Collagen banking is the buzzy skincare time period du jour for methods of sustaining extra hydrated, glowy pores and skin. However what precisely is collagen banking? Consider it as extra of a preventative quite than a corrective one, aiming to bolster and protect your collagen reserve earlier than the indicators of getting older seem. However is the apply definitely worth the hype? Forward, we’re deep-diving into whether or not collagen banking works, is right here to remain, or is only a fleeting pattern.
What’s collagen?
Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that is among the main constructing blocks of the pores and skin, in addition to our bones, fascia, tendons, ligaments, and different connective tissues. Subsequent to water, it’s probably the most considerable molecule in our physique—compromising about 25-35 p.c of our complete physique protein, says Dendy Engelman, MD, a board-certified cosmetics dermatologist in New York Metropolis. “In pores and skin, it gives resilience and construction, giving it that agency, easy, “bouncy” look related to a wholesome, radiant look,” Ryan Turner, MD, a board-certified NYC-based dermatologist and co-founder of TRNR Pores and skin says. “Nonetheless, as we age, our collagen deteriorates, inflicting pores and skin to skinny, sag, and lose quantity, which results in strains, creases, and laxity.”
What’s collagen banking?
Consultants say to think about collagen banking as a financial savings account on your pores and skin. You add extra to your reserve, so that you’ll have as a lot stockpiled as potential prepared to attract upon when the physique’s pure collagen manufacturing charge begins to say no. Dr. Turner calls it a “prejuvenation” technique of life-style decisions, skincare merchandise, and coverings based mostly on constructing collagen whereas preserving current ranges to keep up agency, supple, and resilient pores and skin as you age.
He notes that collagen additionally deteriorates with smoking publicity and environmental elements like UV and air pollution. Contemplating that the collagen produced by older tissue isn’t as top quality as after we’re youthful, supporting manufacturing through the years when our pores and skin remains to be making it at prime ranges might assist our pores and skin prolong its bounce and plumpness. “It’s all the time simpler to forestall collagen loss or harm than to restore it,” Robyn Gmyrek, MD, a board-certified board-certified dermatologist at UnionDerm says, particularly since we begin shedding one p.c of collagen per 12 months, starting on the age of 25, with a sharper decline after menopause.
When must you begin collagen banking?
Collagen banking must be achieved all through one’s life, however the adage, “prevention is best than the treatment,” is apt when it pertains to the pores and skin. “Research present that collagen manufacturing can start to say no as quickly as we attain our 20s, which is why taking a proactive strategy to pores and skin well being is so vital,” Dr. Turner says.
Sustaining your pores and skin well being in your youth—beginning at the same time as early as childhood—is far simpler than correcting harm in later years. “Teenagers and youthful,” Dr. Engelman says, “ought to keep away from the very energetic skincare merchandise which might be really helpful for rising collagen manufacturing in adults.” As an alternative, they need to get their collagen from a wholesome, balanced weight loss plan with high quality protein sources, leafy greens, vitamin C, and different really helpful vitamins. Above the age of 16, Dr. Dendy says you can begin incorporating skincare merchandise and practices (a hydrating cleanser and moisturizer, sporting SPF 30, and so forth.) that help collagen manufacturing.
Methods to apply collagen banking at house
Before everything, it’s vital to protect the collagen you have already got. “UV rays, free radicals, stressors, and different exterior aggressors can harm our collagen and speed up its loss,” explains Dr. Engelman. Shield your pores and skin by sporting sunscreen day by day, whether or not rain or shine and utilizing skincare with antioxidants, comparable to vitamin C, which helps combat free radical formation and irritation.
Dr. Engelman considers retinol the “gold normal” of anti-aging for its potential to spice up collagen manufacturing and performance like an antioxidant to guard pores and skin from oxidative stress. She likes Fig. 1’s Retinol Degree-Up System, for each new and skilled retinol customers, because it delivers clinically-backed outcomes whereas permitting the pores and skin to acclimate at its personal tempo, with minimal irritation. In case your pores and skin can’t tolerate retinol, she recommends making an attempt bakuchiol, a plant-derived different that gives comparable advantages with out harsh uncomfortable side effects.
