A transmission electron micrograph of Staphylococcus epidermidis, one of two bacteria associated with a loss of collagen in older women CNRI/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
From our mid-20s onwards, our skin progressively loses its elasticity and plumpness, leading to wrinkles and sagging. Why this occurs isn’t entirely understood. However, new research suggests that the microorganisms that reside on our faces may be involved.
A protein called collagen acts as a scaffold for our skin, giving youthful skin a smooth appearance, but the quantity and quality of our collagen production declines with age.
