The architecture of your skin: collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid

When we talk about skin ageing, we tend to think only of what we see on the surface. However, the skin does not age solely on the surface. Its internal structure changes over time, and understanding how it works is key to looking after it better.

The skin is supported by three main pillars: collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. Together, they form the architecture that keeps the skin firm, elastic and hydrated. With age, these components diminish… and the balance is disrupted.

The true structure of the skin: the 3 essential pillars

Collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid work together in the dermis. They do not act in isolation, but as an integrated network that provides support, flexibility and plumpness.

Over time, the skin:

• loses density and firmness

• becomes less elastic

• retains less water

That is why ageing is not just about ‘wrinkles’, but a profound structural change.

What is collagen?

Collagen is the protein that supports the skin. It forms the basis of the dermis and is responsible for its firmness and resilience. From the age of 25, its production begins to decline gradually. This process is accelerated by factors such as stress, sun exposure, inflammation or hormonal changes.

As collagen levels decline, the following intensify:

• sagging

• more pronounced wrinkles

• loss of density

• cellulite

It is the structural pillar of the skin. Without it, the skin’s structure loses its support.

What is elastin?

Elastin is the protein that allows the skin to stretch and return to its original shape. It acts as an ‘internal spring’ that provides elasticity and resilience.

With age and sun exposure, elastin breaks down faster than the body can produce it. When it is lacking:

• the skin loses its “bounce”

• sagging occurs

• the texture becomes thinner and more fragile

Elastin is key to ensuring the skin is not only firm, but also supple.

What is hyaluronic acid?

Hyaluronic acid is the molecule responsible for retaining water in the skin. It acts like a natural sponge: 1 gram can hold up to 1 litre of water.

As we age, its levels also decrease, directly affecting skin hydration. When it is lacking, the following intensify:

• dehydration

• fine lines

• dull skin

• loss of plumpness

Without hydration, the skin loses its comfort and radiance, even if it is well cared for on the outside.

What happens as we age?

Skin ageing is not caused by a single factor. It occurs when all three pillars decline at the same time:

• Less collagen → less firmness

• Less elastin → less elasticity

• Less hyaluronic acid → less hydration

These processes are accelerated by sun exposure, stress, inflammation and hormonal changes at different stages of a woman’s life.

That is why it is so important to understand that the skin is an integrated structure:

• collagen provides support

• elastin provides flexibility

• hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps

If one fails, the balance is disrupted.

FORTE AGELESS: supporting the 3 pillars from within

FORTE AGELESS is an example of advanced nutricosmetics that works on the three essential components of the skin’s architecture from within.

Its formula combines:

• 12,000 mg of PEPTAN® hydrolysed collagen, a high dose designed to stimulate fibroblasts, support the synthesis of new collagen fibres and improve skin firmness and density.

• PROLASTIN® elastin, which helps support the skin’s natural elasticity and its ability to ‘bounce back’.

• Hyaluronic acid and ceramides, which reinforce deep hydration and the skin’s barrier function, improving the texture and plumpness of mature skin.

Furthermore, its combination of key antioxidants —vitamin C, vitamin E, trans-resveratrol, CoQ10 and selenium— helps protect the skin from oxidative stress, one of the main factors responsible for accelerating the breakdown of collagen and elastin.

Caring for your skin means understanding its structure

When you understand how the skin works from the inside, you can better choose how to support it. Conscious skincare begins with understanding its architecture and taking a holistic, consistent approach that is aligned with every stage of life.

Because skincare isn’t just about treating what you see, but supporting what sustains it from within.

You can find this product on our website, in pharmacies, at El Corte Inglés and in medical aesthetic centres.