Age-defenders: Tips and products for a youthful appearance

You know that old adage, “With age comes wisdom”? Which is great, but it also comes with fine lines and wrinkles. As we age, our skin undergoes several changes, including a loss of elasticity and a decrease in collagen production and cell turnover. These changes can lead to wrinkles, fine lines and age spots. “However,” says Ruan Winter, marketing manager for high-end professional skincare brand Vitaderm, “with a proper skincare regime and anti-ageing treatments, it's possible to maintain a youthful, glowing complexion.” 

But where to start? What ingredients to look out for? Keep reading for some beginner-friendly tips, steps and products.

Exfoliate gently

As you age, the rate at which your skin sheds dead skin slows down, so using an exfoliator will help loosen the bonds holding the dead cell together. “Exfoliating is very important - it’s the first step to a preventative skincare routine and eradicates dry, flaky skin, leaving skin rejuvenated and bright,” says board-certified New York dermatologist, Dr Jaliman. 

Dr Adè Fosyth-Thompson, medical doctor and founder of Arca Health and Arca Aesthetics, concurs that exfoliation is very important, but she advises “to exfoliate gently, as harsh scrubs and exfoliants can cause irritation and damage to the skin”. When it comes to products, she recommends a gentle exfoliant, such as a chemical exfoliant containing alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs) and use it once or twice a week.

Exfoliating products to try:

REN Ready Steady Glow Tonic
Teaology Tea Glow Exfoliating Lotion
Clinique Clarifying Lotion 1.0 Twice A Day Exfoliator 
The Body Shop Edelweiss Liquid Peel

Add anti-ageing ingredients 

In response to a slower cell turnover and decline in collagen and elastin, you should start incorporating anti-ageing ingredients into your daily skincare regime. According to biomedical scientist and founder of skincare brand Biomedical Emporium, Dr Judey Pretorius, retinol (vitamin A) is the holy grail of skincare ingredients. This powerful ingredient can increase the skin’s collagen production; increase the rate at which the skin’s cells turn over; treat and prevent acne, blackheads and breakouts; and minimise fine lines and wrinkles.

Vitamin C is another key ingredient. A true multi-tasker, it helps in collagen production, improves elasticity and plumps the skin. Other effective anti-ageing ingredients to look out for include hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide and peptides.

Try these anti-ageing products:

Neutrogena Retinol Boost Serum 
La Roche-Posay Retinol Serum
Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Vitamin C Booster
Elizabeth Arden Ceramide Vitamin C Ceramide Capsules Radiance Renewal Serum

Increase hydration

Using a moisturiser at any age can help keep skin ultra-soft and supple. That said, as you get older, you want to up the ante and choose one with hyaluronic acid. Naturally found in the body, this sugar molecule helps attract and retain moisture in the skin. “As we age, we lose the naturally occurring hyaluronic acid in the skin. This loss contributes to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles over time. Replacing lost moisture is of utmost importance,” explains Dr Fosyth-Thompson. Using a moisturiser or serum formulated with this super hydrator will help diminish wrinkles, improve skin elasticity and boost skin firmness.

Shop these hydrating products:

Clinique Moisture Surge Intense 72 Hour Lipid Replenishing Hydrator
Vichy Mineral 89 Hyaluronic Acid Face Moisturizer 
Skin Republic Hyaluronic Acid 1% Serum
Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler SPF30 Day Cream

Be diligent about sun protection

Protecting your skin from the sun is one of the most effective ways to prevent premature ageing. Many people think that you only need to apply SPF during the warmer months and that it’s only necessary when spending prolonged time outdoors. “The truth is that you should apply SPF every day, regardless of the season. 

UVA rays (the rays that cause the skin to burn) may not be that strong during the colder months, but UVB rays (the rays that cause hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and fine lines) are present all year round and pose risks to your skin at any given time. UV rays can penetrate clouds, meaning your skin is at risk even on overcast days,” says Dr Pretorius.

SPFs to shop:

Nivea Sun SPF50 Q10 Anti Age Face Cream
Avene Intense Protect SPF50+
The Body Shop Skin Defence Multi-Protection Essence SPF50
Bioderma Pigmentbio Daily Care SPF50+

Apply an eye cream 

Because the skin surrounding your eyes is extra thin and delicate, this is where the first signs of ageing often appear. Using a dedicated eye cream or treatment that can provide targeted nourishment to the delicate skin around the eyes is key. A favourite among dermatologists are formulas packed with age-defying ingredients such as retinol, which not only helps combat signs of ageing but also improves discolouration and dark circles when used consistently.

Eye creams to buy: 

Pond’s Age Miracle Anti Aging Eye Cream
L'Oréal Age Perfect Re-Hydrating Eye Cream 
Clinique Smart Clinical Repair Wrinkle Correcting Eye Cream
Dr. Hauschka Regenerating Eye Cream 
 

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com