How to integrate “collagen banking” into your beauty routine?

Dietary supplements, topical treatments, and LED light therapy offer excellent ways to boost collagen production. But how can you "bank" this collagen for the future?

Collagen is now a beauty star, revolutionizing the industry with products that can be drunk, applied, or used to preserve the youthfulness of our skin. Although our bodies naturally produce this structural protein, essential for maintaining smooth, firm, and radiant skin, its production slows down with age.

What is collagen?

“There are 28 different types of collagen in our tissues, and it’s the most abundant protein in the human body. It strengthens tissue structure, and without it, our skin, joints, and tendons would lose their strength,” explains Dr. Sophie Shotter, cosmetic doctor and host of the podcast Age Well with Dr. Sophie Shotter .

However, from the age of 25, our bodies begin to lose collagen at a rate of 1 to 1.5% per year. This decline leads to visible signs of aging: loss of firmness, uneven texture, enlarged pores, wrinkles, and fine lines.

Why practice “collagen banking”?

Some populations, such as those of Asian or African descent, naturally have tighter collagen fibers, making their breakdown slower. Melanin in dark skin also provides UV protection, delaying collagen loss. However, regardless of skin type, factors such as stress, pollution, UV rays, tobacco, and sugar can accelerate this breakdown.

Collagen banking helps slow these effects by regularly "replenishing" collagen stores. "It's a preventative approach that involves stimulating collagen production before its loss becomes significant," explains Dr. Shotter.

Collagen banking tools

Starting in your 20s and 30s, incorporating preventive care can help avoid more aggressive treatments later on. Here are the key steps:

• Topical products : Apply skincare products containing retinol, peptides, or vitamin C to stimulate fibroblasts.
• Dietary supplements : Ingested collagen peptides strengthen your internal reserves.
• LED Light Therapy : Red LED light boosts collagen production and improves blood flow to the skin.

LED light therapy and collagen

LED (light-emitting diode) technology uses various wavelengths to target different skin concerns. Red light is particularly effective at stimulating collagen production, while near-infrared light promotes better blood circulation, providing the skin with necessary nutrients.

The CurrentBody Skin LED facial mask, with its 66 red and 66 infrared LEDs, provides even skin coverage, ensuring optimal results. It is suitable for all skin types and requires only 10 minutes of use, three to five times a week. Results include up to 24% reduction in wrinkles and visibly brighter, smoother skin.

In conclusion

Collagen banking is a preventative investment to slow the signs of aging. By adopting habits such as supplements, topical skincare, and light therapy, you can maintain firm, radiant, and youthful skin over the long term.