If you open TikTok, the chances are you’ll scroll across a video about collagen banking at some point. The phenomenon has recently gone viral among Gen Z users for its purported preventative ageing benefits. So what exactly is collagen banking? And how does it differ from collagen boosting (what we’ve all been focused on for generations).
What is Collagen?
When it comes to skin ageing, the importance of collagen cannot be overstated. Collagen is a protein that serves as the building block of our skin, and it plays a crucial role in maintaining its elasticity, firmness, and overall structure. However, our collagen levels naturally start to decline from around 25 years old, leading to visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.
To combat this inevitable process, many skincare enthusiasts turn to collagen-centric strategies, with two primary approaches emerging: collagen banking and collagen boosting. But what exactly sets these two methods apart?
Collagen Banking: Preserving Your Skin's Assets
Collagen banking is all about safeguarding what you already have. Think of it as a proactive strategy aimed at preserving existing collagen levels in the body. This approach revolves around lifestyle choices and habits that minimise collagen breakdown.
The cornerstone of collagen banking is sun protection. UV radiation from the sun is one of the biggest culprits behind collagen degradation. By diligently applying a high-factor, broad-spectrum sunscreen like Beauty Pie Traceless Mineral Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen + Primer and seeking shade during peak hours, you can shield your skin from harmful UV rays and preserve its precious collagen content.
Collagen banking is a proactive strategy aimed at preserving existing collagen levels in the body
The other key component of collagen banking is a healthy lifestyle. Avoiding smoking, reducing stress, and getting adequate sleep are all crucial for maintaining optimal collagen levels. Plus, a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals can provide the necessary nutrients to support collagen synthesis and protect against oxidative stress.
Then there’s skincare. Products containing collagen-supporting ingredients like Vitamin C, Retinoids, and Peptides can help maintain skin elasticity and firmness. Beauty Pie Super Retinol + Vitamin C Night Renewal Moisturiser (1% Retinol Complex) is the perfect starting point if you want to begin banking your collagen, containing both encapsulated Retinol and protecting Vitamin C. Plus, it’s our most gentle Retinol formula, making it a great choice for beginners.
Collagen Boosting: Upping Production
While collagen banking focuses on preservation, collagen boosting takes a more proactive approach by stimulating the body's natural collagen production and encouraging the synthesis of new collagen.
One popular way to do this is using dietary supplements containing collagen peptides. These supplements provide the body with the building blocks necessary for collagen production with the aim to improve skin elasticity and texture over time.
Collagen boosting takes a more proactive approach by stimulating the body's natural collagen production
Beauty Pie Collagen Super Powder™ contains highly absorbable Hydrolysed Marine Collagen, as well as Tremella Fuciformis, Biotin and the key ingredient Vitamin C, which helps support collagen formation for the normal function of skin, teeth, gums, bones, blood vessels and cartilage. Plus, the natural berry flavour makes it a refreshing addition to a cold juice or smoothie.
Topical skincare products formulated with collagen-stimulating ingredients are another tool in the collagen-boosting arsenal. Peptides, growth factors, and certain plant extracts have been shown to promote collagen synthesis and reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines when applied regularly. Youthbomb™ Biologic Collagen Peptide™ Cream was formulated with C18™ COMPLEX which includes an advanced Peptide Amino Acid Complex tailor-made to help visibly lift, firm, reduce the appearance of expression lines, and contribute to beautifully smooth-looking skin.
Collagen Balancing
For maximum skin benefits, whether that be preventing skin ageing or treating existing signs, try a combination of both collagen banking and boosting. Your skin will thank you for it.
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