Anti-aging skincare isn’t only for those who already have more mature skin and while it is still beneficial for more mature skin, ultimately you want to begin your anti-aging routine before you even begin to notice your wrinkles.
Yes, twenty-somethings I’m looking at you! It’s all about planning ahead and while products will help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles that have already appear it’s even better start early to slow the ageing process before it’s even fully begun.
That being said, don’t fear if you didn’t begin your skin care routine while still living up your youth. Starting your skincare routine late is better than never starting it at all.
The best skincare products for anti-aging
Trying to decipher which skincare product is best for the task can sometimes feel like you’re trying to crack the Da Vinci code. With a sea of AHAs, BHAs and what’s the AHS? who really knows what does what?
So this is where I try to give you everything you need to know about choosing the best skincare products for anti-aging! Whilst it’s not meant to be either a definitive or particularly comprehensive guide I hope you find one or two useful tips.
The best skincare ingredients for anti-aging
First let’s look at the top ingredients to look out for when wanting to tackle those fine lines. The best skincare products for anti-aging will often use the same ingredients that can be founds in a number of different skincare products, but mainly serums and moisturisers.
The difference between a serum and moisturiser if that serums are deigned to penetrate deeper into the skin (dermis) whereas moisturisers heal the top layer (epidermis) of your skin.
Retinoid
Retinoids include both retinol and retinoic acid. These are two of the main vitamin A derivatives recommended to combat the effects of aging. They are said to reduce the appearance of fine lines by helping the skin to increase its production of elastin and collagen, both of which are what keeps your skin looking plump and youthful.
On top of this, this wonder-substance can also help to fade aging & sun spots as well as improve the colour of your skin. Results aren’t immediate though so you’re going to need to allow several weeks before seeing the benefits.
There are very uncommon cases of retinoid allergy (far less than 1 in 10) so as with everything new that you put on your skin please do a small test patch first in an unobtrusive area. Retinols may also increase your skins sensitivity to UV light and this is why you’ll commonly see the instruction “Apply at night” .. best to follow it.
Vitamin C
Another key ingredient to help your skin appear more youthfully radiant is Vitamin C. No, we’re not talking rubbing an orange on your face but instead looking for a Vitamin C serum to hydrate and brighten your skin. Like retinoids, vitamin C will also help promote the production of collagen in your skin, all while helping to fade hyperpigmentation.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids
Hydroxy Acids also known as AHAs are a group of skincare ingredients that are taken from natural places such as plants and then made available in the form of skincare.
Some of the most common forms of AHAs are citric, lactic and glycolic acids with their main use being for exfoliation however, they have many more factors to add into the equation. Yep, they also help to promote collagen in the skin, if you haven’t guessed already, collagen production is what will help your skin looking it’s most youthful.
As you age and reach your 20’s the natural production of collagen begins to slow, this is why you need to introduce skincare into your routine to help stimulate the production as your get older.
Peptides
Peptides are antioxidants that are applied to the skin to improve visible texture. They are particularly used to smooth out the skin and create a more flawless and youthful appearance. Serums and moisturisers that include peptides will keep you skin looking firmer by improving the elasticity of the skin.
The best products for anti-aging – Serums
Serums contain more concentrated formulas of the above ingredients and penetrate through you skin into the deeper cells of the dermis. They are often applied after cleaning and toning and before you move on to any moisturisers.
Kiehl’s Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing Concentrate 50ml
Includes both Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines.
Skin Generics Retinol Serum 30Ml 20% Active Complex
This serum by Skin Generics gives anti-wrinkle, moisturising and firming effects in one concentrated bottle.
The Ordinary Buffet + Copper Peptides 1%
This serum targets the effects of aging on the skin. Apply morning and night after cleansing to see visible results of minimised wrinkles.
The best skincare products for anti-aging – creams
The active ingredients found in anti-aging creams will usually often be the same as those you can get in more concentrated serum formulas. Creams work over time and remove the top layer of dead skin cells to make room for the luminous skin underneath.
Elemis Pro Collagen Marine Cream
This one is a little on the pricey side but with raving reviews it is one if the best anti-aging creams on the market. It gives luminosity to the skin while visibly minimised wrinkles.
Estée Lauder Revitalizing Supreme+ Youth Power Creme
Filled with 99% natural ingredients the revitalizing supreme+ firms the skin to create a more radiant youthful appearance.
The anti-aging secret weapon
Now, while all the previously mentioned skin care products work wonderfully for anti-aging there is one secret weapon to help slow down the development of wrinkles and keep you looking youthful for longer.
What is this secret potion that keeps your skin looking youthful I hear you ask? Well, it’s SPF! Honestly, don’t skip out on the SPF, even if it looks grey and gloomy outside those UV rays can still be causing damage to your skin that can add to your chances of premature aging.
Invest in a good SPF for your face and wear it every day you step outside, even if you’re wearing foundations that claim to already have built in SPF protection you should still be wearing SPF underneath.
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Hydrating Cream SPF50
This is my ultimate go-to for SPF. It protects against UV while also moisturising the skin without leaving any sticky residue.
