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Is Collagen Banking Really Possible? Science, Scepticism and Smart Skincare

Posted by Invity Team on 1st Oct 2025

Is Collagen Banking Really Possible? Science, Scepticism and Smart Skincare

Part 1 of our “Collagen” Series



“Collagen banking” has become one of the most talked-about trends in dermatology and beauty. The concept is simple: if collagen is the “currency of youth”, then by preserving and boosting your reserves early, you can keep your skin firmer, smoother and more resilient for longer.

But is it really possible to “bank” collagen? Sceptics argue that collagen creams don’t work because the molecules are too large to penetrate the skin. At the same time, interest in collagen supplements and in-clinic treatments has never been higher. The truth lies in science – and in the evolution of skincare technology.

Part 1: You are here

Part 2: Microneedling Reinvented: From In‑Clinic Needles to “Microneedling in a Jar”

Part 3: Vegan vs Salmon PDRN: DNA Repair Signal For Calmer, Firmer, Glowier Skin

Part 4: Exosomes: Your Need-to-Know on the Next Skin Frontier

What Are Collagen and Elastin and What Do They Do?

Collagen is the most abundant structural protein in your skin, making up around 70–80% of the dermis – the thick, supportive middle layer beneath the epidermis. It forms the scaffolding that gives skin its strength, firmness, and resilience. Collagen fibres also interact with molecules like hyaluronic acid, helping the dermis retain water and maintain hydration.

Different types of collagen play distinct roles:

  • Type I: tensile strength
  • Type III: elasticity
  • Type IV: basement membrane support
  • Types VII & XVII: anchoring fibrils linking dermis and epidermis

Elastin, meanwhile, works alongside collagen to give skin its flexibility – its ability to stretch and snap back. Both are produced by fibroblasts, the specialised cells in the dermis that act as the “architects” of youthful skin.



But with age, fibroblasts slow down. Not only does collagen production decline by about 1% per year from your mid-20s, but the quality of collagen fibres also weakens – they become thinner, looser, and less organised. Add to this lifestyle accelerators like UV exposure, pollution, stress, smoking and excess sugar, and the result is fine lines, wrinkles, sagging and uneven texture.

So, if collagen is the currency of youth, then every sunlit morning, smile line and late-night deadline is a withdrawal from your skin’s account. The question is: how do you start investing back in?

Can You Really Bank Collagen? Unpacking the Science 

Think of collagen banking as a long-term savings strategy for your skin. Instead of treating wrinkles reactively, you build reserves in advance – ensuring steady dividends of firmness, elasticity, and radiance over time.

The key pillars are:

  • Preservation: protect existing collagen from UV and oxidative stress.
  • Stimulation: activate fibroblasts with smart topicals and treatments.
  • Repair: remodel the dermis with regenerative molecules like PDRN and exosomes.
  • Energise: maintain fibroblast vitality with NAD+ boosters like NMN.

Why People Doubt Collagen Skincare

Many have dismissed collagen serums as ineffective, and their scepticism isn’t unfounded. It came from traditional collagen creams, which mainly moisturised but didn’t penetrate, effecting short-term plumping with no structural change. 

But skincare science has moved on. Modern biotechnology has changed the rules.

New-Generation Collagen Banking Strategies

Collagen banking is a holistic, multi-pronged strategy, a portfolio (if you will) that includes: professional treatments, supplements, skincare and habits that pay dividends in youthful skin. Together, these can transform collagen banking from hype into reality.

1. Professional treatments: Lump-sum deposits

For high-impact, quick boosts, consider in-clinic treatments such as microneedling, PDRN, red light therapy, ultrasonic skin tightening and fractional laser resurfacing (Fraxel). These all stimulate fibroblasts directly and trigger new collagen formation, each with different levels of intensity and results. 

2. Systemic dividends  

While treatments give high-impact boosts, daily deposits through oral supplements and cosmeceutical skincare act as steady, compounding investments, keeping collagen stimulation consistent over time.

Oral collagen supplements: 

These work from the inside out, feeding fibroblasts with amino acids and peptides that encourage collagen production across the whole body, not just the face.

Clinical studies consistently show that oral hydrolysed collagen peptides improve hydration and elasticity within 8–12 weeks. A 2023 systematic review (MDPI Cosmetics) confirmed benefits in wrinkle depth reduction and skin resilience, particularly in mature skin.

NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) → boosts NAD+ to rejuvenate fibroblast metabolism. See Ultimate NMNH Advanced nutritional supplement.

Skincare’s critical role: 

Daily sunscreen use helps preserve existing collagen, while proven actives like vitamin C, retinoids, peptides, Centella (cica) and NMN help protect, repair and energise skin at the cellular level. 

3. Biotech skincare advances: Collagen-stimulating actives

Daily cosmeceuticals are the steady investments that compound over time, keeping fibroblasts switched on and collagen production consistent.

Structural Stimulants

  • Vitamin C → essential for collagen synthesis and antioxidant defence. 
  • Retinoids → The gold standard for fibroblast activation and dermal remodelling. See Youth Activating Retinoid Serum.
  • Biomimetic peptides → short chains that “mimic” broken collagen fragments, signalling fibroblasts to rebuild and reorganise the extracellular matrix. See Microshot Collagen Serum
  • Centella Asiatica (incl. Centella exosomes) → Centella’s plant actives ‘nudge’ fibroblasts to deposit more Type I & III collagen (for skin strength and elasticity) while calming inflammation. See Youth Activating Overnight Mask.
  • Centella-derived exosomes act like secure couriers delivering the ‘build more collagen’ message deeper. See Microshot Collagen Serum.

