Ageing skin may be a fact of life, but it’s definitely something we have a lot of
control over. There are a few biological factors that affect our skin’s ageing process (genetics and existing skin conditions for example) but the biggest culprits for ageing skin are environmental. This is fantastic news for all of us as it means we can treat, replenish and protect our skin with a few simple skincare tips.
The best way to maintain a youthful glow is to do just that – maintain it. If you can cement a consistent and effective routine before your skin starts to age, you’re onto a winner. But don’t worry, all’s not lost if you’re a little further down the line. With a few handy tips, tricks and a steer in the right direction, you’ll be rolling back the clock in no time.
And it looks like you’re in luck, because that’s exactly what we’re here for. As a specialist in medical-grade products, crafting our clients effective and results-driven skincare routines is our mission statement.
How you adapt your routine to target the symptoms of ageing depends on what stage you’re at in the process and what your skin needs. In this blog, we’ll cover:
- How to maintain a youthful appearance and prevent your skin from ageing prematurely
- How to tackle the first signs of ageing such as fine lines and a lacklustre complexion.
- How to turn back time and beat back the more advanced ageing symptoms such as wrinkles and age spots.
As a baseline, you should cleanse twice a day, use SPF, moisturise morning and night and exfoliate your skin one or two times per week. Then, depending on your concerns, there are a few extra things you can do to combat symptoms of ageing. Prefer to take the guesswork out of your skincare routine? Book a free skincare consultation with a Skin Expert now.
Read on to find out more about how you can make sure your skincare routine will work for you.
Prevent premature skin ageing
Got silky smooth skin and want to keep it that way? SPF should be your first port of call. Sun exposure is the number one culprit of premature skin ageing, so (if you haven’t already) make UVA, UVB I-RA and HEV light protection a priority in your daily skincare regime. And yes, that goes for the cooler months as well – clouds will not shield you!
For maximum protection apply a product with SPF 30 (at the very least) 30 minutes before sun exposure. This allows the formula to settle into your skin. Keep that health-and-beauty-preserving barrier topped up with regular reapplication every two hours. You should also reapply SPF if you’ve sweated excessively or been in water. This is a necessary step as, though many products promise water resistance, they are not waterproof.
Product Recommendation - ZO Skin Health Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30
Titanium dioxide provides broad-spectrum sun protection to guard your skin against UVA and UVB rays. Plus, it contains smoothing silicones that help perfect the appearance of fine lines, making it the perfect product to use before makeup application.
Aside from SPF application, you should focus on maintaining a solid skincare routine. Make sure you remove any make up and cleanse morning and night to keep skin clear of blemishes and maintain an even complexion. Exfoliate once or twice a week to slough away dead skin cells and combat any dryness with a hydrating moisturiser.
Fight the first signs of ageing
Everyone’s skin ages at a different rate, depending on their lifestyle and genetic makeup. That being said, most people start to notice a few fine lines and wrinkles as they approach and ease into their 40s.
If you’re starting to see a spot of hyperpigmentation here, or a wrinkle there and you’d rather not, there are a few things you can plug your routine with to fight off those first signs of ageing.
First off, SPF. No matter your age or skin type, everyone should be applying SPF 30 every single day. Plus, if you’re starting to see some age spots, reducing the damage from sun exposure will ensure they don’t become more pronounced.
When fine lines start to creep up on you, that’s when you’ve got to up the ante and muscle down with your skincare. Use a toner or exfoliant that contains glycolic acid every couple of days to dissolve dead skin cells. This clever AHA melts the bonds between dull, patchy cells on the skin’s surface to reveal the more radiant layer of skin beneath. Fine lines will appear less apparent and you’ll have your glow back.
Product Recommendation - ZO Skin Health Complexion Renewal Pads
Break down that dull, dead top layer with these dual action pads. Specifically textured to boost epidermal exfoliation and with a decent hit of glycolic acid, you’ll be looking radiant in no time.
How to truly turn back time
If you're experiencing more obvious signs and symptoms of ageing, don’t be afraid to pull out all the stops if you want to give sagging skin and worrisome wrinkles the boot.
If turning back the clock is your goal, your best friend will be none other than vitamin A. Also known as retinol, this skin rejuvenator should definitely feature in your routine if you’re looking to beat back signs of ageing.
Retinol comes in all sorts of lotions and potions, but we recommend using this ingredient in the form of a serum. They may be a bit pricier, but think of it as an investment. Serums contain higher concentrations of active ingredients and promise better efficacy. You also don’t have to use much product, so one purchase will go further.
Product Recommendation - ZO Skin Health Radical Night Repair
Formulated with 1% retinol and a clever mix of vitamins C and E, this savvy serum packs an anti-ageing punch. It’s certainly a must-have if you’re looking to even out your skin’s texture and tone.
When applying retinol, remember that it increases your skin’s sensitivity to harmful UV rays. This is why it’s best to apply at night. Retinol can also be quite harsh, so when you start using this ingredient, it’s best to begin with lower concentrations and work your way up. The best way to know how much you need is to consult a skin expert. We have plenty of pros on hand to help advise you on what products and concentrations will be best for your skin.
In summary
We hope that these tips and tricks will help you supplement your skincare routine with the right techniques and ingredients. What you use really depends on your skin and your own personal concerns.
It’s worth remembering that, although these ingredients and tips do work, the fancier things won’t have the desired effects if you neglect the basics. Always cleanse your face twice a day, never forget SPF and keep your skin hydrated with a good quality moisturiser.
If you need any more advice on how to craft the best anti-ageing skincare routine for you, speak to one of our skincare professionals. You can book a free online consultation with a Skin Expert by clicking the button below.
