Anti-Ageing

There’s nothing simple about skincare, but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth working it out. Once you know which ingredients are best for which skin condition, you’ll never look back. When our cells, including our skin cells, are exposed to things like stress, UV rays, and toxins, the cells become damaged and can age prematurely.

1. RETINOIDS 

Retinoids are largely considered to be the ultimate anti-ageing ingredient and are clinically proven to increase cell turnover as well as stimulate collagen and elastin production within the skin, which leaves it looking and feeling plumper and smoother. Plus, they improve skin tone and can even help with breakouts .  While retinoids are amazing youth-boosting ingredients, they can also cause unwanted side effects, like dryness, peeling and irritation. “That is, except for retinal (known as retinaldehyde), which has terrific evidence  and unlike other retinoids is exceptionally well tolerated ,” If you go for a retinoid other than retinal, it’s important to start with a low concentration and work your way up depending on how your skin copes.

2. VITAMIN C 

The term antioxidants sounds technical, all it really means is an ingredient that cancels out damage caused by environmental aggressors like  pollution , UV rays and  stress . Vitamin C  is a highly effective antioxidant that’s especially good at preserving skin’s resilience against these environmental sources of ageing and reducing the signs of fine lines and dullness. “It also helps fight age spots and hyperpigmentation.

3. SUNSCREEN 

Sunscreen   is not only essential in protecting skin against sun damage, but it is also one of the best tools we have to prevent skin ageing. "Ultraviolet rays from the sun are extremely harmful to the skin and cause more than 90 per cent of the visible signs of ageing including wrinkles, sagging, rough patches and skin discolouration.  To make sure you are receiving adequate protection from your  sunscreen , you should always choose one that has broad-spectrum protection, or specifically that it protects against UVA and UVB rays.  UVA rays are able to penetrate down into the skin, reaching the deeper dermis and causing cellular damage and collagen loss which are the main cause of skin ageing. UVB rays reach the uppermost layer of the skin, called the epidermis, and cause sunburn.

4. ALPHA HYDROXY ACIDS 

Known for their exfoliating, glow-giving properties,  Alpha Hydroxy Acids   (AHAs) are an important component of an anti-ageing skincare regime. While there are many different types of AHAs, including Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid and  Mandelic Acid,   their main role is to break down the bonds between dead skin cells, preventing dullness and revealing luminous, fresh skin.

5. CERAMIDES 

Ceramides   are often referred to as the fundamental building blocks of skin, and make up 50% of the skin’s composition. They play a vital role in protecting the skin from external aggressors and helping to maintain a plump, smooth and healthy complexion.  Ceramides help support the skin’s barrier layer for moisture retention and help hold healthy cells together. This is what keeps skin hydrated, smooth, and healthy. 

6. HYALURONIC ACID  

Known as the miracle hydration molecule,  hyaluronic acid   can hold over 1000 times its own weight in water, meaning it plumps like no other ingredient available. “It’s what we call a humectant, as it draws moisture from the environment into the skin to create a highly hydrating effect.  The skin produces hyaluronic acid naturally, but as we age, our natural reserves begin to deplete, making topical top-ups necessary. When it’s applied to the skin, it behaves a bit like a sponge, absorbing all the moisture from the air and subsequent skincare products.