January 11, 2023

The best anti-ageing skincare and what to look for

The term 'anti-ageing' gets thrown around a lot when it comes to skincare, but what does it really mean? What do the different products do and how do you know what's right for you?

Of course, on the face of it (no pun intended), anti-ageing means something that's designed to prevent the appearance of getting older. In some cases, it's also designed to reverse some of the early signs of ageing - for example, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It might refer to powerful skincare ingredients, skincare practices (like applying sun lotion), or to treatments such as non-surgical facelifts or aesthetics procedures.

A luxuriously unique and natural enzyme formula that helps to rejuvenate new skin cells
OMS Enzyme Exfoliate & Resurface Mask
£59.00

What we mean by 'anti-ageing'

You don't need a scientist to know that over time your skin changes. We get older, and the signs of a life lived become etched across our faces. This in itself is no bad thing, but there are some signs we are happier about than others, and regardless of the treasure trove of experiences we have had, we still want our skin to feel healthy, well and to look its best.

For us, this is where we find the healthiest definition of 'anti-ageing'. Some brands have started referring to being 'age positive'. The emphasis is less on denying age or considering it to be a negative thing, and more on taking care of ourselves and looking and feeling our best at each age.

Helps tone and improve skin texture
Menopause Collagen Face Cream
£30.00

Anti-ageing skincare treatments

There's a wealth of anti-ageing skincare treatments available on the market, all with increasing efficacy. Each of us has different preferences for our skincare approach, and the variety of facial treatments now on the market caters to everyone, whether you want to go down the aesthetics route, technical or natural routes. You can mix and match, and generally tailor your approach to your preferences, budget, skin type and so forth. Some of the most popular anti-ageing treatments include:

Laser Resurfacing
Dermal Fillers
Microdermabrasion
Botox
Chemical peels
Fractional Laser Skin Resurfacing
Non-Ablative Skin Rejuvenation
Microneedling
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy
IPL Photorejuvenation
HydraFacial
CACI facials

There are also a wide variety of holistic facials available, which combine massage techniques and targeted skincare products to boost the appearance of the skin. Most anti-ageing treatments are recommended as part of a course for optimum results.

Super powered by naturally occurring plant hormones
Motivating Morning Facial Serum
£30.00

Best natural anti-ageing skincare ingredients

Our skin starts to show signs of ageing because our hormone levels drop. This has a knock on effect with other elements in our skin and bodies, which make our skin appear youthful. For example, skin loses about 30% of its collagen during the first five years of menopause, and 2% of its collagen every year for the next 20 years. Collagen helps to encourage moisture absorption in the skin, and also promotes cell renewal to keep skin looking firm and supple.

Some of the key ingredients in anti-ageing skincare include:

Hyaluronic acid
Glycolic acid
Ferulic acid
Vitamin C
Vitamin E
Shea butter
Sunflower oil
Jojoba
Geranium essential oil
Soy
Evening Primrose Oil
Clary sage
Orange blossom
Green tea

Contains protective shea butter as well as nurturing sunflower oil and jojoba
Comforting Night Facial Moisturiser
£30.00

Best synthetic skincare ingredients

While there are many synthetic versions or adaptations to anti-ageing skincare ingredients and products, most of the best ingredients are available naturally or are derived from natural sources. However, there are synthetic products that are also extremely beneficial for the skin and that really help to prevent ageing and protect the skin. Perhaps chief amongst them all, and the one most of us know a fair amount about by now, is sunscreen. This low key product is one of the most important parts of any skincare routine in order to keep skin healthy and looking youthful.

It's estimated that 90% of visible skin ageing is due to the effects of UV radiation, which causes proteins in our skin to deteriorate.[1] Research corroborates this oft quoted stat, although we would take it with a pinch of salt as age itself is very much the leading cause of ageing skin. Either way, when it comes to skincare, opt for an SPF that protects against both UVA and UVB rays.

Other popular and highly effective synthetic anti-ageing skincare products include:

Retinol
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)
Ceramides
Peptides

An anti-ageing cleansing oil using 100% natural ingredients
Motivating Morning Facial Cleansing Oil
£20.00

Anti-ageing skincare habits

Finally, it's not just about the products and the treatments that we opt for in our skincare routines, it's also our skincare and lifestyle habits that make a fundamental difference. We have already mentioned daily sun protection, but other ways to help reduce premature skin ageing (and generally feel better each day), are as follows:

Regular facials
Stop smoking
Eat a healthy diet with plenty of fruit and veg
Drink less alcohol
Exercise regularly
Get plenty of fresh air
Cleanse gently
Adopt a regular skincare routine (morning and evening)
Moisturise regularly
Don't use products that irritate your skin
Drink plenty of water as well as fruit and veg that are high in water content (e.g: water melon)