What is the role of collagen in the skin?

Collagen plays a crucial role in providing structural support to the skin. It is a protein that acts as a scaffold, giving the skin strength, elasticity, and durability. This support is essential for maintaining the skin's shape and resilience against environmental factors and physical stress. As we age, collagen production decreases, leading to signs of aging such as sagging and wrinkles.

The other options pertain to different functions that do not directly involve collagen. While regulating temperature is managed by blood vessels and sweat glands, detoxification processes are handled by the liver and kidneys, not the skin itself. Oil production is primarily the function of sebaceous glands, which are not influenced by collagen. Understanding collagen's role emphasizes its importance in maintaining skin integrity and appearance.