“Collagen banking” has become an increasingly common phrase in aesthetic dermatology, often used to describe a more preventative approach to skin aging. While the concept is appealing, it can be difficult to know what it actually means in practice.
In this blog, board certified dermatologist Dr. Lisa Ishii takes a closer look at collagen banking and what patients should understand before incorporating it into their treatment plan.
What Is Collagen and Why Does It Matter?
Collagen is a protein that exists throughout the bones and connective tissue in our bodies. In aesthetic dermatology, collagen plays particularly a large role as it is the most prevalent protein in the skin. There are several different types of collagen within the skin that contribute to structure, elasticity, firmness, and wound healing.
How Collagen Changes Over Time
With natural aging, some of these collagen subtypes become more disorganized and fragmented. Additionally, our collagen production slows. This presents clinically as dull, crepey, lax skin that has lost its “bounce.”
What Does “Collagen Banking” Mean?
“Collagen Banking” is a colloquial term that describes a treatment plan to prioritize collagen stimulation and collagen health especially as our collagen stores start to diminish with age. This is a broad term that can be used to describe injectable biostimulators, lasers, energy-based devices, and even skincare.
To take this concept a step further, the term “Collagen Banking” is oftentimes used alongside the concept of Regenerative Aesthetics. These treatments share the goal of optimizing your body’s natural tissue, as opposed to simply mimicking a youthful or healthful look.
Does Collagen Banking Have Any Scientific Merit?
Yes, but with a catch. There is no true way to “bank” your collagen for later use like you would do with funds in a savings account. Collagen Banking refers to prioritizing collagen stimulating treatments and then supporting this new collagen production so that skin quality, suppleness, and firmness are optimized at every age.
What Treatments Are Best for Collagen Banking?
The concept of Collagen Banking is not a new one. Cosmetic dermatologists have finessed treatments for collagen stimulation for decades to help with skin appearance and facial aging. As more patients become proactive in their rejuvenation and aging journey, this concept has reemerged as a goal.
I typically rely on a combination treatment utilizing biostimulatory injectables (Sculptra, Radiesse) combined with a device such as Sofwave. Sculptra has been shown to increase Type 1 collagen by 66.5% within 3 months of treatment.1
For patients with textural changes over the skin with visible sun damage, I oftentimes use resurfacing lasers (Fraxel, Picosure Picotoning, Clear + Brilliant, Halo Pro, CO2, etc.) For milder changes, I reach for SkinPen microneedling or radiofrequency microneedling. For patients that are very young or do not have signs of collagen loss, the method of Collagen Banking may look more like active prevention with good sun protection and medical grade skincare alone.
Setting Realistic Expectations
Collagen Banking is a great tool to help your skin look and feel healthier and supple; however, it is NOT going to erase all lines or make your skin look like it did when you were a teenager! My goal is to prioritize the health of the skin at every stage of life. Remember that building collagen takes patience – oftentimes, I will recommend a combination of treatments that require a series. Like with anything we offer in cosmetic dermatology, treatments require maintenance.
Collagen banking is often presented as a way to “store” collagen for the future, but the reality is more nuanced. Rather than a one-time investment, maintaining collagen is an ongoing process influenced by both treatments and lifestyle factors.
For patients considering this approach, the focus is less on banking collagen and more on supporting skin health over time. A thoughtful, individualized plan can help guide when and how to incorporate these strategies in a meaningful way. To start your journey in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill area, contact our team for more information.
