What would cause skin to lose its elasticity and suppleness?

The loss of collagen is a significant factor that contributes to decreased skin elasticity and suppleness. Collagen is a crucial protein found in the skin that provides structure, support, and firmness. As we age or due to certain environmental factors, collagen production naturally declines. This reduction leads to a decrease in the skin's elasticity, resulting in sagging, wrinkles, and a less resilient texture.

While other factors mentioned in the choices can contribute to overall skin health, they do not directly correlate with the specific loss of elasticity in the same way. Increased hydration and consistent moisture application are beneficial for maintaining skin health and can help improve or preserve suppleness. Excessive sun exposure, while damaging, primarily affects the skin through UV damage rather than directly depleting collagen levels immediately. Therefore, the loss of collagen stands out as the most direct cause of diminished skin elasticity and suppleness.