Collagen is often described as the foundation of healthy skin - and for good reason. It is the protein responsible for skin’s firmness, elasticity, hydration, and ability to recover.
Yet despite its importance, collagen is also one of the most misunderstood elements of skincare. It is frequently marketed as something that can be 'applied', 'replaced', or 'replenished' instantly. In reality, collagen is built slowly, internally, and at a cellular level.
Understanding how collagen works, and how to support it effectively, is key to long-term skin health.
What Is Collagen and Why Does Skin Need It?
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. In the skin, it forms a structural framework that keeps tissue firm, resilient, and supported. Alongside elastin and hyaluronic acid, collagen allows skin to stretch, bounce back, and retain moisture.
When collagen levels are strong, skin appears:
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Plumper and firmer
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Smoother in texture
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More hydrated
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Better able to recover from stress
Collagen isn’t about surface glow alone. It’s about structure — the integrity beneath the skin.
Why Collagen Declines Over Time
From our mid-twenties onwards, natural collagen production begins to slow. This process is gradual, but it is influenced by more than age alone.
Factors that contribute to collagen breakdown include:
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Chronic stress
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UV and light exposure
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Environmental pollution
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Inflammation
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Poor sleep
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Hormonal changes
As life becomes fuller and more demanding, the skin often reflects this. Collagen loss may appear as fine lines, reduced elasticity, dullness, or slower skin recovery.
Why Topical Collagen Isn’t Enough
Topical skincare plays an important role in protecting the skin barrier, maintaining hydration, and supporting overall skin comfort. However, collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin barrier.
This means that while topical collagen can help the skin feel smoother or more hydrated temporarily, it cannot stimulate the skin to produce new collagen.
True collagen support must happen deeper - where collagen is actually made.
How Collagen Is Produced in the Skin
Collagen is produced by specialised skin cells called fibroblasts, located in the dermis. These cells respond to signals, particularly light and nutrients, that encourage regeneration and repair.
When fibroblasts are stimulated, they increase production of collagen and elastin, strengthening the skin’s structure over time.
This is where cellular-level skincare becomes essential.
How LED Light Therapy Supports Collagen Production
LED light therapy works by delivering specific wavelengths of light into the skin. Red and near-infrared light penetrate beneath the surface to reach fibroblasts directly.
When these wavelengths are absorbed:
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Mitochondrial activity increases
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Cellular energy (ATP) is boosted
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Fibroblasts are stimulated to produce collagen and elastin
This process supports the skin’s natural regenerative functions rather than forcing change.
LED light therapy does not create instant results. Instead, it encourages gradual, intelligent collagen production - the kind that leads to visible improvements in firmness, texture, and resilience over time.
Why Consistency Matters More Than Intensity
Collagen does not respond to aggressive, one-off treatments. Like strength or fitness, it builds through repetition.
Short, regular LED sessions, even as little as ten minutes, provide ongoing cellular stimulation. Over weeks and months, this consistency allows collagen levels to strengthen naturally.
This is why LED light therapy is best understood as a ritual, not a quick fix.
Supporting Collagen From Inside and Out
True collagen support is holistic. While LED light therapy stimulates collagen production within the skin, internal nourishment provides the building blocks required for repair. Collagen supplementation supplies amino acids that support skin structure, particularly when paired with a healthy lifestyle.
Together, these approaches work in harmony:
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LED light therapy supports stimulation
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Nutrition supports structure
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Rest and calm protect collagen from breakdown