen is essential for maintaining skin structure and elasticity, and it plays a vital role in reducing sagging.

Why Wild-Caught Fish Collagen Is Best: Wild-caught fish offer the highest quality collagen, as they tend to have cleaner, more nutrient-rich environments compared to farmed fish. Wild fish collagen also tends to have a lower risk of contaminants and a higher amino acid profile, contributing to stronger and more resilient skin. Marine collagen from fish is also more similar to human collagen in terms of its amino acid composition, making it easier for the body to integrate and utilise.
Type I Collagen for Sagging Skin: Type I collagen is the primary form of collagen found in the dermis and is responsible for maintaining the skin’s firmness, thickness, and elasticity. Since sagging skin results from the loss of both collagen and elastin over time, providing the skin with a high-quality source of Type I collagen supports the restoration of both these proteins, enhancing skin tone and helping to lift and firm the skin.

3. High in Type I Collagen: The Key to Skin Firmness and Elasticity

As mentioned, Type I collagen is the primary collagen type found in the skin. It makes up about 90% of the collagen in the dermis and is integral to maintaining the skin’s structure. Over time, as collagen production slows with age, the skin loses its ability to resist the effects of gravity, leading to sagging and the formation of wrinkles. Replenishing Type I collagen through supplementation helps to restore skin elasticity, firmness, and strength, which is crucial for combating sagging skin.

Elasticity and Firmness: Supplementing with Type I collagen boosts the production of both collagen and elastin fibres in the dermis. Elastin allows the skin to stretch and then return to its original shape, while collagen provides structural support. The combined effect of these two proteins helps the skin resist the downward pull of gravity, reducing sagging and improving the overall texture and tone of the skin.
Skin Renewal: Type I collagen also plays a role in the skin’s natural renewal process, supporting the formation of new skin cells and the repair of damaged tissue. By replenishing collagen levels, Correxiko Double-Hydrolysed Marine Collagen promotes a more youthful, resilient skin appearance, reducing the signs of ageing and improving skin texture and tone.

4. Added Hyaluronic Acid for Enhanced Hydration

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the skin that helps retain moisture. It binds water molecules to the skin, ensuring that the skin remains hydrated, plump, and full of volume. As we age, the skin’s ability to produce hyaluronic acid diminishes, leading to dryness, loss of plumpness, and, consequently, sagging. Correxiko Double-Hydrolysed Marine Collagen contains added hyaluronic acid, which works in synergy with collagen to improve skin hydration and restore a youthful appearance.

Plumping the Skin: When the skin is properly hydrated, it appears more youthful and plump. By supplementing with hyaluronic acid, the skin becomes better able to retain moisture, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while plumping up areas of the face that have begun to sag. Hydrated skin is firmer, smoother, and less likely to sag, as it maintains its elasticity and volume.
Supporting Collagen Synthesis: Hyaluronic acid also works in tandem with collagen by supporting its synthesis. When the skin is well-hydrated, it can better support collagen fibres, ensuring that the collagen structure remains intact and the skin remains firm. The combination of collagen and hyaluronic acid in Correxiko Double-Hydrolysed Marine Collagen provides an optimal solution for restoring skin hydration, firmness, and elasticity, effectively addressing sagging skin.

5. Vitamin C for Collagen Production

Vitamin C is essential for collagen synthesis. It is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect the skin from free radicals, which contribute to the breakdown of collagen. Additionally, vitamin C plays a direct role in collagen formation by stabilising the collagen molecules and promoting the enzymatic processes needed to create new collagen fibres.

Collagen Boosting: Supplementing with vitamin C helps to support the body’s natural collagen production. In Correxiko Double-Hydrolysed Marine Collagen, the inclusion of vitamin C enhances the effectiveness of marine collagen by ensuring that the body can produce more collagen, which is vital for keeping the skin firm and youthful. As collagen production slows with age, adding vitamin C ensures that the skin can continue to rebuild and maintain its structure, helping to combat sagging.
Antioxidant Protection: Vitamin C’s antioxidant properties help to protect the skin from oxidative stress caused by sun exposure, pollution, and environmental factors. This protection helps to preserve the collagen and elastin in the skin, preventing the breakdown of these key proteins and slowing the ageing process that leads to sagging skin.

Final Thoughts: The Best Collagen Supplement For Sagging Skin

Collagen supplementation is a powerful tool for combating sagging skin and restoring its firmness and elasticity. By addressing collagen loss and supporting skin health from within, you can achieve noticeable improvements in your skin’s texture and tone.

Correxiko Double-Hydrolysed Marine Collagen is uniquely formulated to address the underlying causes of sagging skin. By using wild-caught fish as a source of high-quality Type I collagen, this supplement provides the skin with the structural support it needs to maintain firmness and elasticity. The double-hydrolysis process ensures that the collagen is highly bioavailable, meaning it can be quickly absorbed and put to work rebuilding the skin’s structural integrity.

The added hyaluronic acid boosts hydration, helping the skin stay plump, smooth, and resilient, while the inclusion of vitamin C enhances collagen synthesis and provides antioxidant protection. Together, these ingredients create a powerful combination that addresses the core causes of sagging skin, improving elasticity, firmness, and overall skin health.

For those looking to combat sagging skin and restore a more youthful appearance, Correxiko Double-Hydrolysed Marine Collagen is the ideal choice. By supplementing with this high-quality product, you can support your skin’s natural collagen production and enjoy firmer, smoother, and more hydrated skin. Start your journey to better skin today!