Collagen for the skin: keys to maintaining firmness and hydration with age

Collagen for the skin is much more than just a common claim in supplements and cosmetics. It is an essential protein for maintaining skin structure, firmness and elasticity. From the age of 35 onwards, its natural production gradually decreases, and with it, visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles, sagging and dryness begin to appear.

The good news is that today we know much more about how to preserve it. Science supports the role of collagen in skin care and how certain ingredients can help maintain its levels and stimulate its synthesis. Acting in time not only helps protect what you already have, but also strengthens your skin against the passage of time, oxidative stress and sun exposure.

What is collagen and why is it so important for your skin?

Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and is responsible for giving structure to tissues such as skin, tendons, bones and cartilage. In the specific case of the skin, it accounts for about 80% of its dry weight and forms the three-dimensional network that supports the dermis. This network is mainly composed of type I collagen, which provides strength, and type III collagen, which contributes to elasticity and tissue repair.

Its function is structural, acting as an internal scaffold that holds cells together and stabilises the extracellular matrix. This framework is what gives the skin its thickness, firmness and ability to recover. In addition, its presence is key to ensuring that other molecules—such as elastin, responsible for extensibility, and hyaluronic acid, which retains water—can remain stable and functional.

The fact is that skin elasticity depends largely on how these collagen fibres interact with elastin. While collagen provides support, elastin allows the skin to stretch and return to its original state. Without sufficient collagen, this response weakens and signs such as sagging or loss of volume appear. It also influences hydration, as it acts as a reservoir and retains water in the dermal matrix, thus helping to keep the skin supple and luminous.

Natural loss of collagen from the age of 35

The problem is that from the age of 35 onwards, natural collagen production begins to decline progressively, directly affecting the structure and firmness of the skin. This reduction in collagen synthesis is related to the ageing of fibroblasts, which lose their ability to generate new collagen fibres and increase the activity of degrading enzymes. As a result, the skin begins to show visible signs of ageing, such as the appearance of wrinkles, loss of elasticity, sagging and dryness. 

Although we are used to seeing collagen as an ingredient in creams and topical products, the truth is that it is worth supplementing it from within. Oral collagen, especially in hydrolysed form, has been shown to have a high absorption rate and positive clinical effects on the skin. In addition, there are essential cofactors that stimulate its synthesis, such as vitamin C, and key trace elements such as zinc, copper and, especially, organic silicon. The latter has gained relevance for its ability to naturally stimulate collagen synthesis, strengthening the extracellular matrix and helping to maintain firmer skin that is more resistant to the passage of time. For this reason, organic silicon is considered one of the best nutritional strategies for increasing collagen content in the body in a sustainable and effective way.

How you can incorporate collagen into your skincare routine

Collagen can be introduced into your skincare routine both internally and externally. However, taking this compound in oral supplements — especially when combined with organic silicon — is one of the most effective strategies for preserving skin firmness, elasticity and hydration.

Oral supplements: hydrolysate, with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid

An advanced way to boost collagen production from within is through supplements formulated with liquid organic silicon, a key ingredient that naturally stimulates collagen synthesis by fibroblasts. Among the best options available are:

• Silicium G7 Original.  This organic mineral silica-based supplement promotes natural collagen production, improving skin elasticity and regeneration from within. It is especially recommended for mature skin or skin showing signs of ageing, thanks to its high absorption and purity.
• Silicium G7 Beauty. These capsules are enriched with organic silicon, vitamin E and selenium, which act as antioxidants and protect collagen from oxidative damage.
• Living Silica Collagen Booster. This liquid supplement with bioavailable organic silicon helps regenerate the dermal matrix and promotes firmer, more luminous and elastic skin.
  
  
• Living Silica Hydrolysed Collagen Peptides. This supplement provides highly absorbable hydrolysed collagen, which works in synergy with silicon to strengthen connective tissues such as skin, nails and hair.
  
  

In addition, elements such as vitamin C (an essential cofactor in collagen synthesis), zinc and copper contribute to forming stable bonds between collagen fibres, consolidating their internal structure. Oral hyaluronic acid has also been shown to improve skin hydration from the deepest layers, optimising the dermal environment for collagen production.

Topical application: nutrition and reinforcement from the outside

Although topical collagen does not penetrate the dermis due to its high molecular weight (>300 kDa), certain ingredients can stimulate its synthesis from the outside. The Silicium G7 line features products that combine organic silicon with essential oils, providing nutrition and skin protection:

• Silicium Rosa Mosqueta. Promotes cell regeneration and improves skin elasticity.
  
  
• Silicium Serum & Essential Elixir. Provides firmness and antioxidant protection thanks to its action on the skin structure.
  
  

Other active ingredients such as retinol or topical vitamin C also help to reactivate endogenous collagen production. Regular use improves the texture and appearance of the skin, although it does not replace collagen lost with age.

 Factors that accelerate its loss and how to prevent them

Various external and internal factors accelerate the degradation of collagen in the skin, weakening its structure and promoting the appearance of wrinkles, sagging, or loss of elasticity. To begin with, unprotected sun exposure activates enzymes that directly attack collagen fibres, damaging the dermal matrix over time. Smoking also contributes to this process by reducing microcirculation in the skin and interfering with its ability to regenerate new collagen.

Another key factor is oxidative stress, which produces free radicals capable of damaging structural proteins such as collagen. To counteract these effects, it is essential to consume antioxidants through diet or supplementation. At this point, organic silicon plays an important role due to its ability to reduce oxidative damage and protect the integrity of connective tissue. A very useful option in these cases is Silicium G7 Original, a liquid supplement that helps preserve the structure and elasticity of the skin from within.

Added to this is the impact of a diet deficient in protein or vitamin C, which limits the availability of the components necessary for collagen production. On the other hand, poor sleep or lack of rest also affects this process, as it is during the night that the body activates its cell repair mechanisms most intensely.

Therefore, maintaining a balanced routine, with daily sun protection, a good diet, restful sleep and the support of ingredients such as organic silicon, is key to preserving the collagen that supports your skin.

Conclusion: why collagen for the skin should be part of your daily routine

Taking care of collagen for the skin is a smart way to preserve its structure and regenerative capacity over time. This protein is the basis of skin firmness, elasticity and hydration, and its natural loss with age can be addressed with effective and sustainable strategies.

Incorporating nutrients that stimulate its synthesis, such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid and, especially, organic silicon, helps to keep the dermal matrix active and protected from oxidative damage. When combined with appropriate topical products, a balanced diet, sufficient rest and sun protection, the results on the skin can be visible and long-lasting.

The key is consistency and understanding that every action counts: what you do today directly influences how your skin will look and feel tomorrow. It is not about slowing down the passage of time, but about accompanying it with care and knowledge.