While we understand it’s a natural process of life, we all want to slow down our signs of ageing as much as possible.
Although there are many legitimate options, unfortunately, the skincare industry is filled with products that promise miraculous, overnight results (hint: it’s a lie).
So, in this article, we will focus on scientifically-backed ingredients and methods, known to actually deliver anti-ageing results.
Gold standard ingredients
When browsing to purchase an anti-ageing cream, you should look out for a few key ingredients.
These generally have scientific backing for their effectiveness, which you can easily research online.
If a product has big claims but none of these ingredients, it’s very likely false advertising.
For example, retinoids are considered one of the major ingredients for their impact on skin ageing.
Derived from Vitamin A, they work by accelerating your skin cell turnover and stimulating the production of collagen (which is important for elasticity).
Therefore, creams that have retinoids legitimately help soften fine lines and improve skin tone, contributing to a more youthful appearance.
If you have sensitive skin and find retinoids irritating, look out for resveratrol – a gentler alternative, derived from plants like grapevine.
This ingredient is an antioxidant that not only improves elasticity and reduces redness, similarly to retinoids, but also protects your skin from environmental damage.
Another powerhouse ingredient is Vitamin C, known for its brightening and anti-inflammatory properties.
One of its main benefits is the ability to stimulate collagen production in skin, which is responsible for firmness and elasticity.
Lastly, hyaluronic acid is an ingredient commonly found in moisturisers and anti-ageing creams, thanks to its hydrating properties.
It allows your skin to hold larger amounts of water, plumping it up and reducing the appearance of fine lines.
The ultimate anti-ageing tips
It’s not just about what you use, but how you use it too. First of all, once you have chosen your anti-ageing cream, it’s always recommended to pair it with a targeted face serum.
For example, if you have dry skin, you should use a night cream or a moisturiser that is highly hydrating.
Similarly, if you have acne-prone skin, you’ll want to tackle redness and spots with dedicated products. Use your anti-ageing cream as an addition to your skincare routine, not a replacement.
Moreover, consistency is absolutely key when it comes to these products. If you want the best results, stick to your routine for a considerable amount of time.
It can take weeks (if not months) of regular application before you see visible improvements in the appearance of your skin.
Finally, there are various ways to prevent or slow down ageing before it even happens.
Using sunscreen every day is by far the most effective, as the majority of visible signs of ageing come from direct sun exposure.
Of course, the rest of your lifestyle choices will also have an impact, including your diet, hydration, exercises, sleep quality, stress levels and other factors.
Ageing demystified
There are simple explanations why our skin develops signs of ageing and, therefore, why certain products are capable of reducing them.
Understanding these will help you avoid wasting your money on ineffective products with unrealistic marketing claims.
