> ## Knowledge Base Index
> Fetch the complete knowledge base index at: https://help.contro.co.za/sitemap.xml
> Use this file to discover available pages before exploring further.
> Pure-Markdown content can be obtained by appending a '.md' suffix to the content URLs listed in the sitemap (without the trailing slash).

# Does stress impact skin aging?

Chronic stress *can* accelerate skin aging by increasing cortisol levels, which interfere with collagen production and promote its breakdown. 

| Collagen is essential for skin elasticity, and its degradation can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.

###### What is collagen? 
* Collagen serves as the fundamental building material for various structures within your body, including skin, muscles, bones, tendons, and ligaments, as well as other connective tissues.
* Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and collagen, in particular, is synthesized from a specific set of amino acids. The primary amino acids involved in collagen formation include proline, glycine, and hydroxyproline.