Collagen banking involves improving your collagen production when you are young, and storing this collagen in your skin for the future, to help it stay firmer for longer. Is collagen banking the real fountain of youth? In this blog we delve into this promising beauty trend for ever youthful skin…
Collagen has long been a coveted component in the world of beauty and well-being, with countless products and treatments promising to harness its skin-rejuvenating powers. From supplements to topical skincare and advanced aesthetic procedures, the allure of collagen as the elixir to youth is undeniable. Now, a new term is capturing attention as a revolutionary approach to future-proofing your skincare: collagen banking.
Before we delve into the specifics of what collagen banking can do, let's start by looking at what collagen banking is.
What is Collagen?
What is Collagen Banking?
Collagen Treatments
Benefits of Collagen Banking
How Often Do I Need Treatments
How Much Does Collagen Banking Cost?
What is Collagen?
Collagen is a complex protein that forms the essential scaffolding of our skin, providing it with structure, strength, and elasticity. Imagine it as the underlying support network that keeps your skin plump, smooth, and resilient.
Collagen is responsible for maintaining our skin's youthful appearance by preventing sagging, wrinkles, and loss of firmness. Our collagen production peaks in our early twenties, creating a robust and supple skin structure. However, as we age, this production gradually declines. A study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology found a significant decrease in collagen synthesis starting around the age of 30, accelerating in the mid-40s.
Don't let this scare you, as there's already a solution: collagen banking.
What is Collagen Banking?
Put simply, collagen banking is a way to prevent wrinkles and acheive firmer skin.
Collagen Banking is a proactive approach to skincare that aims to build up your skin's collagen reserves while you're young, to help your skin stay firm as you age. The concept is simple: since collagen gives your skin its structure and elasticity, you want to keep it for as long as possible. As we age, our natural collagen production declines, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and loss of firmness.
Other factors can contribute to early or increased collagen loss, including:
- Sun exposure: UV rays damage collagen fibers, leading to wrinkles and sagging.
- Smoking: Smoking impairs collagen production and accelerates skin aging.
- Pollution: Environmental pollutants can also damage collagen.
- Genetics: Your skin's natural collagen production rate is partially determined by your genes.
By addressing these factors and incorporating collagen-boosting treatments, you can help maintain your skin's youthful appearance. By stimulating collagen in collagen banking treatments, you create a "savings account" of collagen that will help your skin stay looking its best for years to come.
It's never too early to start collagen banking. In fact, the earlier you start, the better. However, most experts recommend starting in your 20s or 30s, when your natural collagen production begins to decline.
Collagen Treatments
Interested in collagen banking? There are a variety of treatments that can help you build up your collagen reserves. Some of the most popular options which we offer at Dr Leah Clinic include:
- Ultherapy: This non-surgical treatment uses ultrasound energy to lift and tighten the skin, while also stimulating collagen production. Read more on Ultherapy here.
- Morpheus8: This minimally invasive treatment combines microneedling with radiofrequency energy to heat the deeper layers of the skin, further stimulating collagen production. Read more on Morpheus8 here.
- PRP: This treatment involves injecting your own platelet-rich plasma into the skin, which contains growth factors that stimulate collagen production. Read more on PRP here.
- Thread Lift: This minimally invasive procedure involves inserting tiny threads under the skin to lift and tighten sagging skin. Depending on the type of thread lift this treatment not only promotes immediate lifting but the production of collagen in the skin for long-lasting anti-aging results. Read more on thread lifts here.
- Polynucleotides: These are DNA-based molecules that stimulate collagen production and improve skin hydration. Read more on Polynucelotides here.
- Collagen Stimulating Filler (Ellanse): This unique filler not only adds immediate volume and contour but also acts as a collagen stimulator, gradually boosting your skin's natural production for longer-lasting, more youthful results. Unlike traditional fillers, Ellanse offers a dual-action approach, providing both instant gratification and progressive skin improvement. Read more on Ellanse here.
- Dermapen Microneedling: This minimally invasive procedure involves using tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. This triggers the body's natural healing process, which includes the production of new collagen and elastin. Read more on Dermapen here.
Benefits of Collagen Banking
There are many benefits to starting a collagen banking regimen early on. These include:
- Improved skin texture and tone: Collagen banking can help to improve the overall texture and tone of your skin, making it look more radiant and youthful.
- Reduced wrinkles and fine lines: By boosting collagen production, you can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
- Increased skin firmness and elasticity: Collagen banking can help to improve your skin's firmness and elasticity, giving you a more youthful appearance.
- Prevention of age-related skin damage: By building up your collagen reserves now, you can help to protect your skin from the damaging effects of aging.
How often do I need treatments?
The frequency of your treatments will depend on the type of treatment you choose and your individual needs. Most people find that they need a series of treatments initially, followed by maintenance treatments every few months.
How much does collagen banking cost?
Collagen banking's cost will vary depending on the type of treatment you choose and the number of sessions you need, as well as your goals. You can learn about our costs and pricing here. As an example, collagen banking would cost you £2200 if you wanted a full face Ultherapy treatment. If you wanted a PRP face treatment instead, this would cost $550, or £500 per session if in a package. You'll also need a consultation for any treatment. We offer free consults on certain treatments, so check our price list for options. Booking in with one of experienced dermatologists at Dr Leah Clinic is the best route to discuss your options and develop a personalised treatment plan for firmer skin.
If you want to know more about collagen banking, including how much collagen banking costs, just email info@drleah.co.uk or call 0207 877 5999. We're experienced, friendly and happy to help!
