How Can Collagen Banking Help With Anti-Aging?

When you want to manage your money, you put it in the bank. But did you know you can also do the same for the collagen in your skin? Well, sort of. While there isn’t an official location where you can store your youth, collagen banking has quickly become an anti-aging strategy for folks looking to preserve the look of their skin for as long as possible. 

“Collagen banking refers to the practice of improving or boosting collagen production now so your body will have more of it before it naturally begins to decline with age,” says Kiley Brewster, licensed esthetician and training manager at Woodhouse Spa. Though it’s best to start collagen banking in your 20s and 30s, you can still do it if you’re out of that age range, too. “Starting early will allow your body to have more collagen later, and ensure that you aren’t making up for a lack of collagen production,” Brewster says. “However, it’s never too late to start.”

Why would you want to collagen bank in the first place? Well, if you’d like to maintain the look of your skin as you age, collagen banking is a helpful way to do so. “Increasing the body’s supply of collagen before it begins to decline can play a role in the anti-aging process by reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and improving skin's firmness and elasticity,” Brewster explains.

So, how does it work? There are a few things you can do to bank your collagen (even if you are far from your 30s), and much like with stocks, you have to diversify your techniques if you want it to be really effective. Actions such as taking collagen supplements or adding collagen-based serums to your skin care routine are helpful, especially if you prefer non- or minimally invasive methods. Wearing sunscreen is also a way to collagen bank as SPF helps preserve and support your skin's natural collagen. These simple, everyday things you might already do are the easiest ways to ensure you have the most collagen possible for when you need it most.

Brewster is a fan of microneedling for this, too. “It stimulates your body’s natural ability to generate collagen and elastin by creating microwounds for a youthful glow with minimal downtime,” she says. Whether you choose to use topicals or opt for something a little more invasive, be sure to speak with a dermatologist or esthetician to help determine the best strategy for your collagen banking journey.