Collagen Production Declines from Age 25, Not 30s

JAKARTA - Many people only start panicking about skincare when they hit their thirties. Signs of aging such as fine lines and sagging skin suddenly become the main concern.

But cellular aging never happens overnight. The decline in function and loss of elasticity in the face actually begins much earlier than expected.

“Collagen production in our bodies decreases by 1% each year, starting from age 25-26,” explained skincare and aesthetics expert Dr. Yessica Tania, Dipl. AAAM., during the launch event of PT Kalbe Farma Tbk’s Zegavit Gummy Vitamin in Jakarta on Friday 29 May 2026.

Aging is not a process that happens in a day and then stops. Every day, even every second, cells in the human body continue to age.

However, the rate of collagen production decline can be slowed with proper nutrition. Vitamins and minerals are crucial for stimulating the formation of supporting proteins in skin tissue.

Unfortunately, many young people neglect nutritional intake, believing their bodies are still fit. They consider anti-aging concerns relevant only when visible signs of aging appear.

“So, from that starting age, we should focus not on fearing old age, but on how to maintain skin quality from a young age,” Dr. Yessica said.

Collagen production declines slowly and isn’t immediately noticeable. This gradual process leads many to overlook changes in their skin condition.

“It doesn’t mean that in your mid-20s your skin will suddenly sag or wrinkle. No. It’s a slow decline. That’s why people don’t notice,” Dr. Yessica explained.

As a result, many young people delay skincare routines, allowing sun exposure, pollution, and unhealthy lifestyles to gradually damage skin quality.

In fact, the body’s outer protective layer is constantly under attack from free radicals daily.

“By the time they notice, at 30-40 years old, the wrinkles are already there because the decline started at 25,” Dr. Yessica added.