You’ve probably heard a lot about collagen lately—and for good reason. It’s the body’s most abundant protein, acting like scaffolding for your skin, joints, bones, gut lining and more. In essence, collagen keeps everything firm, strong and flexible—inside and out.
But as we age, our natural collagen production slows down. By our mid-20s, we start losing around 1% per year—and the effects can show up as fine lines, achy joints or slower recovery after exercise. The good news? With the right habits, you can support your body’s ability to produce collagen and protect what you’ve got.
Let’s take a look at the main culprits that hinder collagen—and four simple ways to help your body build it back up.
4 things that slow down collagen production
1. UV Rays & Environmental Pollution
Excess sun exposure and daily exposure to urban pollution can accelerate collagen breakdown. UV rays activate enzymes that degrade collagen fibres, while airborne pollutants - especially in city environments - generate oxidative stress that damages skin cells. Even short, regular exposure can start to wear down your skin’s natural resilience.
2. Sugar & Ultra-Processed Foods
It’s not just about calories—what you eat affects how your body maintains structure. Diets high in sugar and processed foods increase compounds called AGEs (Advanced Glycation End-products), which damage and stiffen collagen. These foods also drive chronic inflammation, which further breaks down the body's structural proteins.
3. Chronic Stress & Poor Sleep
Cortisol—the primary stress hormone—can break down collagen when levels stay high over time. And when we don’t get quality sleep, the body misses its prime window for repair and renewal. Both stress and sleep deprivation disrupt the collagen regeneration cycle, leading to premature signs of ageing and reduced tissue repair.
4. Smoking & Alcohol
Smoking introduces free radicals that destroy collagen-producing cells, while also depleting essential nutrients like vitamin C, which your body needs to build collagen. Excess alcohol interferes with nutrient absorption, dehydrates the skin, and disrupts sleep—all of which affect collagen quality and renewal.
4 Simple Ways to Support Collagen Production Naturally
1. Make collagen supplementation a daily ritual
Adding Collagen+ to your daily routine is one of the easiest and most effective ways to support collagen from the inside out. Our premium marine collagen is 100% natural and hydrolysed, meaning it’s broken down into smaller peptides for maximum absorption and fast results. Just one flavourless scoop stirred into your morning coffee, smoothie or even a glass of water gives your body the building blocks it needs to nourish skin, joints and connective tissues.
Consistency is key—think of it like brushing your teeth. A small, daily step with long-term impact.
2. Eat the rainbow (and enough protein)
For collagen to thrive, your body needs more than just collagen peptides. It also needs supportive nutrients like vitamin C (found in berries and citrus), zinc and copper (think nuts and seeds), and a variety of antioxidants to reduce inflammation. Focus on a nutrient-rich, whole food diet that includes healthy proteins such as fish, eggs, legumes, and leafy greens. These foods provide the amino acids and co-factors your body uses to rebuild collagen.
3. Hydrate smarter
Hydration isn’t just about drinking water—it’s about helping your cells retain it. Pair water with electrolytes (found naturally in coconut water or added via a pinch of sea salt) to boost cellular hydration. Healthy fats, like omega-3s from oily fish, flaxseeds and our Focus+ Capsules, also support the skin’s barrier, helping to prevent collagen degradation and improve tissue resilience.
4. Prioritise Rest & Recovery
Stress and poor sleep are two of the fastest ways to chip away at your collagen stores. Aim for a consistent bedtime, cut down on screens in the evening, and create a wind-down ritual that signals to your body it’s time to rest. A magnesium-rich evening snack (like almonds or dark chocolate) or calming herbs like chanamomile or ashwagandha can help. Try our Serene Blend+ Tea for the ultimate cup of relaxation! Restorative sleep is when your body gets to work repairing tissue and producing collagen—don’t skimp on it.
Collagen isn’t just about glowing skin—it’s about the strength and integrity of your whole body, from joints to gut lining. By avoiding the main lifestyle culprits and supporting your body with nutrient-rich foods, hydration, rest, and a high-quality collagen supplement like Doctor Seaweed’s Collagen+, you give your body the tools it needs to rebuild and renew.
It’s not about chasing youth—it’s about supporting your natural resilience, every single day.