When it comes to ensuring skin is strong, resilient and healthy-looking, the word ‘collagen’ gets mentioned a lot. From ingredients that help to “ramp up collagen production” to protein powders that are packed with the stuff, collagen’s a big hitter in beauty – and for good reason. 

“Collagen is the main structural protein in our skin which gives it support, structure and strength,” says consultant dermatologist Dr Anjali Mahto. She explains that these collagen levels “start to fall by approximately 1% per year after our mid-20s”, resulting in a loss of that youthful firmness and bounce. 

This is where the ‘collagen banking’ trend comes in. “The term collagen banking refers to protecting and preserving the collagen in your skin,” says Angela Taylor, skincare expert at Dermalogica. “Age-related collagen loss is inevitable, but we can all take steps to help keep our skin, and collagen, healthy.” 

We all know that collagen’s something we want to hold onto, but how do we actually do it? 

“There are various approaches [that] support collagen health and ‘bank’, or preserve, collagen levels,” explains Taylor. “These include wearing sunscreen every day, keeping skin hydrated, [and] the use of antioxidants, topical retinoids and actives that can promote and protect collagen production.” 

People keen to preserve their collagen levels might also consider “professional treatments such as microneedling, which can stimulate collagen production”, Taylor adds.  

As our levels of collagen slowly start to drop off from our mid to late 20s, collagen banking is a skincare phenomenon that we can pretty much all get on board with. “By preserving our collagen levels we will benefit from smoother, firmer and plumper skin for longer,” says Taylor. This can also help to reduce the look of fine lines – if that’s something you’re concerned by.

Images: Getty; courtesy of brands