Collagen banking: Dermatologist tells you how to keep your skin glowing, slow ageing

From lifestyle habits to advanced skin procedures like microneedling and EXION, collagen banking helps slow ageing and keeps skin youthful for longer. (Image: Pexels)

The concept of collagen banking is fast emerging in the field of dermatology and aesthetics. Think of it as a savings account for your skin — you make deposits in your 20s and 30s, to withdraw from later down the line. Collagen, the skin’s key structural protein is responsible for giving your skin its firmness, bounce and youthful elasticity. Our body’s natural collagen production will unfortunately start to decrease in our mid-20s, decreasing by approximately 1-5% every 12 months or so. This slow decline results in fine lines and wrinkles, sagging and parched skin.

Collagen banking is really the act of getting ahead in the game and doing whatever it takes during your peak collagen-producing years to build up, preserve, and get a little extra out of that collagen. By optimizing the right lifestyle choices, supplements, skincare and advanced non-invasive procedures it is possible to accumulate a long-term “reserve” of collagen so that when our bodies break down from any undue assault from conditions such as Covid-19 or depression and anxiety, our skin ages more gracefully.

What is Collagen Banking?

Dr Raina Nahar, Senior Consultant, Dermatology at Nanavati Max Super Speciality Hospital in Mumbai, tells Moneycontrol, "Collagen banking is simply the art of saving collagen while you are still young. Collagen is the dominant protein that gives skin firmness and bounce. Collagen production typically begins to decline at a rate of around 1–1.5% per year from your 20s, resulting in sagging and dryness, as well as fine lines. "

Also Read: Skin care tips: Expert-approved diet and lifestyle adjustments to keep your skin glowing

Talking about collagen banking, Dr Nahar suggests that you need to start collagen banking in your 20’s. "Around your twenties or at the peak level at which skin cells are most active, it is important that you begin banking as much collagen as possible. This slows down your skin’s ageing process, in turn keeping you looking younger", he says.

How Does it Work?

When we talk about banking collagen, we don’t mean you’re putting it in some literal bank somewhere; rather you’re helping your skin produce more and keeping it from being broken down. One such compound, collagen peptides, circulate through the bloodstream and signal to fibroblasts (skin cells) to produce more collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid. This increases firmness, elasticity and hydration while decreasing enzymes that degrade collagen.

Ways to Bank Collagen

Oral supplements: Collagen powders and drinks contain peptides which can stimulate regeneration of the skin. Many are made from marine or bovine by-products that would be otherwise wasted, recycled from the food industry, so they are eco-friendly.

In-Clinic Solutions: Nonsurgical procedures such as microneedling, laser therapy and radiofrequency can help kickstart your skin’s repair processes leading to collagen remodelling.

Also Read: From hydration to skin treatments: Dermatologist shares dos and don’ts for brides and grooms-to-be

Lifestyle Habits: Daily use of broad-spectrum sunscreen, cessation of smoking, reducing excessive sugar and consuming foods rich in antioxidants all contribute to protecting collagen.

Skin care: Topical retinoids and peptides, on medical prescription, promote the synthesis of collagen.

Advanced Treatments in Collagen Banking

Dr Sonal Ahuja of Skin Aesthete told Moneycontrol that Collagen banking is in theory the notion of preserving and augmenting your collagen stores during what we call ‘prime collagen producing years. From your late 20s on through your 30s, MNRF (Microneedling Radiofrequency) as well as EXION can be life changers.

“As studies have demonstrated, EXION can increase natural collagen production over time by 47%—so patients can start ‘banking’ collagen early on in life, and therefore maintain tighter skin longer and minimize the outward signs of aging. In the end, these breakthrough non-surgical procedures assist in you ‘banking’ collagen naturally, without the risks and complications of more invasive cosmetic procedures down the line,” says Ahuja.

MNRF is a non-surgical treatment that combines microneedling with radiofrequency to stimulate collagen and elastin production, improving skin texture, reducing scars, and tightening the skin. EXION, on the other hand, is a next-generation treatment that combines radiofrequency with targeted ultrasound to not only tighten skin and reduce fat but also stimulate your body’s natural production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid.

Ultimately, these advanced, non-surgical treatments help you ‘bank’ collagen naturally, giving you a long-term advantage in slowing down skin aging; without the risks or side effects associated with invasive cosmetic procedures later in life, says Ahuja.

Also Read: Lifestyle tips to get glowing skin: Stress less, meditate more, get sun smart

A Holistic Approach

Dr Rashmi Sharma, Consultant Dermatology, Fortis Gurgaon explains why it’s wise to strike while the shimmer is hot:

“Collagen is the protein we need to make our skin nice and tight. As we grow older, the body makes less and less collagen, starting in our mid-20s. You can bank on Collagen! ‘Collagen banking’ is best accomplished by following a healthy lifestyle, practicing good daily skin care and using other evidence-based dermatological treatments when necessary. Super strict photoprotection is key—UV is the most potent cause of early collagen decline.”

“My advice to all clients is this: everyone has a skincare program they use at home. By preserving and lifting up the skin’s collagen architecture, we have a real impact on visible signs of aging and help to ensure a healthy, youthful complexion far into the decades ahead,” she adds.

The idea behind collagen banking isn’t vanity but foresight. Just as saving for retirement can pay off, so can starting early. You can protect its youthful base by adopting healthy habits, partnering with a dermatologist to establish skincare routine’s, and getting non-invasive proof points of collagen boosting done.

FAQs on Collagen Banking

1. What is collagen banking?
Collagen banking involves proactive measures to preserve and enhance collagen during peak production years, preventing future skin ageing.

2. When should I start collagen banking?
It is advisable to start in your 20s when your skin cells are most active in collagen production.

3. What methods can I use for collagen banking?
Methods include oral supplements, in-clinic procedures like microneedling and laser therapy, lifestyle habits such as sunscreen use and healthy eating, and topical skincare treatments.

4. Are there advanced treatments for collagen banking?
Yes, advanced non-surgical treatments like MNRF and EXION can significantly enhance collagen production and help maintain younger-looking skin.

5. Is collagen banking safe?
When performed under professional guidance, collagen banking through supplements, skincare, and non-invasive treatments is generally safe and effective. Always consult with a dermatologist.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.