Gut Feelings: Exploring the Gut-Brain Axis and Its Impact on Mental Health
The Gut-Brain Axis Explained The gut-brain axis is a
You might have come across the popular marketing term ‘collagen banking.’ However, biologically, collagen cannot be stored. The term is used to refer to strategies that stimulate collagen in the face and preserve it. Essentially, these methods promote and rebuild collagen to counteract the natural decline that occurs with ageing.
These strategies can improve collagen naturally and support the skin’s structural integrity, long-term health, and vitality.
In this article, we will explore five strategies that have been proven effective in clinical studies and peer-reviewed research.
Collagen is the most abundant protein in your body, providing support and elasticity to your skin.
As we age, natural collagen production declines by approximately 1% per year after the age of 25 and even more rapidly during menopause, with a decline of up to 30%.
By incorporating ‘collagen banking’ into your routine, you’re making proactive deposits into your skin’s future, ensuring it remains plump and youthful for years to come.
📖 You can read our detailed article on the science behind collagen production and depletion in: The Science of Collagen: How to Stimulate Collagen Production.
Here’s how you can start preserving your collagen with simple, effective strategies that easily fit into your daily routine.
Micro-needling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a scientifically supported method for promoting collagen synthesis. This technique involves using a device with tiny needles to create micro-injuries in your skin, prompting your body to produce more collagen and elastin to heal the area.
At-home micro-needling rollers with needle lengths of 0.2 to 0.25 mm are ideal for stimulating collagen production without causing significant downtime.
Use sterile equipment to avoid infection, and follow device guidelines to minimize skin irritation. Consult a dermatologist for professional advice.
✅ Pro Tips:
Hydrolysed Collagen Peptide supplements have gained popularity over the last decade. Available in various forms such as powders, gels, and capsules (the least potent), collagen supplements can be an effective way to support skin health from the inside out.
🔍 Studies, such as a 2023 meta-analysis on hydrolysed collagen, show that these supplements can significantly improve skin hydration and elasticity.
Why Hydrolysed Collagen?
⚠ Not All Collagen Supplements Are Equal!
The quality and molecular weight of collagen significantly impact how well your body absorbs the amino acids glycine, proline, and hydroxyproline, essential for collagen synthesis. This variability may explain differing opinions on collagen’s effectiveness for skin, hair, and joint health.
You can learn more about how collagen supplements can support skin health as well as overall wellbeing in our article: Understanding the Impact of Collagen on Gut Health and Wellbeing.
Your diet plays a crucial role in collagen production. Key nutrients include:
🥦 Vitamin C – Found in citrus fruits, bell peppers, and leafy greens, it supports hydroxylation, a process that stabilises collagen fibres.
🥜 Zinc – Aids in collagen cross-linking.
🥕 Vitamin A – Enhances fibroblast activity.
💊 Iron – Essential for collagen synthesis and healthy hair.
If your diet is lacking, consider supplements rich in collagen-building nutrients, particularly vitamins A, C, E, and zinc.
Learn more about the biochemistry behind collagen synthesis in: The Mechanism of Collagen Synthesis and How to Support It
Sun exposure is one of the primary causes of collagen degradation. UV radiation triggers free radicals that damage fibroblasts, the cells responsible for producing collagen. This can lead to fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of ageing. You can learn more about the impact of sun exposure on collagen synthesis in our video: Understanding Skin Health.
☀ How to Protect Collagen from UV Damage:
✅ Use daily sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher).
✅ Apply antioxidants like Vitamin E to neutralise free radicals.
✅ Wear hats and sunglasses for extra protection.
✅ Avoid peak sun hours (10 AM – 4 PM)
In regions where sun protection is more common (e.g., parts of Asia where people use umbrellas for shade), adopting similar habits can make a significant difference in preserving collagen.
Chemical peels and exfoliation are powerful tools for collagen stimulation. They work by removing dead skin cells and encouraging new cell growth, leading to improved collagen production.
🧪 Effective Exfoliation Methods:
🔹 Pro Tip: If you’re new to exfoliation, start with lower concentrations to prevent irritation and build up tolerance gradually.
Incorporating these five strategies into your skincare routine can effectively support collagen synthesis and skin resilience over time.
✨ Key Takeaways:
✔ Consistency is key—collagen-building requires long-term commitment.
✔ A holistic approach—combining internal and external strategies yields the best results.
✔ Protecting and stimulating collagen now is an investment in your skin’s future.
Learn more about how to have a holistic approach to skin health in our Gut-Skin Connections article.
💡 “Good things come to those who nurture.”
Guan, L. L., de Bruijn, W. J., Choong, Y. S., & Solis, G. (2019). Fermented Rice Bran and Rice Bran Oil in Traditional Japanese Medicine: Sake as a Potential Functional Beverage. Journal of Ethnopharmacology, 235, 405-418. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jep.2019.01.007
Lee, D. E., Huh, C. S., & Huh, J. W. (2019). Korean Traditional Use of Fermented Rice Water: A Historical Review and its Modern Applications in Cosmetics. Journal of Cosmetic Science, 70(3), 241-250.
Zhou, J., & Qu, F. (2015). Face Mapping: Chinese Holistic Skin Analysis as an Indicator of Internal Organ Imbalance. International Journal of Dermatology, 54(8), 884-892. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijd.12736
Bowe, W. P., & Logan, A. C. (2011). Acne vulgaris, probiotics and the gut-brain-skin axis – Back to the future? Gut Pathogens, 3(1), 1. https://doi.org/10.1186/1757-4749-3-1
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10385652
https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/24/24/17618
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0237207
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The Gut-Brain Axis Explained The gut-brain axis is a
The Gut – Skin Axis Explained The gut-skin axis
What is “Collagen Banking”? Proactive Strategies for Long-Term Skin
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