Energy Boosters

  • NMN (Nicotinamide Mononucleotide) → A direct precursor that raises cellular NAD⁺; supports fibroblast energy, repair and resilience. See Microshot Collagen Serum
  • NAD⁺ (topical) → The active coenzyme that boosts cellular NAD⁺, energising fibroblasts, improving repair capacity and resilience under stress; used to replenish energy status and support barrier and renewal. See Invity NAD-powered essentials.

Delivery Innovations

  • Exosomes: nano-messengers that deliver pro-collagen signals directly into fibroblasts, encouraging repair and regeneration.
  • Spicule microneedle systems: create temporary microchannels in the skin, allowing actives like peptides, NMN, and exosomes to penetrate deeper – where collagen is actually made.

Both technologies are integrated in Microshot Collagen Serum.

4. Lifestyle habits = Insurance 

Smart investors don’t just make deposits – they insure their assets. Lifestyle choices work the same way, protecting existing collagen and reducing unnecessary “withdrawals.”

Daily “insurance” moves

  • SPF every morning → UV is the #1 collagen degrader. Protect your skin with
    broad-spectrum, mineral sunscreen on face, neck and hands. Reapply outdoors. 
  • Antioxidant coverage → Eat a colourful, polyphenol-rich diet (berries, greens, olives, tea/cacao) and/or a targeted antioxidant supplement. This helps shield collagen from oxidative stress.
  • Protein first → Aim for about 20–30 g protein per meal to supply amino acids for collagen synthesis.
  • Sleep as a strategy → 7–9 hours, consistent schedule; deep sleep supports growth factors and repair.
  • Stress management → Brief, frequent practices (breathwork, yoga, walks, journalling) to curb cortisol-driven matrix breakdown.
  • Move daily → Resistance + cardio improve circulation and skin oxygenation, supporting fibroblast function.
  • Pollution defence → Cleanse gently at night; consider soothing essences/mists on high-pollution days.
  • Heat with care → Limit frequent high-heat exposure (very hot yoga/sauna) if you’re prone to redness; use aftercare and hydration.

Reduce preventable damage 

  • Control your sugar intake → High sugar accelerates glycation, stiffening collagen; favour low-GI carbs and fibre.
  • Eliminate smoke & heavy alcohol → Both deplete antioxidants and increase matrix-metalloproteinases (MMPs) that break down collagen.
  • Stop over-exfoliation → Protect the barrier; choose remodellers (gentle acids/retinoids/peptides) over harsh scrubs.

A simple, sustainable rhythm

  • AM (Protect & Preserve): Cleanse → antioxidant nutrition (diet/supplement) → moisturise → mineral SPF.
  • PM (Stimulate & Energise): Cleanse → collagen-stimulating serum / retinoid on alternate nights → moisturise.
  • Weekly/Monthly (Boost): Add LED at home; schedule microneedling/ultrasound/Fraxel as needed.

Simply put, your lifestyle acts as your risk management, lowering volatility so your skincare and professional treatments can deliver steady, compounding returns in firmness, elasticity and glow.

Invity Microshot Collagen Serum: Designed for Collagen Banking



Most serums moisturise; few remodel. Invity Microshot Collagen Serum was developed to help do exactly that.

Key Innovations:

  • Six human-identical collagen peptides (Types I, III, IV, V, VII, XVII) → rebuild dermal scaffolding.
  • Vegan PDRN → regenerative polymer for fibroblast proliferation and inflammation control. See our guide: PDRN in Skincare.
  • Centella Exosomes → activate fibroblast collagen synthesis.
  • Spicule Microneedle Delivery → enhances absorption, safe for daily use.
  • NMN → boosts fibroblast energy for resilience.
  • Ameliosense™ & Yeast Ferment Complex → soothe sensitivity and improve cellular bioenergetics.


Clinical Results (28 Days):

  • Wrinkle depth ↓ 18–30%
  • Firmness ↑ 25–35%
  • Hydration ↑ 30–40%
  • Radiance ↑ 35%

This makes it a cornerstone of any collagen banking portfolio, whether preventive in your 20s–30s or restorative in your 40s–60s.

How to Bank Collagen, In A Nutshell

Protect existing collagen: DAILY

Good reads: Sleep and Skin Health: Understanding the Vital Link

                    How the Sun Affects Your Skin: Benefits, Risks & Damage


Stimulate new production: DAILY OR ALTERNATE DAY

Good read: Retinol for Skin: Benefits, Side Effects & Best Practices


Invest in Pro Treatments: ONCE-OFF OR REPEATED QUARTERLY OR ANNUALLY, DEPENDING ON SEVERITY

Good reads: Latest Anti-Ageing Research and Trends in 2025    

Boost Cellular Energy: DAILY

Good read: The latest skin rejuvenation agent: NAD+

Collagen Banking: The Smartest Investment You Can Make

Collagen isn’t just a protein. It’s the foundation of skin vitality. By banking it through protection, stimulation, boosting and energising, you’re investing in your skin’s future.

With Invity’s science-led solutions, you hold the complete toolkit to build, protect and future-proof your collagen reserves.

Because great skin isn’t just about today. It’s about what you’re saving for tomorrow. And that’s something you can bank on.

Read next

→ Part 2: Microneedling Reinvented: From In‑Clinic Needles to “Microneedling in a Jar”

→ Part 3: Vegan vs Salmon PDRN: DNA Repair Signal For Calmer, Firmer, Glowier Skin

→ Part 4: Exosomes: Your Need-to-Know on the Next Skin Frontier