A:

Keeping your collagen levels high while your body is in its collagen-making prime (20s and 30s) could help you preserve a youthful and radiant complexion well into your 40s, 50s, and beyond. Collagen banking aims to not only preserve stores but also boost collagen production to keep your skin plump, soft and supple for many years to come. 

What is collagen, and why is it important?

Collagen is like the scaffolding for your skin, providing structure, elasticity, and firmness to keep your skin plump and smooth. As you age, your body starts producing less collagen, which can lead to a loss of skin elasticity and more visible fine lines and wrinkles. Starting in the mid-20s, collagen production begins to decrease yearly. This is heightened by menopause, as women can lose up to 30% of their natural collagen in the first five years of menopause*. 

It's best to start “banking” collagen in your twenties while levels are at their peak. However, it’s never too late to start. Even as collagen production begins to deplete, you should bank what you can to keep your skin as resilient as possible.

How can I bank collagen?

When it comes to your skin and body regime, there are two vital ways to invest in your collagen levels.

1.  Choosing the right skincare and bodycare 

Using products containing Peptides, Vitamin C, and Retinol can help stimulate collagen production. Retinoids encourage cell turnover, Peptides promote collagen synthesis, and Vitamin C protects against free radical damage to minimise the depletion of collagen from environmental stress. Collagen rich products are also a great way to moisturise and smooth the surface layer of the skin.

2. Protecting your skin with SPF

UV damage caused by unprotected sun exposure can cause collagen to deplete at a faster rate. Daily application of SPF can significantly improve the preservation of collagen and is also one of the most effective ways to keep sun-related hyperpigmentation at bay – another common age-associated skin complaint! Our Peptide SPF 50 Anti-Ageing Daily Sunscreen is perfect for shielding your skin from UV rays whist promoting a youthful and rejuvenated complexion.

Will collagen banking benefit the skin on my body, as well as my face?

Just like your face, the skin on your body is also made up of collagen, and as levels begin to deplete, signs of ageing like sagging and wrinkles can become more prominent – this is particularly common on areas of your body regularly exposed to the sun, like the chest and the hands.

To kick off your body “banking”, our new (and exclusive to Boots) Collagen Body Butter is a great place to start. Formulated with a blend of Vegetable Collagen, Shea Butter, and Squalane, this vegan-friendly formula works to promote elasticity and preserve firmness for soft and supple skin. Vegetable Collagen works in harmony with Tripeptide-29 (Pure Peptide) to help renew the skin and boost collagen production. Additionally, antioxidant-rich oils, including Jojoba and Grape Seed Oil, help protect the skin against environmental stress and preserve collagen. Plus, the crisp and juicy Golden Pear and Grape scent is an added bonus!

Remember, it's never too early or too late to start investing in the future of your skin. With a consistent regime, you can maintain happy, healthy skin for years to come. Head over to Boots.com or find your nearest Boots store on our stockist map to shop our Collagen Body Butter (and save 25%) and don’t forget to snap a picture if you spot us in your local Boots store.

Until next time,

Charlee @ Team Q+A

*Source: ‘Skin collagen through the Life stages’ David M. Reilly, January 2021