It’s no secret that collagen production declines with age, but many women aren’t aware just how early collagen loss actually starts. What’s more, hormones play a critical role in determining when your skin will begin to show signs of aging. So, what can you do to keep skin looking its best (and support joint health too)? 

Keep reading to discover the science-backed approach to help change the way you age.

When does collagen loss start?

Although you may not notice fine lines appearing around your eyes or forehead until your 30s or even 40s, it might surprise you to learn that your body’s natural collagen production begins to decline as early as your 20s. Collagen synthesis continues to slow by about 1% every year. However, this rate doesn’t apply once you reach menopause. At that point, studies show there is a sudden drop in collagen. 

Can you guess why?

Although collagen loss is the number one internal factor that contributes to visible signs of aging like sagging skin and wrinkles, there’s more to the story — especially for menopausal women. That’s because collagen and estrogen are intrinsically linked in the female body. Estrogen binds to receptors in the skin called fibroblasts that are responsible for collagen production. 

When menopause occurs, estrogen levels take a nose-dive, and this can trigger a drastic drop in collagen as well. Once estrogen levels are permanently diminished post-menopause, skin appears noticeably more wrinkled and drier. Many women experience drier hair and nails too. Collagen loss also extends to joints and connective tissue, meaning you may be more likely to notice occasional joint discomfort after menopause. 

And menopause isn’t the only time in a woman’s life to consider estrogen and collagen fluctuations. For more visible proof of how estrogen affects skin’s appearance, we can look at what happens during a woman’s menstrual cycle. She might experience skin congestion, dullness or excess sebum during the luteal phase or during her period, when estrogen levels are at their lowest. Then skin tends to look clear, even and plump leading up to ovulation, as estrogen levels steadily rise. In fact, the days when estrogen peaks right before ovulation are likely your best skin days of the whole month! 

So the question is, how do you get more of these good skin days, even as you approach menopause?

(Hint: It’s easier than you think.)

The Ultimate Anti-Aging Routine for Collagen Loss

Because of the interplay of collagen and estrogen — and their effects on your body — looking and feeling your best calls for products that effectively help support skin’s collagen content. It can also be beneficial to support the female body as estrogen dips, especially in perimenopause, menopause and post-menopause.

STEP 1: Help protect cells against oxidative stress in menopause*

If you’re experiencing normal signs of perimenopause, menopause or post-menopause, hormone-free and soy isoflavone-free Modere Ova™-m can help. It’s formulated with Estro-OS™ Complex, ingredients shown to improve normal menopausal symptoms better than soy isoflavones. It supports collagen by helping to protect cells against oxidative stress that can lead to visible signs of aging.*†

When to start: If you’ve begun to notice any signs of perimenopause like hot flashes, vaginal dryness or irregular periods, usually in your 40s or 50s. Ova-m is a comprehensive formula that delivers optimal support from perimenopause all the way through post-menopause, or as long as normal menopausal symptoms persist.*

STEP 2: Supplement with a science-backed collagen nutraceutical

All women can begin to benefit from collagen supplementation. We recommend taking 2 tablespoons of science-backed, concentrated Liquid BioCell®.  It utilizes Collagen/HA Matrix® Technology that goes beyond typical hydrolyzed collagen for exceptional absorption. This unique, single-source matrix of naturally occurring type II collagen, hyaluronic acid and chondroitin sulfate is shown to dramatically improve joint health and increase skin’s collagen content. What’s more, it may even help reduce the enzyme hyaluronidase that can contribute to skin aging.*

When to start: If you’re in your 20s or older, it’s time for a collagen supplement. Available in a range of targeted formulas, you can choose the Liquid BioCell that best meets your unique health goals. If flawless looking skin, hair and nails are what you’re after, consider Liquid BioCell® Beauty. It combines 18 phytonutrient-rich superfoods plus biotin, pea sprout and ceramides with our multi-patented Collagen/HA Matrix. For post-menopausal women, Liquid BioCell® Life includes a blend of 13 phytonutrient-rich superfoods and resveratrol for cardiovascular support. Or try Liquid BioCell® Collagen/HA Chews for on-the-go convenience.*

STEP 3: Use topical skincare products with BioCell Collagen® GC

Liquid BioCell delivers unparalleled benefits from the inside out, but what would happen if you applied it directly to skin? Wonder no more. Modere CellProof skin care harnesses the visible anti-aging benefits of Liquid BioCell in its cosmetic-grade BioCell Collagen® CG ingredient for topical use. Find it in favorites like Modere CellProof Serum and Modere CellProof Moisturizer, where it pairs with powerhouse botanicals for instantly firmer, younger looking skin.‡

When to start: It’s never too early to start an anti-aging skincare routine! We recommend starting with the Modere CellProof Core Collection as the go-to skincare routine for all adult skin types. First, Modere CellProof Double Cleanser, a two-in-one oil-to-foam cleanser, targets every kind of impurity thrown your skin’s way. This effectively preps skin to receive the benefits of BioCell Collagen CG. Next, CellProof Serum firms and tightens skins appearance in just 5 minutes. It virtually erases visible fine lines and wrinkles with BioCell Collagen CG and its plant-based skin tightening complex. Finally, CellProof Moisturizer deeply hydrates with BioCell Collagen CG and plant butters, plus super-antioxidant astaxanthin. 

For a total inside-out approach, pair this routine with your favorite Liquid BioCell formula in the Modere Inside-Out Collagen System. Or customize your skincare routine for targeted areas like lips and eyes by adding Modere CellProof Lip Complex and Eye Cream.

Changes in estrogen levels and collagen production can have a significant impact on the appearance of your skin. But that doesn’t mean you’re at the complete mercy of your biology! Modere empowers you to take control of your health and change the way you age with our scientifically advanced, clean label solutions for optimal wellness inside and out. #RethinkYourHormoneStory and join the countless women who trust Modere to deliver everything they need to live their best lives, every day!

†The ingredients Angelica gigas Nakai, Cynanchum wilfordii and Phlomis umbrosa together are shown to be more effective than soy isoflavones at improving normal menopausal symptoms and vaginal dryness.

‡Modere CellProof Serum, within 5 minutes.

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.