What causes skin ageing?
There are many factors that contribute to skin ageing, however, most can be divided into intrinsic or extrinsic categories. Intrinsic is a genetically determined process. Meaning, it reflects the background of an individual and results from the passage of time. Extrinsic is in your control and is a result of lifestyle and environmental factors, some of which include: poor nutrition, smoking, excessive use of alcohol, and of course, sun exposure.
When to start protecting your skin from the signs of ageing The best way to prevent ageing is by staying out of the sun and wearing a daily broad spectrum SPF, religiously. However, while we can try to slow down the signs of ageing we are all going to age.
There is no ‘perfect’ time to start targeting the signs of ageing with skincare. Predominantly because most products targeted at ‘anti-ageing’ or ageing skin are designed to tackle skin concerns like pigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles etc. So you can start to use them when you start to notice these skin issues. (Or! Get in early and try to prevent these concerns from surfacing.) If you’re someone who grew up on the beach, say, you may want to start incorporating such products sooner, in comparison to someone who doesn’t have early sun damage concerns. Your routine depends on your needs.
How to reduce fine lines and wrinkles.
Even though facial lines are a normal part of life (and we’re ok with that!), they’re not all caused by living/smiling/laughing at goat pics. Which is a good thing. It means some fine lines and wrinkles can actually be prevented. To do that? Use skincare with good quality antioxidants. Exfoliate! Often! Get yourself a silk pillowcase to prevent creasing while you sleep. And use sun protection every single day.
Speaking of good skincare. Go-To’s Very Amazing Retinal is a powerful-but-gentle vitamin A serum that is clinically proven* to reduce the appearance of fine lines, and improve skin tone, texture, and elasticity. You could also reach for Much Plumper Skin, our hydrating serum packed with peptides, provitamin B5, and four types of hyaluronic acid to expertly quench skin. The perfect product to promote firmness and reduce the depth of wrinkles for juicier skin, stat. And Very Luxe Face Cream too. A rich moisturiser to help you age mindfully. With vegan collagen, pink algae and Australian kangaroo paw flower, this cream is clinically proven** to increase skin firmness, smoothness and overall barrier function.
*Based on a 12 week clinical trial of 33 participants.
**Based on a 12 week clinical trial of 30 participants.
What is the best skincare for ageing skin?
If you’re looking for a small but mighty army of ingredients to combat ageing, here’s what we recommend incorporating into your skincare routine.
Retinoids (vitamin A) are an all-star ingredient for helping to fade pigmentation, treat fine lines and wrinkles, and improve skin elasticity and bounce. But retinoids can be tricky! It’s best to start slow and gradually build up tolerance, or risk damaging your moisture barrier.
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are a chemical active that is going to help exfoliate the skin, remove dead cells, and stimulate collagen production. You might find lactic, mandelic, glycolic on the back of many exfoliators and toners - add these to cart if you’re experiencing dullness, or seeing fine lines and hyperpigmentation creep in.
Peptides; the building block of our skin. Found in skincare products, they aid in the production of collagen and maintaining elasticity in the skin. They’re also extremely popular as they’re unlikely to irritate the skin. Slot these into your routine if you’re looking for extra plumpness.
Powerful antioxidants, like vitamin C. A proven free radical defender (UV rays, environmental toxins, smoking), collagen stimulator, and skin brightener. A triple threat. And a go-to ingredient if you’re looking for short and long term anti-ageing benefits.
Finally, one of the most well-known external ageing defenders, SPF. The sooner you implement a broad spectrum sunscreen into your daily routine, the better. Because angry UV rays cause unhelpful things like skin sagging, rough texture, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles, and dullness.
How long will it take to see results from anti-ageing products?
Good question! Slightly annoying answer! Results take time.
There are a few notable exceptions like sheet masks, hyaluronic acid, and generally speaking, moisturisers and face creams, which can have an instant and visible effect on your skin, because they immediately hydrate and soothe the skin after application. But most other products require patience and consistency to be effective. With vitamin C you can start to notice a more even skin tone as early as 3-4 weeks.
With vitamin E your face will start to see more obvious results around the 8-10 week mark. AHAs and BHAs can be quick, a couple of days, but the best results will accumulate over time with extended use. Then there’s retinoids, which can take 3-6 months for visible change. With evidence for ongoing improvement up to 24 months.