At some point in your late twenties to early thirties, your skin starts to change. Not dramatically overnight. Not in a way that makes you look completely different. But subtly. Gradually. Quietly.
Collagen is the main structural protein in the skin. It gives skin its firmness, density and strength. But not all collagen is the same. There are different types, and they behave differently as we age.
In the skin, the two most important types are Type I and Type III collagen.
Type I collagen makes up around 80 to 90 percent of the collagen in your skin. It is the strong, dense collagen that gives skin its firmness and structure. This is the collagen that keeps the jawline tight, the cheeks lifted and the skin resilient.
Type III collagen is often referred to as “support” collagen. It is more abundant in younger skin and works alongside Type I to keep skin supple and flexible. It is particularly present in youthful, plump skin and plays a key role in repair and regeneration.
From our mid to late twenties, collagen production begins to slow down. From around 30 onwards, we lose approximately one percent of our total collagen each year. The decline in Type I collagen becomes more noticeable in our thirties and forties, which is why skin can start to feel thinner and less firm. Type III collagen also reduces with age, meaning skin loses some of its softness and elasticity.
By the time we reach our forties and beyond, the ratio between Type I and Type III collagen changes significantly, and overall collagen density decreases. This is when many women notice:
Fine lines that don’t bounce back
A softening jawline
Loss of cheek fullness
Crepey texture
Skin that looks tired even when they’re not
Type II collagen is different. It is primarily found in cartilage and joints rather than skin, so while it’s important for overall health, it doesn’t directly impact skin firmness in the same way Type I and III do.
This is where understanding treatment options becomes important.
Skincare alone cannot significantly rebuild lost collagen. It can protect what you have. It can support the barrier. It can improve surface texture. But it does not penetrate deeply enough to meaningfully stimulate strong new Type I collagen production.
Radio Frequency is different.
Radio Frequency works by delivering controlled heat energy into the deeper dermal layers of the skin. This heat stimulates fibroblasts the cells responsible for producing collagen. When fibroblasts are activated, they begin producing new collagen fibres, particularly Type I collagen, which is the strong structural collagen we lose with age.
Radio Frequency also tightens existing collagen fibres through thermal stimulation. This gives an immediate subtle tightening effect, while the longer-term benefit comes from neocollagenesis the formation of new collagen over the following weeks and months.
In simple terms, Radio Frequency encourages your skin to start behaving younger again by stimulating fresh Type I collagen production. It does not replace collagen artificially. It encourages your body to rebuild it naturally.
This is why results look gradual and natural rather than drastic. Skin becomes firmer, smoother and more supported over time. The jawline can look more defined. Fine lines soften. The overall quality of the skin improves because its internal structure is being strengthened. Consistency is key. One session will stimulate activity, but a course of treatments creates cumulative collagen rebuilding. Just like muscle training, repetition creates real change.
It is also important to remember that collagen loss is not just age-related. Sun exposure, stress, lack of sleep, hormonal shifts and inconsistent skincare all accelerate collagen breakdown. Protecting your skin with daily SPF and supporting it with targeted skincare makes any collagen-stimulating treatment far more effective.
Collagen loss after 30 is normal. But accelerated collagen decline is not inevitable.
With the right professional treatments, particularly those that stimulate new Type I collagen production such as Radio Frequency, combined with supportive skincare and consistency, your skin can remain strong, firm and radiant for years to come.
If you are starting to notice changes in firmness or skin density, it may simply be your collagen levels asking for support.
This is exactly why my Firm & Glow facial has become one of my best-selling treatments. It uses advanced Radio Frequency to gently stimulate collagen production, helping the skin feel firmer, smoother and more supported over time. It’s perfect if you’re noticing early signs of collagen loss and want results that look natural, not drastic. It’s about strengthening your skin properly
