Since turning 30, I've become a lot more deliberate about how I approach beauty.
In my 20s, my routine was all about quick fixes and Wholesale Replica Bag product launches. Now at 31, and as a busy beauty editor with days that often become a blur of office meetings, press appointments and late work dinners, I need a routine that's as restorative as it is practical. My mornings are usually rushed, and my evenings can stretch late, so anything that helps me press pause and properly care for myself feels essential. That's probably why I've been craving more grounding, nurturing rituals now that I'm in my 30s; beauty moments that feel like actual self-care rather than just another task to tick off.
Collagen is what keeps skin firm, plump and youthful, but production naturally starts to dip in your mid-20s. By your 30s, you can really begin to notice the difference. For me, that looks like slightly less bounce in my skin, slower healing after irritation and fine lines that don't soften overnight the way they used to. That's why I've been looking into "collagen banking": the concept of building up and supporting collagen reserves now to future-proof the skin for later in life. And this is exactly where Gold Collagen comes in. Known for its award-winning collagen drinks and science-led skincare, the brand has become the foundation of my new routine.
What really drew me in is how Gold Collagen approaches collagen banking. Rooted in science, its liquid supplements are formulated to deliver hydrolysed collagen peptides, vitamins and antioxidants directly to the body where they can be effectively utilised to stimulate natural collagen production. It's very different to relying solely on creams or serums, which only work at the surface level. Unlike many sachet-based alternatives on the market, the drinks also come in glass bottles, making them microplastic-free—which is an added bonus.
For me, starting with the Gold Collagen Pure Plus drinks felt like a simple but powerful way of giving my skin the support it needs beneath the surface. Each 50ml bottle has been formulated to target the visible signs of ageing and help replenish the collagen that naturally declines with time, and what I like most is how practical it feels. There's no complicated routine—just one small step that fits effortlessly into my morning. It's designed to work from within, supporting the skin's structure while boosting elasticity and hydration, and it's become something I genuinely look forward to taking. In a category full of powders and tablets, there's something refreshingly easy about a ready-to-go drink that makes looking after your skin feel both simple and effective. It's only been three weeks, but incorporating Gold Collagen alongside a few targeted treatments has already made a noticeable difference to how my skin looks and feels.
To ensure I'm collagen banking as efficiently as possible, I’ve been focusing on the Gold Collagen daily collagen drinks religiously while also incorporating microneedling, a targeted skincare routine and LED therapy. Together, I've created a collagen-banking routine that not only fits into my busy life but also gives me a reason to slow down and care for myself. The results so far? My skin feels noticeably plumper and smoother, and I've noticed my nails growing stronger and my hair feeling thicker. It's subtle, but it's enough to remind me that small, consistent changes really do add up.
I've been taking the Gold Collagen Pure Plus drinks every morning for three weeks now, and honestly, this is the first supplement I've tried that I've wanted to stick with. Each little bottle contains hydrolysed collagen peptides, small enough for your body to actually absorb and put to work, along with vitamins and minerals like zinc, biotin and vitamin C to support skin, hair and nails. It's essentially a concentrated shot of everything your body needs to encourage collagen production from within.
The science behind it is pretty compelling: studies show that drinking hydrolysed collagen regularly can improve elasticity and hydration whilst reducing the appearance of fine lines. For me, the difference has been small but promising; my skin looks less tired, and there's a bounce I haven't seen in a while. I prefer drinking my supplements rather than taking multiple tablets; it feels more enjoyable, and I'm less likely to forget, because I keep the bottles in my kitchen so I can grab one with my morning glass of water.
Plus, the Pure Plus drinks (which are also sugar, preservative, gluten, and lactose-free) have a light peach and passionfruit flavour, which makes them genuinely pleasant to drink; it's like a small, sweet ritual that signals the start of my day. One bottle in the morning, and I already feel like I've done something good for my skin before I even open my laptop.
I've also added LED light therapy, using an at-home mask and the Gold Collagen Hyaluronic Formula Tablets into my weekly routine on a couple of evenings. Red LED light, in particular, is known for stimulating collagen production and improving circulation, which makes it a perfect partner for everything else I'm doing. It's also deeply relaxing; 10 minutes under the mask has become a ritual I genuinely look forward to. After long, busy days filled with meetings and deadlines, it's become a way to unwind, switch off and give myself that bit of quiet before bed.
The Gold Collagen Hyaluronic Formula Tablets alongside my daily Pure Plus drink, really maximise the benefits. The tablets contain hyaluronic acid, collagen and antioxidants, working to hydrate skin from within whilst protecting against free-radical damage. Between the LED mask, the drinks, microneedling and the tablets, it feels like I'm hitting collagen support from every angle—and taking some well-deserved time to look after myself in the process.
Alongside the drinks and tablets, I booked in for a course of microneedling sessions. It's one of those treatments I'd read about but had always been slightly nervous to try. The process involves creating tiny micro-injuries in the skin with a needling device, which sounds far scarier than it is. In reality, it's a very manageable treatment that stimulates your skin's natural healing process, which in turn ramps up collagen production.
Pairing microneedling with Gold Collagen supplements has made me feel like I'm doubling down on the benefits. The treatments encourage my body to build fresh collagen, whilst the drinks provide the raw materials needed for repair. Microneedling can really help your skincare penetrate that little bit deeper, getting you even more effective results from the products you're using.
Of course, no collagen-banking routine would feel complete without some topical support, and I've been trialling a few key products from Gold Collagen's skincare range. The Hydrogel Mask has quickly become a favourite; it's cooling, hydrating and leaves my skin with a real glow, especially after microneedling when my face feels a little sensitive. Then there are the serums: Hydra Essence, Night Renewal and Instant Glow.
I've been alternating between them depending on what my skin needs from day to day. What I really like is how the formulas feel supportive rather than superficial. They're designed to complement what's happening beneath the skin's surface (like collagen stimulation) and enhance penetration, particularly after treatments like microneedling. On days I use the Night Renewal Serum, my skin feels noticeably smoother by morning, whilst the Instant Glow Serum has become my go-to before heading out, thanks to its light feel and the immediate radiance it gives.
It's only been three weeks, but starting a collagen-banking routine with Gold Collagen has already made me feel more in control of how I'm looking after my skin in my 30s. It doesn't feel like a quick fix or a fad, but rather an investment in myself. If my 20s were about experimenting with products and chasing trends, my 30s are going to be about laying solid foundations, and this feels like exactly the right place to start. WWW readers can now also exclusively get 20% on products on the Gold Collagen site, with code WWW20***.
*Price per 10-box bottles.
**Price per sachet.
***T&Cs apply. Offer valid online until 30th November 2025. Not to be used in conjunction with other offers
