COLLAGEN BANKING: EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW
What if we told you that the secret to radiant skin wasn’t just about what you do today, but what you do for tomorrow?
Cue: collagen banking.
With an 750% increase in searches over the past year, collagen banking is the latest trend taking over the skin care space. The key to maintaining a firm, smooth complexion, the viral process is all about investing in collagen-boosting habits to set your skin up for success.
Interested in securing the future of your skin? Us too. That’s why we caught up with Dermalogica’s Education Training Executive, Francesca Watts, to uncover everything we need to know about collagen banking.
IN THIS ARTICLE
- What Is Collagen?
- What Is Collagen Banking?
- What Are The Benefits Of Collagen Banking?
- When Should You Start Collagen Banking?
- How To Incorporate Collagen Banking Into Your Beauty Routine?
- Collagen Banking FAQs
BUT FIRST, WHAT IS COLLAGEN
Before we uncover what collagen banking is, it’s important to understand what collagen actually is. “A protein found in the body that gives skin its strength and elasticity, collagen is the primary building block of the body’s skin, muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments and other connective tissues. Key for maintaining youthful-looking skin, collagen also provides the framework that keeps our skin taut, wrinkle-free and resilient. Essentially, collagen is the foundation for glowing, healthy-looking skin” explains Francesca. However, unfortunately like many good things, collagen can come to an end. “Your body produces less collagen as you age, while existing collagen breaks down at a faster rate and is lower in quality. Collagen naturally declines at a rate of 1-1.5% per year after the age of 30, as this happens, your skin’s structure becomes less organised, resulting in fine lines, wrinkles and sagging skin.”
WHAT IS COLLAGEN BANKING
In short “collagen banking is a new term and trend for preserving your skin’s collagen, so you have more for the future.”
Referring to the process of storing collagen or collagen-rich tissues for future use, collagen banking is often used in medical, cosmetic or scientific applications. The idea is to stimulate collagen in a non-invasive and efficient way to build a reserve for later use, or, at the very least, regain a percentage of what it loses naturally as we age, so that the integrity of the skin remains robust over time.
What’s more, intelligently utilising treatments and active potent ingredients to help build and store collagen capitals, collagen banking “lends itself to microneedling treatments as it’s a non-surgical way to boost collagen preserves, minimise fine lines and wrinkles and achieve plumper looking skin.”
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF COLLAGEN BANKING
The benefits of collagen banking are endless. But primarily the practice “preserves, protects and stimulates collagen production, ultimately preventing premature skin ageing while keeping your complexion looking its best for longer.” Along with this other visibly benefits include the smoothing of uneven texture, tone and fine lines.
WHEN SHOULD YOU START COLLAGEN BANKING
When it comes to collagen banking the earlier you start the better. “Unfortunately, your skin is always under attack, so protecting your skin and collagen from degradation early is always a good idea. For younger people (we’re talking mid-20s and below), this can be as simple as avoiding sunbathing, tanning beds and using a quality SPF year-round.” For those 25 and above collagen banking is the best way to prevent premature signs of ageing – and the good news is that it’s never too late to start – implementing collagen banking can still benefit your skin's health and appearance no matter what age you are.
HOW TO INCORPORATE COLLAGEN BANKING INTO YOUR BEAUTY ROUTINE
Now we know the what, when and whys of collagen banking, it’s time to uncover the how. Simply follow the steps below to discover how you can seamlessly incorporate collagen banking into your daily skin care routine!
SUN PROTECTION
“Daily SPF is key when it comes to preserving your collagen. UV rays are the number one external factor that degrades collagen – along with pollution – so your sunscreen’s antioxidant-rich formula will bolster your skin’s defences against this free radical damage.”
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COLLAGEN-BASED SERUMS
You can also use specific serums to help promote collagen production. “Look for collagen supporting ingredients such as peptides and amino acids when selecting these solutions. Not only do they provide the building blocks the skin needs to make collagen, but they can protect the skin’s reserves too, supporting visibly plumper skin.”
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COLLAGEN SUPPLEMENTS
Collagen supplements are becoming more popular for supporting skin health from the inside out. These supplements can help boost collagen production and may reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity over time. But, when it comes to ingestible, “it’s important to select supplements that contain two or three amino acids (otherwise known as peptide or hydrolysed collagen). Absorbed through the gastrointestinal tract, collagen peptides can’t be directed to where you want them to be used, instead your body will use these peptides for whatever it needs – meaning results may be slower than your typical collagen-infused skin care staples.”
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TARGETED SKIN CARE TO STIMULATE
Along with collagen-based serums, there are other topical skin care formulas that can be used to promote collagen productions. Skin care ingredients to look out for include:
Retinol: these vitamin A derivatives are some of the most effective ingredients for stimulating collagen production, smoothing the appearance of wrinkles and improving skin texture. Start with lower concentrations if you're new to retinoids to avoid irritation.
Vitamin C: vitamin C is also a key player in collagen synthesis. Applying a vitamin C serum daily can help protect existing collagen from damage and support the production of new collagen.
Peptides: peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as building blocks of collagen. Topical peptide-based products can signal the skin to produce more collagen and improve the skin's strength and elasticity.
Hyaluronic Acid: while hyaluronic acid doesn’t directly stimulate collagen, it helps to hydrate and plump the skin. Well-hydrated skin also supports the function of collagen and other structural proteins.
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COLLAGEN BANKING FAQS
How to start collagen banking?
The best way to start your collagen banking journey is to incorporate skin care products that boost collagen production into your daily routine – specifically looking for formulas containing ingredients like retinol, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C.
Can taking collagen reverse sagging skin?
While you can’t technically reverse sagging per say, taking collagen helps to improve skin elasticity and reduce the appearance of sagging. Collagen is a key structural protein that provides support and firmness to the skin.
Can you reverse collagen loss?
Though you may not be able to bring back the lost collagen, the good news is that collagen banking is the ideal way to stimulate collagen production and slow further collagen breakdown, which can help restore some of the skin's firmness and elasticity.
Now that you’ve learned the ins and outs of collagen banking, it’s time to start investing in your skin’s future — because if this trend has taught us anything it’s when it comes to happy, healthy skin, the earlier you start, the greater the reward.
Cult Beauty’s Senior SEO Copywriter, Trifonia started out in the industry when bold brows were just becoming a ‘thing’, and shares a passion for all things fashion and beauty. Currently embracing her curly girl journey (after endless years of straightening her strands), she is finally reverting to her natural ways! When Triffy isn’t busy testing out the latest curl-saving solutions, you’ll find her binging the latest reality TV show or on a long walk listening to her ever-evolving country music playlist.
