Chances are you’ve seen Dr Muneeb Shah on your FYP spilling minimalist routines that actually work. One of his trending topics rn is the idea of protecting and building your complexion’s support system that you already have before major lines and laxity show up. This lil’ trick is known as collagen banking.
We were so intrigued by this skincare version of compound interest that we flew to Paris (tough life, we know) to meet the skin brains at Kenvue, the house of Neutrogena and Aveeno. We ask exactly when to start, what ingredients matter, and whether smart prevention can delay bigger treatments. Can you blame us? We’ll do anything to avoid needles.
Alongside Dr Shah, we spoke with Dubai-based derm Dr Hassan Galadari and Adam Ricciardone, Kenvue’s Global Head of R&D, for the science and receipts.
Not only did we learn a lot about this peptide-powered technique, but we also found out that Neutrogena just launched their skinimalist-friendly Collagen Bank Moisturiser, a lightweight, daily moisturiser designed to support the skin’s collagen ecosystem and boosts bounce. More on that later.
Cosmo ME: In simple terms, what *exactly* is collagen banking?
Dr Galadari: Instead of waiting for signs of skin ageing and damage to show up, we’re getting ahead of the game by dialling up production of collagen and supporting the skin’s extracellular matrix.
Think of it as using proven ingredients and habits to stimulate your own collagen and elastin while you’re young, so skin stays firmer, smoother, and more hydrated for longer.
Cosmo ME: Is it sort of like a savings account for your skin?
Dr Galadari: I love that analogy. You start early, contribute consistently with SPF and targeted active ingredients, and later you can withdraw less, meaning you delay or reduce the need for corrective procedures. Prevention is the most skin-smart return on investment.
Cosmo ME: What age should Gen Z actually start?
Dr Galadari: For actives that target collagen support, early to mid-20s is the sweet spot. Teens are often managing acne and once that’s stable, they need to shift to prejuvenation. Minimal steps, maximum impact.
Cosmo ME: How is collagen banking different from slathering on collagen creams or taking collagen supplements?
Dr Galadari: Collagen molecules in creams are generally too large to penetrate the skin. Instead, they act more like moisturisers. Oral collagen gets distributed system-wide after digestion.
Banking focuses on signals that prompt skin to make collagen. This skin tech is small enough and properly designed to reach the right targets.
Cosmo ME: Why are brands building entire platforms around collagen banking now?
Adam Ricciardone: Two big insights. On average, we lose about one percent of skin collagen each year starting in our mid-twenties. Also, dermatologists reported younger patients asking for solutions when they felt change but didn’t yet see deep wrinkles.
We created a tiny, super-smart peptide that’s proven to go deep into the skin and help boost things like collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. Basically, everything that keeps your skin firm, smooth, and bouncy.
It also helps calm the signals that cause your skin to age faster. Pair that with daily SPF to protect what you have, and you’ve got a regimen that makes scientific sense for pre-ageing skin.
Cosmo ME: Dr Shah, why does collagen banking resonate with your millions of Gen Z followers?
Dr. Shah: It’s simple, science-y, and preventative. My audience is hyper-informed, ingredient-literate, and wants solutions that are undetectable. If you can offer a routine that takes seconds, uses fewer steps, and actually improves elasticity and bounce-back, they’re in.
Cosmo ME: Can you give us a Dubai-friendly collagen-banking routine for a bestie in her twenties?
Dr Shah: I want her to keep it to cleanse, treat, and protect.
For the AM, start with a gentle cleanser, followed by Vitamin C (10–15%) , and Neutrogena Collagen Bank SPF30 Moisturizer. Since this SPF also includes the collagen banking peptide complex, she’s getting protection and collagen-building in that one step.
For the PM, start by cleansing, then move onto the Neutrogena Collagen Bank Moisturizer.
If tolerated, add a retinoid a few nights a week.
Remember that in Dubai, SPF is non-negotiable. UV is the number one collagen killer.
Cosmo ME: Does collagen banking delay fillers/Botox?
Dr Shah: It can delay the timeline and reduce the amount you might need later. The idea isn’t to never do treatments. It’s to do less later on in life, because skin quality stays higher for longer.
Cosmo ME: If we don’t bank collagen, will we age faster?
Dr Shah: You’ll age at your baseline rate, but you may notice changes sooner and need more corrective work to reach the result you want. Banking is about pushing that “uh-oh” moment further out.
Cosmo ME: What does prejuvenation add beyond classic anti-ageing?
Dr Galadari: Anti-ageing treats what’s already visible. Prejuvenation is the pre-emptive, lighter, smarter plan focused on maintaining collagen and elasticity so you postpone visible change. Collagen banking sits squarely in that lane.
Cosmo ME: What does it really mean when clinical studies show skin snapping back faster and why should that matter to younger skin?
Adam Ricciardone: In a 12-week regimen study, we saw improvements in radiance, fine lines, firmness, bounce. For Gen Zers, this translates to healthier-looking skin longer, with changes that are subtle but meaningful day-to-day.
Cosmo ME: Give us your top three habits to bank collagen.
Dr Shah: SPF daily, peptide/retinoid routine you’ll actually stick to, and heat/sun awareness (seek shade, hats, reapply).
Adam Ricciardone: Antioxidants by day, builders by night, and consistency.
Dr Galadari: Minimal steps, maximal science. Don’t fall for SPF myths like beef tallow. Your future self will thank you.
Between our interviews (and 10 croissants, because, why not) we gathered that collagen banking isn’t a 10-step flex. It’s a minimalist movement that’s telling us to use SPF forever as well as actives like vitamin C, retinoids, next-gen collagen banking peptides. It’s pretty easy to follow, meaning we won’t quit.
If we start in our 20s, stay consistent, and think of it like a skin trust fund, then the earlier we protect and build, the longer we can enjoy that naturally snatched, bounce-back complexion, with fewer high-intensity interventions later on.
We’re sold.
Cop your Neutrogena Collagen Banking Moisturizer here.
Ahem, your make-up bag needs these new beauty products stat.