Most of us know that collagen is important for our skin, but don’t quite know why, or what we can do to increase the levels of collagen in our bodies. 

Discover what collagen banking is, how to collagen bank, and whether it might be helpful. 

All about collagen

We’ve spoken about collagen for skin and hair before, and how it is great at improving skin elasticity, hydration, and protecting the skin’s natural barrier. It also increases hair-building proteins, and may help to reduce hair thinning. 

But what actually is collagen and how essential is it?  

Collagen is a group of 28 substances – collectively referred to as ‘collagen’ for ease – and is the most abundant protein in mammals, making up about 30% of the body’s total protein content. 

It’s the primary structural protein in the extracellular matrix – a support network of proteins, sugars, and other components – and plays a vital role in the body’s connective tissues, including your skin, bones, cartilage, tendons, and ligaments.

The most abundant form of collagen is type I, which constitutes over 90% of the organic mass in bones and about 80% of human skin. It is predominantly found in the skin, bones, tendons, ligaments, and cornea.

Although the body naturally produces collagen, its production decreases with age – which is why people try to stimulate collagen production. Some of the factors that can contribute to reduced collagen levels include sun exposure, alcohol, smoking, and poor sleep. 

What is collagen banking?

Collagen banking is a forward-thinking skincare strategy designed to maintain and enhance collagen levels before their natural decline begins. This essential protein, which provides skin with firmness and elasticity, starts to decrease in your mid-to-late 20s, at a rate of approximately one percent per year.

By starting to naturally collagen bank in your mid-to-late 20s or early 30s, you can create a ‘reserve’ of collagen, helping to delay the appearance of wrinkles and preserve youthful-looking skin for a longer time.

How to collagen bank naturally

1. Daily SPF

Chronic sun damage can deplete collagen levels as UVA and UVB rays penetrate the skin. Collagen production can be reduced, and collagen can break down from sun exposure.

In order to start protecting the collagen reserves you have and ensuring that your skin still produces collagen, it’s important to use a mineral sunscreen daily – come rain or shine. 

Product pick: SPF 25 Mineral Sunscreen

A high-performance sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays, our SPF 25 is reef-safe and dermatologically approved for all skin types, including sensitive skin. 

This sunscreen is packed with skin barrier-supporting ingredients such as antioxidant raspberry seed oil to defend against free radical damage. Skin-soothing aloe vera calms inflammation and replenishes the moisture barrier, while the humectant glycerin seals in hydration. 

Formulated with non-comedogenic sunflower oil as well as breakout-busting lavender oil, this sunscreen is a great sunscreen for those with acne-prone skin.

Providing an essential physical defence against premature ageing caused by sun damage, naturally derived non-nano zinc oxide protects the skin while leaving a glowy finish and no white-cast.

If you’re wondering whether SPF 25 is protective enough, there is only 1% difference in UV ray protection between SPF 25 and SPF 30, and another 1% difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50. This means that our SPF 25 blocks 96% of UV rays whereas a SPF 30 would block out 97%. We firmly believe that reapplying any SPF regularly is the best way to ensure your skin stays protected!

2. Peptides

Peptides are the essential building blocks for collagen. They also help to repair your skin’s natural barrier and promote skin elasticity. 

Product pick: Peptide Serum with Custard Apple + Blood Orange

Clinically proven to improve skin elasticity by 29% over the course of two weeks, using our Peptide Serum morning and night is a great way to boost collagen in the skin. 

Formulated with skin-loving ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C, the serum helps to restore and revitalise the skin. Niacinamide strengthens the skin’s barrier function as well as helps to reduce acne, whereas vitamin C helps to stimulate collagen production and protects the skin against free radical damage.  

Upcycled custard apple in this serum is not only great at hydrating the skin, but it also contains antioxidants and antimicrobial properties that help to prevent premature ageing, boosts collagen production and soothes skin irritations. 

Rich in upcycled blood orange water, this serum brightens the complexion, and has regenerative properties that can help to heal scars. This serum is recommended for all skin types, even the most sensitive skin, due to its soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. 

3. Vitamin C

Vitamin C helps to stimulate collagen production, preserve skin elasticity, protect against free radicals, and brighten up the skin’s complexion. Using skincare products that incorporate this ingredient is a great way to naturally collagen bank.  

Product pick: Organic Face Oil with Coffee Extract

Multi award-winning, our hydrating Face Oil is formulated with jojoba, sea buckthorn and rosehip oils to nourish the skin. Rich in vitamin C, antioxidant-rich coffee and rosehip oils fade dark spots and scars whilst brightening the complexion.

It’s important to use this oil after your moisturiser, as the product is completely oil-based and works through occlusion. Hydration is locked into the skin and the oil helps to prevent water-loss through the skin by forming a protective seal.

Designed to be used both morning and night, our organic face oil helps to boost collagen production in the skin and keep skin firm.

4. Hyaluronic acid

The popular skincare ingredient hyaluronic acid is a sugar which holds water. Not only does it hold 1000 times its own weight in water, but it stops your skin losing moisture to evaporation. Hyaluronic acid can help to stimulate collagen production in the skin. 

Product pick: Eye Cream with Hyaluronic Acid + Coffee

Formulated for dark circles and fine lines, our Eye Cream helps to firm and protect the delicate eye area, while reducing puffiness and brightening dark circles. 

Hyaluronic acid in this cream helps to keep your skin hydrated by retaining moisture in the skin. Upcycled coffee oil extracted from repurposed grounds from London cafés brings antioxidants to your skin, helping to protect your skin against free radical damage.

Anti-inflammatory maple bark extract, a by-product of the wood industry, is also used in this formulation – helps to soothe and calm your skin.

Dermatologically approved, use this eye cream as the first product of your moisturisers in your skincare routine. 

Discover our full collection of natural skincare at UpCircle.