Anti-Ageing

The foundation of any effective skincare routine, cleansing removes dirt, oil and make up, helping to prevent clogged pores and breakouts. 

For mature skin, opt for gentle cleansers that are free-from harsh chemicals and fragrances. Vitamins C and E, Polyphenols and Glycerine are good ingredients to look out for – they’ll help to hydrate, repair and soothe your skin, keeping it looking and feeling fresh. 

Dry skin is more vulnerable to irritation and irritants and can result in redness, flaking and more pronounced wrinkles. Always cleanse using lukewarm water to avoid damaging your skin barrier, and apply your cleanser with gentle circular motions, before rinsing thoroughly and patting your skin dry with a soft towel. Depending on your skin type, you should aim to have a quick cleanse in the morning and a more thorough cleanse at night (although if your skin is particularly dry, you can skip the morning cleanse).

Exfoliation should be part and parcel of every anti-ageing routine. It helps to remove dead skin cells, revealing visibly smoother, brighter skin. However, it’s important to use the right products for gentle exfoliation, especially for mature skin.

There are two types of exfoliators. The first is ‘physical’ exfoliators, which predominantly include scrubs containing small particles that gently buff away dead skin cells. The second is ‘chemical’ exfoliants, which use acids like Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) or Beta-Hydroxy Acids (BHAs) to dissolve the glue that holds dead skin cells together.

Over-exfoliation can irritate and damage the skin, so start with once a week and work your way up to the intended usage, depending on how your skin is tolerating it. Always use exfoliating acids in the evening as they can make skin more sensitive to UV light. As you apply, always avoid the delicate eye area and follow with a hydrating serum and nourishing moisturiser.

Serums can be transformative for skin, as they provide an effective way to target specific skin concerns. They’re ideal for signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, fine lines and uneven skin tone, as they can deliver concentrated doses of active ingredients in a lightweight format. You can even layer different serums to tackle several issues at once.

For anti-ageing properties, look for serums that contain any or all of these key ingredients: Retinol, which is pro collagen and reduces the appearance of wrinkles; Hyaluronic Acid, which draws in moisture for hydration and plumping; Niacinamide, otherwise known as Vitamin B, which helps to maintain a healthy skin barrier; and Vitamin C, an antioxidant that helps to protect the skin from environmental damage.

Apply your serums after cleansing and exfoliating, and before moisturising. If you’re using more than one serum, always start with the thinnest and gradually move on to thicker textures. If you have time, it’s best to wait a minute or so for each serum to fully absorb before adding the next product.

As skin ages, its natural oil production decreases, which can lead to dryness, an impaired skin barrier and loss of radiance. Moisturising helps to replenish these oils, maintaining a healthy moisture barrier and keeping skin hydrated, firm and protected.

Choose a moisturiser that’s formulated for mature skin, and look for ingredients like Ceramides, Peptides, Retinol and Hyaluronic Acid.

Moisturise your face twice a day (although only use Retinol in the evening as it can make skin more sensitive to UV light), using a thicker formula at night for extra hydration, with an eye cream for targeting the delicate under-eye area. Don’t forget to moisturise your neck and décolletage too. 

Sun damage is one of the primary causes of premature ageing, and exposure to harmful UV rays can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, age spots and even skin cancer. Protecting your skin from harmful UV rays is essential for keeping your skin looking and feeling youthful and healthy.

On sunny days, especially between the hottest hours of 10am and 4pm, stay in the shade or wear protective clothing like hats, sunglasses and long sleeves.

Look for a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, that protects against both UVA and UVB rays (look out for the term ‘broad-spectrum’). Apply generously every morning and consider reapplying if you’re sweating or swimming. For days where you’ll be in direct sunlight for extended periods of time, reapply every two hours. If you’re using active ingredients like Retinol or exfoliating acids in your evening routine, it’s even more important to make sure you are protected from the sun, as these ingredients can make skin more sensitive to the sun.