Ageing Skin

Skin ageing is marked by loss of collagen and elastin which results in reduced skin elasticity, sagging and thinning. There are intrinsic causes of skin ageing. These are mainly genetics and biological factors like reduced blood supply and reduced cell regeneration which occurs with time. In addition, there are extrinsic (and avoidable) causes of ageing skin such as sun damage and pollution. In addition, poor nutrition and lack of proper skincare can also speed up skin ageing. Understanding these is vital to building an effective ageing skin routine.

Regardless of your skin type, there are some key skincare steps that can reduce the signs of skin ageing. A good skincare routine for ageing skin should aim to prevent any further triggers of skin ageing and reduce or reverse signs of the skin ageing such as hyperpigmentation, volume loss and fine lines and wrinkles.

“Ageing skin is common to all skin types and is caused by both internal and external factors. The focus of any skincare routine for ageing skin should be preventing further ageing and focus on changes such as loss of volume and elasticity, wrinkles as well as pigmentatory changes.”

Best Skincare Routine for Ageing Skin

In addition to understanding your skin type you should identify your main skincare concerns and goals. For ageing skin this your concerns wrinkles, sun spots, melasma and/or loss of volume. Your goals on the other hand might be smoother, tighter and brighter skin. The best anti ageing skincare routine will help you protect your skin and reduce the appearance of ageing skin by treating wrinkles, skin laxity and hyperpigmentation.

The Best Anti-Ageing Skincare Ingredients For Ageing Skin

• Exfoliating acids & enzymes: these all help to remove dead skin cells and improve skin texture. They also brighten the skin and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic acid are excellent if your skin is dry whilst beta hydroxy acids work best for oily or combination skin. Polyhydroxy acid and enzyme exfoliants are excellent choices for those with sensitive skin.
• Retinoids: these come in a variety of formulations and include Retinol and Tretinoin. Retinoids are the most powerful anti-ageing topical skincare ingredients. They smooth skin texture, improve the appearance of wrinkles and fade hyperpigmentation. Tretinoin and other retinoids can also be combined with Hydroquinone to tackle hyperpigmentation and melasma.
• Vitamin C: this very powerful anti-oxidant protects the skin from damage caused by free radicals. It also helps to brighten the skin and fades sun spots and other types of hyperpigmentation.
• Hyaluronic acid, Beta glucan & Polyglutamic acid: these ingredients attract water to the skin. They can help to hydrate ageing skin which reduces the appearance of fine lines.
• Squalane: this is a light plant-based oil which helps seal in moisture. It plumps up the skin and minimises the appearance of lines and wrinkles.
• Peptides: these are small chains of amino acids that can help to stimulate collagen production in the skin. Peptides can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and improve skin elasticity.
• Niacinamide: this has a variety of benefits for the skin, including reducing the appearance of pores, brightening the skin, and improving skin texture.

Daily Skincare Routine

Mornings

• Cleanser: use a gentle hydrating cleanser.
• Toner: apply an acid exfoliating toner (AHA for dry/normal skin, BHA for oily/combination skin and PHA for sensitive skin).
• Actives: use a Vitamin C serum to brighten skin. Also use niacinamide if enlarged pores, texture or hyperpigmentation are a problem.
• Moisturiser: apply a hydrating product that ideally contains hyaluronic acid, peptides, Vitamins B5 and E.
• Sunscreen: protect your skin with at least SPF 30 even if it’s cloudy or you’re indoors.

Evenings

• Double Cleansers: use a cleansing oil or balm to remove all traces of makeup and pollutants. Follow up with your hydrating morning cleanser.
• Actives: at night should use either Retinol or a prescription retinoid like Tretinoin.
• Moisturiser: use a rich emolliating and occlusive night moisturiser to seal hydration and rebuild your skin’s barrier. Finish off your night time routine by applying a hydrating eye cream either containing retinol or using your own retinoid sandwiched between two layers of your eye cream. This will help brighten dark under eye circles and smooth away smile lines.

Weekly Skincare Routine

Once a week you should set aside a little time to amplify your skincare routine by following this two step facial:

• Active Mask: use an enzyme or exfoliating acid mask to remove dead skin cells, increase cell turn over and resurface the skin.
• Reparative Mask: use a nourishing hydrating face mask to repair and restore your skin.

Professional Treatments

Skincare is a vital part of any anti skin ageing treatment routine. You may want to consider personalised anti-ageing treatments which may contain things like Tretinoin and Hydroquinone to help reduce the appearance of wrinkles and treat hyperpigmentation and melasma.

For ageing skin there are several professional treatment options which can complement and enhance the effects of your skincare routine. The best anti-ageing professional treatments include chemical peels, collagen induction therapy and of course treatments like Botox anti-wrinkle injections, Profhilo and dermal fillers. If you want a faster acting solution for wrinkles and lines then explore our anti-wrinkle injections using Botox and fillers.