Collagen, elastin, and proteoglycans are proteinaceous extracellular matrix components that provide tensile strength, elasticity, and hydration to the skin, respectively. As time passes, these proteinaceous components are produced less, causing skin to be thinner and weaker. In women, this is also linked to our sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone. When we produce less sex hormones, we naturally produce less collagen and elastin.Inflammation and stress hormones just as cortisol also encourage enzymes in the skin to degrade collagen, contributing to skin sag.