Collagen to skincare enthusiasts is what protein is to gym bros — an obsession, but highly necessary. To be fair, collagen is an essential protein responsible for your skin’s elasticity and resilience. It is the not-so-secret ingredient to youthful skin. The elixir to that baby bounce. In the last few years, collagen-boosting skincare products, supplements, and in-clinic procedures have become a cure meant to replenish your body’s natural loss of protein. Skincare’s latest trend on collagen banking, however, thinks ahead.
Rather than offering a boost later on, collagen banking looks at preventing or, in this case, decelerating the breakdown of the protein. “Collagen levels naturally decline starting from your late 20s,” explains Dr Varshini Reddy, cosmetic dermatologist and founder, The Glow Clinic. “The process of collagen banking is done to help build the reserves of collagen, so that it keeps the skin more youthful and supple for a longer time.”
Dr Radmila Lukian, celebrity cosmetic dermatologist and founder, Lucia Clinic, describes collagen banking as a proactive approach to preserve and boost collagen levels while you’re still young. “By starting early, you build up a strong foundation that helps maintain healthy, glowing skin as you age. It’s like saving up on collagen now to benefit your skin in the future.”
Why the fuss?
Collagen makes up approximately 30 per cent of the protein in your body and acts as the primary building block for your skin, bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other connective tissue. “It builds the skin’s internal framework and is essential for maintaining its strength and shape,” says Dr Lukian.
As the body ages, it loses more collagen than it produces. Additionally, external factors like pollution and UV exposure tend to accelerate the loss even further, resulting in sagginess, fine lines, and wrinkles. Which is where collagen-boosting products usually swoop in.
Starting early
Think of collagen banking as…
