The term collagen banking has become a hot topic in the aesthetics industry in recent months, and with searches increasing, it shows no sign of slowing down. But is it all it’s cracked up to be? This is what two experts had to say about whether collagen banking is worth investing in or not—and which treatments to try.
 

What is collagen banking? 

Collagen banking refers to certain treatments and skincare ingredients, which aim to help “regenerate, strengthen and repair important structures in our skin such as collagen and elastic,” says Etre Vous Expert and Aesthetic Nurse, Anna Baker.

The concept is pretty forward-thinking, and one that Etre Vous Expert and Clinical Director at Facial Aesthetics Julie Scott likens to financial savings. “The earlier you start depositing, the greater the long-term benefit,” she says. “It’s about proactively preserving and enhancing the skin’s natural collagen reserves through various methods, from topical treatments and supplements to minimally invasive procedures that stimulate collagen synthesis.”

Why does collagen matter so much? 

Although collagen banking is the newest, shiniest buzzword right now, collagen has long been known as the key to supple skin. On average, we lose one per cent of our total collagen every year after the age of 25, so keeping it top of mind when choosing treatments and skincare can help prevent premature ageing.

Does collagen banking work?

Now for the golden question: does collagen banking work? Well, the science just isn’t there yet to say for sure. As much as we’d love to bank all of this collagen to use when we need it, “the idea of stockpiling collagen to tap into later, oversimplifies the complex biology of our skin,” says Scott. “The skin’s metabolism and collagen’s lifecycle don’t necessarily support a ‘more in, less out’ hypothesis,” she adds.

Having said that, your skin undoubtedly benefits from these collagen-focused treatments. “I support and encourage practices that sustain and stimulate the skin’s own collagen production, and it’s an unarguable fact that maintaining skin health early on can preserve skin quality and delay the inevitable tide of ageing,” she explains.

So while the jury is still out on whether collagen banking is as effective as we hope, the basic essence of it can only be a good thing.

Scott makes a great point about the downside of collagen banking being that it has the potential to exacerbate anti-ageing worries among youngsters. “The conversation around collagen banking starting at 25 could inadvertently nudge teenagers towards premature and invasive treatments. While championing skin health is crucial, it’s imperative we navigate the age of social media influence responsibly, ensuring the younger generation is informed and not swayed by trends over medical advice,” she notes.

What treatments use the concept of collagen banking? 

There are some highly effective treatments out there that work brilliantly to aid the skin’s natural collagen production.

Profhilo 

Both experts recommended Profhilo as a great collagen banking treatment. Profhilo is often dubbed an injectable moisturiser, made up of hyaluronic acid (containing both high and low molecular weights) and injected into the epidermis to add hydration (rather than volume as dermal filler does) and stimulate collagen production. ”It’s clinically-proven to enhance the skin’s regenerative and healing properties through a unique regenerate cascade called bio-remodelling,” explains Scott.

Mesotherapy

Scott also recommends mesotherapy “for its revitalising benefits, using a cocktail of vitamins, enzymes, hormones, and plant extracts to rejuvenate and tighten skin.” Mesotherapy, as Scott explains, injects all kinds of goodness into the skin’s mesoderm (the middle layer of the skin) hence the name, and can boost collagen.

Polynucleotides

The treatment of the moment, polynucleotides are also fantastic for collagen banking, which both Baker and Scott recommend. Taken from the DNA of salmon, it’s injected into the skin to encourage the skin to make changes. “Polynucleotides are a step further into bio-revitalisation,” says Scott. “These powerful molecules support skin regeneration and repair, signalling cells to produce more collagen and elastin.” Polynucleotides can be used alongside many other injectables, making them a popular treatment.

Radio frequency

Scott notes radio frequency as another “effective modality, delivering heat energy to the skin to tighten and promote new collagen growth.” Pair this with microneedling (often called RF microneedling) and you’re onto a winner as microneedling “creates micro-injuries that trigger the skin’s healing response, leading to new collagen synthesis.”

What about at-home treatments for collagen banking? 

Alongside in-clinic treatments, there’s lots you can do at home, too. Of course, no routine is complete without sunscreen. “A broad spectrum UVA/UVB tinted, or non-tinted SPF is fundamental for everyone, and one of the most effective (and cost effective!) measures that can easily be incorporated into a daily regimen,” says Baker.

There are plenty of topical ingredients that are fantastic at stimulating collagen, like retinoids, peptides, and vitamin C to name a few. Baker particularly notes that HydroPeptide products use epigenetic ingredients (and science) to influence gene signalling.

“Beyond topicals, I strongly advocate for a holistic approach, one that considers internal wellness as a pillar of skin health. Collagen supplements and nutrient-rich diets, brimming with vitamin C and amino acids, are essential. Foods such as citrus fruits, berries, fish, and leafy greens are key players in this internal support system,” explains Scott.