The skincare investment everyone is talking about
Think of this beauty approach as a savings account for your skin. Instead of waiting for fine lines and sagging to show up, experts recommend “depositing” collage to your skin to reap the benefits later. Collagen banking— a combination of in-clinic biostimulatory treatments (that prompt your immune system to produce collagen), smart at-home routines and lifestyle choices — is redefining preventative skincare. Once a niche concept whispered about in dermatologist offices, it is now trending in the beauty world. But what is collagen banking and how do you know if it’s right for you?
We sat down with Dr Alek Nikolic, renowned aesthetic medicine specialist, to unpack the science, the hype and the insider tips behind this future-focused approach to skin longevity.
GLAMOUR: For those new to the concept, what is collagen banking and how does it work in the skin?
Dr Nikolic: Simply put, collagen banking is building up extra collagen — a “bank” — so that, when ageing starts taking place, that process is slowed down. In our 30s we already start producing less collagen. By increasing the stores of collagen in the skin early on, there’s more to draw from later — which means the visible signs of ageing appear more slowly.
G: How does collagen banking differ from everyday “anti-ageing” treatments or a good skincare routine?
Dr Nikolic: It’s not entirely different. You’re still stimulating collagen, but you get a much greater degree of stimulation with certain procedures than you can with topicals alone. A skincare regime can only achieve so much; treatments like fractional lasers, skin boosters or needling devices stimulate far more collagen and therefore create a bigger “bank.”
G: Can you walk us through the most effective professional treatments for stimulating new collagen?
Dr Nikolic: Injectable skin boosters are at the top; they’re hyaluronic acid-based injectables designed to increase collagen production and improve its structure. Dermapen or needling creates controlled micro-injuries at a set depth in the skin to trigger new collagen, and fractional lasers work on a similar principle but use laser energy instead of needles. These all stimulate collagen — and even elastin — during the healing phase.
G: How does collagen production differ when you’re in your 20s compared to when you’re in your 40s?
Dr Nikolic: In your 20s, your collagen is still healthy, thick and well-orientated. Production is at its peak. By your30s, it begins to decline but you don’t notice it yet because your skin is still thick enough. In your 40s and 50s,the change is obvious — biopsies show thinner skin, fewer collagen fibres and a looser structure compared to someone in their 20s.
G: Besides in-clinic procedures, what at-home habits or products can help preserve collagen?
Dr Nikolic: From a young age, keep it simple but consistent. Cleanser and moisturiser day and night, and SPF every morning (this is a non-negotiable for protecting collagen). Add a vitamin C serum in the morning, retinol or vitamin C at night, and a gentle alpha- or beta-hydroxy acid(AHA or BHA) exfoliator a few times a week to encourage cell renewal and collagen production.
G: Are some areas of the face or body more responsive to collagen banking than others?
Dr Nikolic: Yes. The thicker the skin, the better the response. Skin on your body, for instance, responds more robustly than facial skin. The thinnest skin on the body is the skin around the eye area, which is the first to show signs of sun damage and ageing — and it’s also one of the most difficult areas to treat. Genetics also play a role: someone with naturally thicker, more collagen-rich skin will respond better to collagen stimulating treatments.
G: Are there any risks of overdoing collagen-stimulating treatments?
Dr Nikolic: It’s less about “too much collagen” and more about not giving the skin time to heal. Once you stimulate collagen, give it at least three to four weeks to form before doing another treatment. For example, a Dermapen session followed by a laser two weeks later is too soon; spacing them six weeks apart is perfectly safe.
G: What skin treatments would you recommend for different skin types?
Dr Nikolic: Here’s a general guideline:
- For oily skin, make sure products and peels are indicated for oil control to prevent stripping the skin barrier.
- For dry skin, stabilise with a strong topical regime first, then reassess.
- Normal skin can be maintained with topicals and peels, needling or laser if desired.
- Acne-prone skin needs a targeted regime and peels designed to reduce bacteria and unclog pores.
- Combination or sensitive skin requires a tailored, gentle approach. Normalise the skin first, then layer on other treatments as tolerated.
G: What advice do you have for someone nervous about trying aesthetic skincare treatments?
Dr Nikolic: Do your research and find a clinic that listens to you. In our practice, everyone starts with a full skin analysis and, if needed, patch tests before treatments. Ask about side effects, benefits, costs and treatment intervals. You don’t have to commit to a procedure on the first visit —book a consultation, see how you feel and decide from there.