She touts formulation with niacinamide (for collagen synthesis) or peptides, that are chains of amino acids (the constructing blocks of proteins like collagen) to assist promote firmer pores and skin. We just like the Neogen Niacinamide Glow-Up Day by day Facial ($35), a day by day pad soaked in niacinamide, plant extracts, and ceramides to assist your face really feel extra moisturized. SkinMedica TNS Superior+ Serum ($295) can also be good for this, with flaxseed, marine extract, and peptides to hydrate and help a robust barrier. Past topical therapies, Dr. Gmyrek suggests utilizing an at-home LED machine—crimson or near-infrared mild wavelengths—to stimulate mobile vitality to enhance collagen manufacturing and elasticity. And whereas topical options are nice, Dr. Gmyrek says you don’t should filter the collagen cream shelf since most formulation received’t penetrate the pores and skin’s floor.
And relating to collagen dietary supplements, the decision remains to be out. A lot of the specialists polled identified that they aren’t a magic wand on your face. Whereas some scientific proof exhibits animal-derived collagen from bovine or fish could also be helpful (observe: there aren’t any out but displaying that vegan derivatives truly work), there’s nonetheless purpose to be skeptical about their efficacy. “Collagen is a protein that will get damaged down into amino acids when ingested and unfold all through your bloodstream. Your physique will use these amino acids the place it wants them,” explains Purvisha Patel, MD, a Memphis-based board-certified dermatologist. “There isn’t any assure that will probably be used for pores and skin rejuvenation.” Lastly, Dr. Engelman provides that consuming a well-balanced weight loss plan that features leafy greens, high-quality proteins, nutritional vitamins, and minerals may also help stimulate collagen manufacturing at any age.
In-office therapies that help collagen banking
Non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures that you just get at your physician’s workplace are one other technique to up your sport when trying to enhance collagen manufacturing. Chemical peels and microneedling set off the physique’s pure wound-healing response to activate its collagen course of. Radiofrequency (like Thermage) amps it up with warmth, whereas therapies that couple RF with micro-needling (just like the buzzy Morpheus and gadgets by Candela) enable a extra exact, deeper penetration. Dr. Gmyrek likes PRP because it makes use of a affected person’s development elements and peptides to stimulate collagen manufacturing. Dr. Mian makes use of biostimulators, comparable to Sculptra, to enhance pores and skin integrity.
Moreover, ultrasound remedy (like Smooth Wave and Ulthera) and laser therapies with ablative or non-ablative resurfacing—just like the Clear and Good and the Fraxel Twin—are top-tier for exciting collagen and tightening the pores and skin. Some function imaging expertise that enables the supplier to focus on completely different depths of tissue. “These gadgets are nice for these experiencing gentle to average collagen loss,” says Dr. Turner. Nonetheless, these therapies usually require a number of periods, which might take as much as six months to see outcomes. A very powerful issue? Searching for a talented supplier since these gadgets can harm the pores and skin and deeper tissue when used incorrectly.
Closing takeaway
Implementing collagen banking into your routine is a worthwhile funding for plumper, extra hydrated pores and skin in the long run. It’s by no means too late to start out, however implementing the routine whereas your collagen remains to be at its prime is greatest when making an attempt to maintain your self wanting recent.
“Belief the method,” Dr. Gmyrek says. “In case you do nothing, the collagen breakdown will proceed and accumulate, resulting in thinner, wrinkled pores and skin.” And bear in mind, whatever the professional therapies or skincare merchandise, life-style decisions matter, so keep away from smoking, use sunscreen day by day, and be form to your self to set a strong basis for hydrated , wholesome pores and skin that’s in it for the lengthy haul.
