Collagen banking is the idea that you can increase your collagen production early in life to help slow down the ageing process later on.

Here's why your 30s is a good time start these treatments...

We are losing 1% of collagen per year from age 25.

And the rate of collagen production also slows down with age, giving rise to dull, wrinkled and loose skin. In the first five years of menopause, women can lose as much as 30% of their collagen.

Later this slows down to around 2% per year.

The idea of collagen banking is to stimulate your natural collagen production early enough whilst you can still produce collagen efficiently. In theory, this should help to slow down signs on ageing.

What treatments can help to stimulate collagen?

Here are some treatments which are shown to stimulate collagen in the skin:

• Skincare ingredients especially Retinoids (prescription grade tretinoin available through our Obagi range skincare), Vitamin C (high strength L- ascorbic acid in our Obagi range skincare) and high concentration AHAs especially glyclolic acid

• Chemical peels help to remove dead skin cells on the outermost layer of the skin and stimulate production of new cells, which improves the complexion. Obagi blue peel radiance is a great option for a chemical peel. 

• Skin bio-remodelling injectables e.g. Profhilo which is an injectable moisturiser. It is an effective treatment with minimal downtime. 

• Microneedling uses insertion of very fine, short, sterilised needles into the skin to improve appearance of scars as well as fine lines and wrinkles.

• Devices e.g. LED red light therapy/ Ultrasound therapy

Does it actually work?

PREVENTION IS ALWAYS GOING TO BE EASIER THAN REJUVENATION.

Whilst evidence for "collagen banking" is theoretical, it is however true that collagen production declines with age, and treatments listed above help to stimulate collagen, and if maintained, can help improve general skin health longterm and therefore delay signs of ageing! 

It is also important to remember that certain lifestyle factors such as excess sun exposure, smoking, and poor diet can all accelerate the decline in collagen levels.

WHAT ELSE SHOULD I CONSIDER?

As well as thinking about BOOSTING your collagen levels, consider ways to reduce the LOSS.

Incorporating some proven skincare ingredients into your daily routine as listed above, daily SPF and a healthy lifestyle is a good start and look at the other treatments as a great add on from your 30s if you are ready!

What next?

We have a special offer on Profhilo, our best collagen boosting treatment for all of April and May 2023. We have even thrown in a session of Dermalux LED therapy for free. Offer is subject to a consultation. Contact us for more information.