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Aging isn’t always easy, especially as our bodies produce less collagen we age. As early as our mid-20s, our bodies are more susceptible to developing wrinkles, joint pain, gut issues, and weak muscles.
Collagen is vital to the human body, as it is “found in connective tissue, skin, tendons, bones, and cartilage. It provides structural support to tissues and plays important roles in cellular processes, including tissue repair, immune response, cellular communication and cellular migration,” Healthline explains. It’s safe to say, collagen is pretty important.
Fortunately, decreased collagen levels doesn’t have to be all doom and gloom. There are things we can do to boost our collagen production to both look and feel more youthful.
One of those things includes: Collagen Banking. While this term is new to many of us, the process is much simpler than it sounds. Here’s everything you know to know about Collagen Banking.
Collagen Banking Is A ProActive Approach To Preserving Protein
Collagen banking is all about strategizing to find the best ways to preserve and bolster collagen levels in the skin. Collagen is a key protein that gives our skin elasticity, softness and smoothness.
The basis around collagen banking is that we can save some of our collagen for later, almost like a nice savings account for our skin, thus the “banking” part of the name.
Collagen banking signals the body to generate excess collagen, enabling our skin to actually have collagen reserves as we age. We’re happy to report that it is indeed possible to age with grace–and some pretty skin!
We’ve listed some ways to start your collagen banking journey below.
1. Vitamin C Rich Diet
A study from the National Library of Medicine asserts that hyaluronic acid, which improve the appearance of skin through hydration, can improve collagen production in the human body. Hyaluronic acid also decreases in the body as we age.
The intake of more vitamin C rich foods can increase our levels of both hyaluronic acid and collagen.
Healthline recommends oranges, red peppers, kale, brussels sprouts, broccoli, and strawberries, which are all rich in vitamin C. All of these foods will also help with your overall health!
Additionally, maintaining a generally healthy and balanced diet will not only give our collagen production the best odds to flourish but also help our physical and mental health.
2. Skin products For Collagen Banking
The skincare junkie gurlies know many of the most popular products all too well. However, with collagen banking being new to many, there may be some superstar products that have been overlooked.
The important thing is to avoid trusting any and every product that claims help with collagen production and/or to be rich in vitamin C. We have some tried and true products that will help you get started.
- VT Cosmetics Collagen Reedle Shot Microneedling Serum (Around $40) This Korean-beauty serum is absolute magic, as it creates the popular glass skin effect and mimics the look of getting a facelift. There’s also a collagen reedle shot mask ($23) from VT Cosmetics!
- Dermalogica pro-collagen banking serum (about $90) This serum is considered the best for collagen banking (and it’s not just because it’s in the product’s name). The blend of collagen amino acids, carnosine dipeptides, and antioxidants give this serum the special power to preserve collagen while plumping the skin.
- Medicube Collagen Jelly Cream (about $15) We not only love the collagen banking this jelly cream offers, we also love the price tag. A leading Korean-beauty brand, Medicube sets its standards high with a rich combo of hydrolyzed collagen and niacinamide that boosts the skin’s elasticity and glow.
- Neutrogena Collagen Bank Face Moisturizer with SPF 30 Sunscreen (about $20) We absolutely cannot forget to talk about sunscreen, which protects the skin and helps to preserve collagen. Neutrogena formulated a sunscreen specifically for collagen banking that utilizes micro-peptides and SPF to plump and protect our faces.
- Other collagen banking products we recommend: BIODANCE Bio-Collagen Real Deep Mask ($19), MEDIHEAL Collagen Ampoule Pads ($23), The Ordinary’s Granactive Retinoid* 2% Emulsion (around $12).
3. Skin Treatments For Collagen Banking
One of the popular forms of collagen banking includes microneedling, which is also known as collagen induction therapy. The procedure entails small needles that puncture the skin. The small wounds signal the body to produce more collagen to heal the skin.
So, essentially, the body repairs itself with new and glowier layers of skin.
Other procedures, including scuptra (an injectable that stimulates collagen production and improves skin elasticity), chemical peels, laser therapy, and dermal fillers. However, It’s vital not to overdue it on treatments and always consult a medical professional about what is right for your particular skin.
4. Supplements
There are also a host of supplements that are great for collagen banking, including ginseng, cilantro, algae, vitamin C, vitamin A (retinoids), collagen peptides, marine collagen, bone broth, biotin, and aloe vera.
Be wary of any allergies or irritations that some supplements may cause and consult a medical expert before starting anything new.
Genetics Play A Role
While collagen banking can be a game-changer for our aging, we must also remember that some of our collagen production comes down to our genetics.
Some genetic markers impact our collagen synthesis, which influences how firm and smooth our skin remains as we age. So, some people are born with better odds.
However, one thing we believe in is beating the odds, and collagen banking may very well be the key to optimizing results.
