Collagen banking: saving youth for later use
If you have ever wished you could ‘pause’ your skin’s ageing clock, collagen banking might be the closest thing you’ll find to an aesthetic time machine.
Think of it as saving for your skin’s future, building and preserving your collagen reserves now so that your complexion remains firm, smooth, and luminous – combating natural decline.
‘Collagen banking’ is the latest buzz term that focuses less on chasing a quick fix and more on building your skin’s long-term health and, with it, developing forward-thinking, positive skin behavioural traits. It’s a proactive prevention and skin protection, and the dividends can’t be ignored.
For those juggling everyday aggressors that accelerate collagen loss like high UV exposure, stress, lifestyle choices, and environmental aggressors, the thinking behind this concept is simple – the earlier you start, the better the payoff.
The science behind collagen banking Collagen is the protein made by fibroblasts that gives skin its structure and bounce. In our twenties, collagen production starts slowing down by about 1 per cent per year, a rate that accelerates in our thirties and forties. By the time we notice fine lines, sagging, or dullness, a significant portion of our collagen stores are already depleted.
“Collagen banking means taking a proactive approach, stimulating the production of the protein before it declines early. The more collagen you produce and preserve now, the better your skin will look later,” explains Dr Alek Nikolic, renowned aesthetic medicine specialist and founder of the Dr Alek Nikolic practice.
“There are nearly 30 different types of collagens in our skin, but the two types we should be focusing on are type I and III, as these two types spearhead tissue regeneration and are responsible for the skin looking tighter,” he says.
These are some of the most effective options for collagen banking
1. Microneedling
Also known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling uses ultra-fine needles, which includes Dermapen, to create tiny micro-injuries in the skin. This triggers your body’s wound-healing response, flooding the area with growth factors that help produce fresh collagen and elastin. Over time, this leads to improved texture, reduced fine lines, and a more youthful glow.
• Best for: Early signs of ageing, uneven skin tone, and acne scars.
• Frequency: Every 4 – 6 weeks for best results.
2. LED light therapy
LED light therapy uses different wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular repair. Red light penetrates deep into the skin to boost collagen production and reduce inflammation, all without pain or downtime.
• Best for: Sensitive skin, post-treatment recovery, and ongoing collagen maintenance.
• How often: Weekly sessions or as a post-treatment booster.
3. Chemical peels
Chemical peels remove the outermost layers of dead skin cells, revealing a smoother, more even complexion beneath. This controlled exfoliation also signals the skin to produce new collagen, especially when done regularly.
• Best for: Pigmentation, sun damage, dullness, and textural concerns.
• How often: Every 4 – 8 weeks, depending on peel strength.
4. PRP therapy
Popularly referred to as the ‘vampire facial’, this uses your own plasma, which is rich in growth factors, to speed up regeneration. This is then reintroduced into the skin via microneedling or injection, accelerating collagen production and skin regeneration.
• Best for: Significant collagen boost, post-acne scarring, and early sagging.
• How often: 2 – 3 sessions a year.
5. Biostimulator fillers
Injectables like Sculptra, Profhilo, Skinvive, gradually stimulate collagen formation over months due to the time needed for the body to stimulate collagen production. This injectable renews the skin by improving the appearance of wrinkles for up to 25 months after the last treatment.
• Best for: Gradual, reliable volume and firmness boost
• How often: 2-3 sessions a year for maintenance.
When to start
The best time to start collagen banking is before deep wrinkles and sagging set in, ideally in your mid-to-late twenties or early thirties. But it’s never too late to begin; even mature skin can benefit from treatments that encourage collagen renewal.
Collagen banking isn’t about looking ten years younger overnight; it’s about building a strong and healthy foundation, so your skin looks healthy, resilient, and radiant for the next decade and beyond. Details: www.dralek.co.za
Products:
Institut Esthederm Intensive Pro-Collagen+ Cream is ideal for people aged 30 and over combating loss of firmness and definition of facial contours. R1535 online at Skinmiles, Ederma, Lasermed, SkinSmart or Cosmetology.
Restore youthful skin, hair and nail health. One heaped teaspoon of The Laser Beautique Skin Food Collagen Amino Acids mixed into your coffee, smoothies, yoghurt, or water daily stimulates fibroblasts and boosts collagen. R495 from thelaserbeautique.co.za
Like a daily vitamin dose for your skin, Sh’zen Collagen Boosting Serum is a silky, nourishing serum which supports and enhances collagen production to visibly restructure, firm and plump up the skin. R589 from shzen.co.za
Nuxe Merveillance Lift Oil Serum is infused with an ultra-corrective Micro-Algae Oil. Just 3 drops and you’ll see smoother-looking, more supple and toned skin helping firm your skin every day by stimulating collagen production. R1055 from woolworths.co.za
Revive tired-looking eyes with a lightweight Gatineau Collagene Expert Eye Cream. Visibly reduces under-eye bags, puffiness and dark circles. R1195 from Dis-Chem.
New Leaf Marine Collagen Tablets with a blend of Type 1 collagen peptides, enriched with Vitamin C and hyaluronic acid, designed to support your body’s natural beauty and strength R380 through faithful-to-nature.co.za
QMS Precision Care Collagen3D Cream restores skin density, counteracts skin aging and intensively strengthens mature skin in multi-dimensional skin layers, R5500.
QMS Precision Care Collagen3D Gel Line Corrector fills deep wrinkles and visibly smooths expression lines. R3500. Both available through qmsmedicosmetics.co.za
Say hello to glowing skin, longer hair, stronger nails and a happier gut. Motherkind Paris Glow From Within Collagen. R560 from motherkindco.co.za
With anti-ageing power, boosted by double collagen and an AHA complex + organic blackcurrant buds, Sothys Noctuelle Renovative Night Cream renews your skin’s youth. R1475 from skinmiles.com
Sh’Zen Natural Pharmacy Collagen + Vegicaps are a source of essential amino acids and antioxidants, with the added bonus of vitamins and minerals. It improves skin health, protects against free radical damage and supports the formation and maintenance of collagen. R399 from shzen.co.za
Strive for a firm and lifted look. Diego dalla Palma Professional FilLift Remodelling Lifting Effect Cream. R1985 from cosmetology.co.za
Institut Esthederm Intensive Pro-Collagen + Serum replenishes the skin’s natural collagen resources and enhancing overall firmness and elasticity. Apply in the morning and evening to clean, dry skin on the face and neck. R1100 online at Skinmiles, Ederma, Lasermed, SkinSmart or Cosmetology.
