While the term ‘anti-ageing’ may be a contentious one (ageing isn’t, after all, some kind of condition you need to battle), there’s nothing wrong with knowing when to adopt a skincare regime that will preserve your skin’s health and vitality in the long term – and how to adopt it.
Because when it comes to skincare, as your body’s others needs change over time, so too does the skin’s. Adequate hydration, good elasticity and abundant collagen levels are all important as time passes by, so a great routine is key to achieving peak levels of each. And your approach should be holistic – as well as what you put on your skin, nourishing your body with antioxidant-rich, nutrient-dense food, avoiding excessive sun exposure, getting plenty of sleep, drinking lots of water and learning to manage your stress levels all have a big impact on how well your skin ages.
But with the influence of social media being more prominent than ever, Dr Niyati Sharma, Moshy consultant dermatologist, explains it can be confusing to understand what to use – and when. Especially with so many young girls jumping on skincare trends they don’t actually need – possibly leading to long term damage.
“Retinoids are very popular in skincare at the moment and rightly so, for their ability to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and reduce irregular pigmentation, roughness and scaly skin,” Dr Sharma said. “But what people need to understand is that if used on skin that is too young, the skin barrier can be damaged and retinoids will do more harm than good,” she explained. Dr Sharma says around 30 is the age when people should consider adding retinoids to their skincare routine, under the guidance of an expert.
“Speaking to a dermatologist or even a GP will take the guesswork out of skincare and ensure you are using something that is right for your skin,” Dr Sharma adds.
“Diet is another important piece of the puzzle when it comes to skincare, as processed sugar can contribute to faster signs of ageing while drinking plenty of water and increasing your intake of flaxseed will hydrate the skin.”
Dr Sharma said as women age, their skin care needs change. She recommends the following, as a guide.
The best skincare product for each age group
Teens
“Cleanse the face morning and night, gentle moisturiser and light daily sunscreen. A cleanser with acne fighting ingredients like alpha-hydroxy acids can help with mild cases of acne. A GP or dermatologist can help with more serious cases of acne.”
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Sunscreen
A high SPF formula with a clean scent, Supreme is our all-rounder that’s perfect for normal to dry skin, or teens who don’t know which SPF is right for them.
Twenties
The sooner you adopt an effective skincare routine, the greater the long-term benefits will be. It’s much better (and less costly) to prevent skin damage than it is to try to correct it later on. Getting the basics right in your twenties means later in life you can just add specific and targeted products to your regime.
“If you didn’t develop a regular skincare routine as a teenager, now is the time to start, but there’s no need for anything too complex. If used regularly, cleanser, serum (vitamin C or niacinamide), moisturiser and sunscreen will be enough.”
tbh Skincare rebound serum
This barrier support serum is like a soothing hug for your skin, calming and comforting even the most angry, irritated, troubled complexions with ease.
Thirties
Your 30: fine lines, dullness and dryness are showing up on your face quicker than invites to weddings and baby showers, thanks to slowing skin cell turnover and the accrued impact of environmental and genetic ageing. Add in fresh levels of stress – perhaps more seniority at work or fertility struggles – and it’s easy to see how your complexion is starting to change.
“This is the decade when skin cell turnover starts slowing down, contributing to dryness, dullness and increased appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Using retinol (a potent vitamin A derivative) is now appropriate. However best introduced under the guidance of a medical professional. A basic routine should involve cleanser, serum, moisturiser and sunscreen. In the evening, add the retinol and an eye cream.”
La Roche Posay Retinol B3 Anti-Ageing Serum
RETINOL B3 Serum is an anti-ageing serum with pure retinol to resurface and renew the look of fine lines, deep wrinkles and dark spots. Designed for sensitive skin without compromising on efficacy.
Forties and beyond
If you’ve been wedded to the same skincare brands for decades, then now’s the time for a rethink. Why? Well, because, just as your sense of style has likely shifted from the nineties to now, so has your complexion – and your skin now has completely different needs to those of your twenty-something self.
“With perimenopause and menopause setting in, skin starts to become dry. You’ll want to stick with the same routine established in your 30s but make sure you are using extra hydrating products. Add retinoid if possible, with a prescription from a dermatologist or GP, to address sun-damaged skin, wrinkles and pigmentary issues.”
It’s also a good time to shift focus towards promoting collagen and elastin: the duo of proteins that keep your complexion plump. Production of both slows from your mid twenties, and now is the time to go hardcore on reigniting them.
Caudalie Resveratrol-lift Firming Cashmere Cream
No.1 in anti-ageing in France, Caudalie’s Resveratrol-Lift Firming Cashmere Cream corrects wrinkles and firms skin.
Womenshealth.com.au provides reviews and recommendations to help you find the right product. Products you purchase through links on this page may earn us a small commission
