In the article, pharmacologist J. Aganauskaitė-Žukaitė highlights the significance of collagen, a structural protein that comprises about 25-30% of the body’s total protein and is essential for the proper functioning of skin, joints, cartilage, bones, and connective tissue. She emphasizes that while the body produces collagen on its own, this production starts to decline around the age of 25. Factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, chronic stress, a diet high in processed fats and sugars, harmful UV rays, and various hormonal changes contribute to a loss of approximately 1% of collagen per year after this age.

The reduction of collagen leads to visible and functional changes in the body. The skin becomes drier, thinner, and less elastic, resulting in more pronounced wrinkles and slower healing of wounds. As collagen is also crucial for muscles and joints, a decrease in its levels can weaken their strength and resistance to stretching and injuries, potentially leading to issues with posture and an overall decline in the vitality associated with youth.

To counteract this natural decline, Aganauskaitė-Žukaitė suggests a series of preventive measures that can help maintain collagen levels and promote overall health as one ages. These include lifestyle changes, dietary adjustments, and possibly the incorporation of collagen supplements into one’s routine, all aimed at preserving the youthful attributes of skin and physical well-being.