WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT ANTI-AGEING BEAUTY – AND OUR TOP 6 TO TRY

By Bernadette Fallon

There are two secrets to keeping skin in tip-top condition as we age – good hydration and sun protection. 

The sun is the number one offender when it comes to premature ageing, as exposure to harmful UV light speeds up the skin’s natural ageing process. Do remember, wear sun protection every day – not just in summer. 

You should also moisturise regularly and effectively to improve your skin’s appearance and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, with a moisturiser that’s suitable for your skin type and contains effective anti-ageing ingredients.

There are a few ‘super ingredients’ on the market that are designed to improve skin tone and texture and make wrinkles look less visible as you age. So when shopping for beauty products, here’s what you need to look out for:

Vitamin A compounds, such as retinol, and Vitamin C, a potent antioxidant, have long been used to repair sun-damaged skin and reduce fine lines and wrinkles; Vitamins D and E also have powerful anti-ageing properties. 

Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) act as exfoliators that will remove dead skin cells, stimulating the growth of smooth new skin and helping your beauty products absorb better.

Peptides stimulate collagen production, which improves skin elasticity, reduces lines and wrinkles and improves skin texture, for a plumper, more youthful look.

Aloe Vera is a natural ingredient that improves collagen production and skin elasticity, as do plant extracts.

Essential oils, particularly rose, lavender, jojoba, neroli and almond, are deep skin nourishers; Green tea has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, useful for soothing and repairing skin.

Our top 6 to try

Exfoliation is key for smoother, brighter-looking skin and regular exfoliator will also speed up cell renewal to help anti-ageing ingredients work more effectively. Try Cha VøhtzSoft Buff Skin Exfoliator (£23), part of Green People’s Age Defy+ range and specially developed for women over 35, with its scientifically tested plant extracts – including neroli, pomegranate and hibiscus – to promote collagen production, reduce pigmentation and soften wrinkles. The range also includes Purify & Hydrate Cream Cleanser (£29), a jojoba-rich cream cleanser for increased hydration.

Dr Hauschka’s Regenerating range is formulated from medicinal plant extracts designed to support and replenish mature skin. Its Day Cream Intensive (£55) includes richly rejuvenating ingredients such as blackthorn fruit and blossom, as well as almond and olive oil to smooth, reduce dryness and boost radiance for firmer-looking skin. The silky Oil Serum Intensive (£59) is also deeply hydrating.

The neck can be particularly prone to sagging skin. D’Alchemy Neck & Décolletage Wrinkle Refill (£40) contains neroli, rose, lavender and nourishing oils that not only even out and reduce the appearance of existing wrinkles, but also prevent the formation of new ones.

Give your skin a high-tech boost with this compact hand-held device. Silk’n FaceTite (£179) is designed for use on key areas of the face, from the forehead all the way down to the neck, and uses heat to help the skin tighten and stimulate collagen production. Use twice a week for 10 weeks to see best results.