You can bank on that

There is no doubt that collagen degradation has been in the beauty news for many a year now. We are losing it more rapidly from our mid 20s and as a molecule you can’t apply it topically. But you can bank it!

Collagen banking typically refers to the practice of taking proactive measures to maintain and support collagen levels in the skin to promote overall skin health and appearance as they age.

This can involve various lifestyle choices, skincare routines, and dietary habits aimed at preserving collagen and preventing its degradation. Here are some common strategies associated with collagen banking for ordinary folk:

Healthy diet

Consuming a balanced diet rich in nutrients that support collagen production and skin health, such as vitamin C, vitamin E, zinc, and antioxidants found in fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

Hydration

Staying adequately hydrated to support skin hydration and elasticity, which can help maintain collagen integrity.

Sun Protection

Using sunscreen daily and practising sun-safe behaviours to protect the skin from harmful UV radiation, which can accelerate collagen breakdown and lead to premature ageing.

Skincare

Using skincare products containing ingredients known to support collagen synthesis, such as retinoids, peptides, hyaluronic acid, and collagen-boosting serums. Dermalogica’s new Pro-Collagen Banking Serum (€99) is a good place to start. Packed with amino acids – the building blocks of collagen – this formula gets key ingredients where your skin needs them and goes beyond plumping to help preserve the collagen your skin has now. The result: more resilient, visibly plumper, and more luminous skin, along with a reduction in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

It promotes healthy skin ageing at every age – so whether you’re looking to prevent the first signs of visible premature skin ageing or address existing fine lines and wrinkles, you can bank on healthy skin ageing.

Collagen supplements

Some women may choose to take collagen supplements, such as collagen peptides or hydrolyzed collagen powder, to support collagen levels from within.

Following months of development and testing, Dr Doireann first launched her Marine Collagen with Vitamin C daily supplement in July 2023. She knew once people tried it, they’d love it - because she herself had experienced visible results after taking it for six months. Not only that, but with a refreshing taste and simple dose, it suited her busy lifestyle.

The original strawberry and lemon flavour Marine Collagen with Vitamin C has been hugely popular with people seeing results for themselves with increased skin radiance and elasticity, reduced fine lines and wrinkles as well as improved hair and nails. The evidence shows that doses ranging from 2.5g to 10g of hydrolysed marine collagen achieve cosmetic dermatological results

Both the original Marine Collagen with Vitamin C and the new Collagen Plus are manufactured using science-backed hydrolysed marine collagen, include vitamin C for added collagen matrix support, are scientifically proven to reduce fine lines and wrinkles whilst increasing hydration and elasticity of the skin, and can be taken at one to two sachets daily, meaning customers can take doses of 2.5g to 10g, depending on their preferences.

Collagen Plus (€54.99 for 30 sachets), Marine Collagen with Vitamin C (€39.99 for 30 sachets), and the full Supplements Made Simple range are available in pharmacies nationwide and online at supplementsmadesimple.ie.