Collagen may be the most important element of human skin. This complex protein makes up nearly 80% of skin and provides structure, elasticity, and protection, while helping to retain moisture within the deep dermal layers. During the aging process, collagen naturally diminishes over time. Factors such as sunlight, free radical exposure, poor nutrition and reduced internal production of collagen... all contribute to collagen degradation. Inevitably, the rate of breakdown will always outpace the rate of new production, and as a result the skin will become drier, thinner, and less resilient over time. Loss of collagen is believed to be the primary cause of fine lines and wrinkles that occur in naturally-aged skin.