Prevention is always better than cure, and this rings especially true in aesthetics today. This is why aestheticians and patients worldwide are embracing a new buzzword: Collagen Banking. As you might imagine, collagen banking is about preserving the collagen in our skin and preventing the collagen loss that inevitably occurs with age. Collagen banking is a form of pre-emptive skin rejuvenation, also known as prejuvenation.
In the past, many would wait until they saw their first wrinkle before exploring ways to rejuvenate their skin. However, with the widespread dissemination of skincare knowledge and advancing technology, younger individuals in their 20s and 30s are now just as committed as older clients to protecting their youthful glow. In other words, collagen banking is no longer just for the middle-aged. If you’re a young individual who wants to maintain a healthy, refreshed, and natural complexion for longer, collagen banking is your answer.
What Is Collagen Banking?
While the focus has long been on staving off ageing, we are now becoming more interested in maintaining youth.
Prejuvenation, or collagen banking, is different from rejuvenation in that the former means “to prevent the loss of youth”, while the latter means “to make young again”[1].
Collagen banking involves proactive measures to slow collagen depletion and prevent symptoms of aged skin, such as fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots, and sagging. The sooner you start, the better the results. Preventing collagen loss is far more effective than trying to restore it later.
When Should You Start Collagen Banking?
Collagen production begins to decline in our mid-20s, with an estimated 1% loss per year [2]. By the time we reach our 30s and 40s, the accumulated collagen loss starts to become visible as fine lines, loss of skin elasticity, and dullness. By 50s and beyond, the decline becomes more pronounced, leading to sagging skin and deeper wrinkles.
Starting before visible aging signs appear is key to maintaining youthful skin for longer. The earlier you begin collagen banking, the more effectively you can slow down the aging process and preserve firmness, elasticity, and radiance in your skin.
Ideal Ages to Start Collagen Banking:
- 20s: Focus on prevention with sunscreen, antioxidants, and non-invasive treatments like Baby Collagen or mild skin boosters.
- 30s: Introduce collagen stimulators like Poly-D,L-lactic acid (PDLLA) and radiofrequency treatments to maintain skin structure.
- 40s+: Prioritize both collagen stimulation and structural support with a combination of treatments for aging skin and sagginess.
Why Is Collagen Banking Important?
Collagen is finite in our bodies, and once lost, it cannot be naturally replenished at the same rate [3] . Several factors contribute to collagen depletion:
- Aging: As mentioned, starting in our 20s, collagen production declines by about 1% per year.
- Sun Exposure: UV rays break down collagen and cause premature aging, leading to wrinkles, sunspots, and sagging skin.
- Pollution & Stress: Environmental toxins accelerate oxidative stress, leading to collagen degradation.
- Poor Lifestyle Habits: Smoking, excessive sugar consumption, and lack of sleep negatively impact collagen production.
The effects of collagen loss are gradual but cumulative, which is why many people do not notice until their 30s or 40s when fine lines, dullness, and loss of skin elasticity become more apparent. By investing early in collagen banking, you can delay the visible signs of aging and maintain youthful, plump skin for longer.
Effects of Collagen Loss on Aging Skin
Collagen loss doesn’t just cause wrinkles—it leads to multiple visible changes in your skin:
- Thinner Skin: The skin becomes fragile and less able to repair damage (e.g., 1 hour at the beach can cause long-lasting sunspots).
- Enlarged Pores: Aging weakens skin structure, making pores more prominent.
- Uneven Texture & Dullness: Loss of collagen leads to a lackluster complexion.
- Sagging Issues: Droopy eyelids, sagging cheeks, and a droopy neck are all consequences of collagen depletion.
Collagen Banking Treatments in Singapore
The good news is that you can replenish collagen levels through aesthetic treatments. These treatments can be categorized based on whether they target aging skin or sagginess.
Treatments Targeting Aging Skin
- Poly-D,L-lactic acid (PDLLA) Treatment
- A biocompatible stimulator that enhances collagen synthesis, leading to improved skin texture, hydration, and elasticity.
- Helps refine pores and smooth out fine lines for a youthful glow.
- Results develop gradually over several months as collagen production is stimulated.
- Baby Collagen Treatment
- Restores youthful skin with purified Type 3 collagen, the form naturally found in baby skin.
- Improves skin elasticity, hydration, and reduces fine lines.
- Ideal for those who want a natural, dewy complexion without adding volume.
- 10Therma Treatment
- Uses advanced radiofrequency (RF) technology to boost collagen remodeling.
- Tightens skin, enhances hydration, and improves skin texture.
- A non-invasive solution for long-term skin rejuvenation.
Treatments Targeting Sagginess
- Ultherapy Prime
- A non-invasive ultrasound treatment that targets deep layers of the skin.
- Lifts and tightens droopy skin, especially around the jawline, brows, and neck.
- Results improve over 3-6 months as collagen rebuilds.
- Calcium Hydroxylapatite (CaHA) Treatment
- Acts as both a filler and collagen stimulator.
- Provides immediate structural support while gradually enhancing collagen regeneration.
- Particularly effective for restoring volume in sagging areas.
- Poly-D,L-lactic acid (PDLLA) Treatment
- A regenerative collagen stimulator that improves skin elasticity and tightness.
- Works gradually, making it a subtle but effective solution for sagging skin.
- Helps lift and redefine facial contours over time.
- Polycaprolactone (PCL) Treatment
- A long-lasting collagen stimulator that enhances dermal structure.
- Provides deep tissue support, making it ideal for reducing sagging and improving facial contours.
- Effects last longer than traditional fillers, with ongoing collagen production for years.
Conclusion
Collagen banking is a smart investment in your skin’s future. By starting early with effective treatments, skincare, and lifestyle changes, you can preserve collagen levels and maintain youthful, radiant skin for years to come. If you’re considering collagen banking in Singapore, consult a qualified aesthetic doctor for a personalized treatment plan.
Looking to start your collagen banking journey? Book a consultation with us today!
References
- Hogan, S. R., Zachary, C. B., & Arndt, K. A. (2021). Prejuvenation: Definition of the Term and Evolution of the Concept. Dermatologic Surgery, 47(6), 871–872. https://doi.org/10.1097/dss.0000000000002929
- Why does skin wrinkle with age? What is the best way to slow or prevent this process? (n.d.). Scientific American. https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/why-does-skin-wrinkle-wit/#:~:text=After%20the%20age%20of%2020
- Kothapalli, C. R., & Ramamurthi, A. (2010). Induced elastin regeneration by chronically activated smooth muscle cells for targeted aneurysm repair. Acta Biomaterialia, 6(1), 170–178. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.actbio.2009.06.006
