Why does my face look tired even when I sleep enough?
Many people in their late 20s and 30s start to notice that their face looks tired more easily. Photos don’t feel as fresh, makeup doesn’t sit as nicely on the skin, and the overall glow seems different from a few years ago — even though sleep, water intake and basic skincare routines haven’t changed much.
This doesn’t necessarily mean you are doing anything wrong. In many cases, it is related to natural changes in the skin, especially the gradual decline of collagen, which plays a key role in keeping the skin looking firm, bouncy and smooth.
At what age does collagen usually start to decline?
On average, collagen in the skin is thought to start declining noticeably from around the age of 25 onwards. It doesn’t suddenly drop in one year, but rather decreases little by little over time, which is why many people start to notice subtle changes in their skin from their late 20s into their early 30s.
These changes don’t always show up as deep wrinkles straight away. More often, people first feel that the skin looks dull more easily, doesn’t bounce back as quickly, or makeup doesn’t look as smooth as it did in their early 20s. All of this is related to changes in the skin’s structure over time.
Small signs that your collagen might be decreasing
There’s no simple way to measure exactly how much collagen you have just by looking. However, many people share similar skin changes as collagen gradually declines, for example:
• The face looks tired more easily, even after a good night’s sleep • Makeup doesn’t sit as smoothly on the skin as before • Fine expression lines become more visible when smiling or frowning • Certain areas of the face feel thinner or less firm than in the early 20s • The skin seems slower to recover after strong sun exposure or late nights
These signs don’t mean your skin is unhealthy. They are usually part of a normal transition in adult skin. How obvious these changes are can vary from person to person, depending on genetics, lifestyle and long-term skin habits.
Factors that may speed up collagen loss
Besides age, several lifestyle and environmental factors can contribute to faster changes in collagen, such as:
• Frequent sun exposure or UV damage without adequate protection • Not getting enough or regular sleep • Ongoing stress from work or daily life • Smoking or exposure to cigarette smoke • Alcohol and high-sugar diets in large amounts • Inconsistent skincare, such as skipping sunscreen or moisturiser over time
When these factors build up, the skin may show signs of change earlier than expected for one’s age, leading to the impression that the face looks tired or older than it feels.
Why does skin seem to tire more easily after 30?
As we get older, it’s not only collagen that changes. Several systems that support healthy skin also shift over time, for example:
• The skin’s ability to retain moisture gradually decreases • Elastic fibres that help keep the skin bouncy become less resilient • Blood circulation to the skin surface can be less efficient • Deep structures and facial fat pads naturally change with age
Together, these changes can make the face look more easily tired or dull, even if there are no very deep lines or obvious sagging yet. This is a common part of entering full adulthood and not necessarily a sign of disease.
How to support your skin when collagen starts to decline
While we cannot stop time, we can support the skin so that it stays as healthy and balanced as possible for our age. This doesn’t always require complicated routines — often, consistency and suitability for your skin type matter more. For example:
• Prioritising enough and good-quality sleep • Using sunscreen daily and reapplying as needed • Using moisturisers or skincare that help support the skin barrier • Drinking an appropriate amount of water for your body • Reducing frequent intake of very sugary or heavily processed foods • Talking to a dermatologist or aesthetic doctor for a personalised assessment if you want tailored advice
The goal is not to chase perfection, but to care for the skin in a way that matches where you are in life right now.
Summary: Collagen loss is natural — how we care for our skin is the part we can choose
Collagen in the skin generally starts to decline from around the mid-20s onwards and can contribute to skin looking more easily tired or less bouncy over time. This process is part of natural ageing and does not automatically mean something is wrong with your skin.
What matters is understanding that everyone’s pace of change is different. Instead of comparing yourself to others, it can be more helpful to choose a way of caring for your skin that fits your own lifestyle, health and expectations. For more specific guidance, consulting a qualified doctor is the safest way to plan long-term skin support.