3 Tips For Collagen Banking, Or The Secret To Securing Firmer Skin For Longer

Collagen is the key to firm, tight, supple skin. Treat yours like it is literally gold—because it really is that valuable for youthful-looking skin. And as with any precious asset, you'll want to multiply your investment. 

Enter collagen banking, or the concept of stimulating more collagen now so your body can use more of it later.

The extra collagen support can keep signs of skin aging (fine lines, crepiness, and the like) from cropping up earlier than you'd like. Think of it like a collagen savings account! How's that for a finance crash course?

See, these special peptides have been shown to help promote the body's natural production of collagen1 and other molecules that make up the skin, like elastin and fibrillin. As a result, research shows they are able to support skin elasticity and dermal collagen density2. 

How long does it take to see results? For skin benefits, research points to 12 weeks: This study, for example, found that participants taking a collagen supplement experienced enhanced skin elasticity, hydration, and density3. Another one found smoother skin texture4 at both six and 12 weeks, with significant results5 at the latter.

Research suggests that LED light therapy can help improve collagen production6 in the body.

One study even found that patients receiving red light therapy on their face twice a week for 30 total sessions experienced improved skin complexion7, skin tone, skin smoothness, and collagen density (as measured with an ultrasonographic test).

"Some theories suggest that red light therapy may reduce damaged collagen in the skin from traumatic injury or UV damage, altering the balance to make way for new collagen production to occur," board-certified dermatologist Erum Ilyas, M.D., MBE, FAAD, told mbg about the technology. 

The thing is, there are plenty of knockoffs in the skin care space. To make sure you have a quality collagen-promoting device, look for clinical studies, a stamp of FDA approval, and, ideally, praise from derms and estheticians.

If you're not protecting your body's precious collagen, all the high-quality supplements and high-tech devices in the world just won't help.

Smart sun care is critical, as UV exposure is one of the primary causes of collagen decline. In fact, one study observed collagen under UV light and found that there was a "significant decrease" in collagen structure afterward8.

This is because UV rays contribute oxidative stress in the skin9, which affects skin at the cellular level and leads to photoaging. All the more reason to invest in a daily sunscreen and practice smart sun care habits (read: no sunbathing for sport). 

Antioxidants can fend off free radicals that lead to oxidative stress, thus further protecting skin from photoaging.

One of the most famous players for collagen support is vitamin C, which protects the collagen you already have by working against collagen-degrading enzymes10. 

I'm no accounting wiz, but the idea of preparing my collagen before it dwindles sounds like a solid plan.