Collagen Loss After 40: Facial Changes, Menopause & Weight-Loss Face Explained
Collagen Loss as We Age: Causes, Facial Changes & 2025 Solutions
Why changes in your skin and face happen and how to support them with confidence.
What Is Collagen and Why Does It Decline After 40?
Collagen is the body’s most abundant protein, giving structure to skin, joints, and connective tissue. It keeps skin firm, plump, and resilient.
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From your mid-20s, collagen production declines by around 1-2% per year.
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After menopause, women can lose up to 30% of their skin’s collagen within just 5 years.
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This leads to thinner, drier, less elastic skin.
Women lose around 2% of collagen per year post-menopause.
Facial Changes as We Get Older- 4 Tell-Tale Signs
As collagen and elastin decline, facial features naturally shift.
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Cheek hollowing: Loss of collagen and fat pads creates a sunken look.
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Sagging jawline & neck: Reduced elasticity leads to jowls and neck laxity.
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More visible wrinkles: Dynamic lines become static as skin support weakens.
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Crepey skin texture: Skin loses barrier strength, becoming dry and fragile.
Looking After Skin During Weight Loss
Weight loss can be an empowering step, but it sometimes brings unexpected changes in the face.
When the body loses weight quickly, it may also lose muscle, collagen, and elastin, the natural support network that helps skin stay lifted and firm. Because fat cells produce oestrogen, sudden loss can leave skin drier or more fragile.
This may show up as softer cheeks, changes in the jawline, or skin that feels older than how you feel inside.
Tip: A gradual, steady approach to weight loss, supported by strength training and good nutrition, helps preserve facial volume and skin quality, so the outside reflects your inner strength and energy.
7 Evidence-Based Ways to Support Collagen Naturally
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Eat vitamin-C-rich foods (oranges, kiwi, peppers).
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Use topical retinol and peptides.
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Apply SPF 50 daily.
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Do strength training to preserve muscle.
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Try facial yoga to tone cheek muscles.
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Take 10g hydrolysed collagen peptides daily.
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Support hydration with hyaluronic acid.
Collagen Supplement for Women Over 40 – 2025 Checklist
When choosing a collagen supplement, look for:
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10,000 mg hydrolysed Type I & III collagen
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Added hyaluronic acid + vitamin C
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Clinically proven results (elasticity, firmness, wrinkle reduction)
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Sustainable, tested sourcing (marine or grass-fed bovine collagen)
Proto-col's Beauty Collagen Ritual & Real Results
Proto-col's Beauty Collagen is designed to support skin, hair, and nails from within:
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10,000 mg Bioactive Hydrolysed Collagen Peptides
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Hyaluronic acid + vitamins C & E
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20% reduction in wrinkle volume in 12 weeks*
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23% increase in elasticity and 22% in firmness*
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Supports stronger nails and fuller hair
✨ This is how you take care of you now, with a daily ritual that works from within.
FAQ
When does collagen loss begin?
Collagen levels start to decline from your mid-20s, with a sharper drop during menopause.
Why does weight loss change your face?
Because fat, muscle, collagen, and elastin are all reduced, leading to hollowing and sagging.
What results can I expect from collagen supplements?
Studies show improved hydration, firmness, and fewer wrinkles within 4–12 weeks.