Whatever age we are, the health and condition of our skin is a concern, especially when it comes to anti-ageing. While our teens and twenties can seem irrelevant in the ageing process, they are in fact the very best time to protect and prevent against ageing. As we get older and hit our thirties, forties and beyond, we need to introduce new formulas and ingredients into our regime. Read on to discover the best plan of action for your age group…
In your 20s
Your 20s are all about protecting and preventing future damage. Although it may seem early, this is the best time to start targeting ageing. As alcohol, pollution and stress are usually a part of life in our younger years and can all accelerate ageing, taking care of your skin now will help prevent damage that could unveil itself in later life. The most important thing is to wear an effective, high coverage SPF on your face every day no matter what the weather looks like. The Sisley Super Soin Solaire Facial SPF 50+ PA++++ offers high level UVA and UVB protection, and feels ultra-light on skin.
Your 20s are a perfect time to inject some antioxidants into your routine, too. These will help protect from aggressors such as pollution and keep the complexion at optimum health. Our favourite? Vitamin C. Try Dr Dennis Gross’ C+ Collagen Brighten & Firm Vitamin C Serum, which reaches the deeper levels of the dermis as well as aiding the skin’s surface. Other top tips include always removing your makeup before bed (no matter how late your night is!) and starting to use an eye cream to offset premature lines and thinning; we recommend a light gel formula such as Oskia’s Eye Wonder.
In your 30s
In your 30s collagen levels begin depleting, cell regeneration slows and the active nature of your twenties can begin to take their toll, all leading to fine lines, a loss of elasticity and a duller complexion. This period of life is therefore about pumping collagen back into the skin, both topically and from the inside out. The Beauty Chef’s genius Collagen Inner Beauty Boost is a great way to stimulate collagen levels, and can be taken with a glass of water anytime during the day.
Take a double-pronged approach and apply the Sarah Chapman Stem Cell Collagen Activator Duo twice daily for four weeks to reduce any damage caused by a loss of collagen. This clever treatment uses stem cell technology to tighten, plump and transform skin. To encourage cell turnover, your 30s should revolve around exfoliation. Use the Darphin Age Defying Dermabrasion two to three times a week; this formula sloughs away dead skin and reduces the appearance of pores, fine lines and even dark spots when used continuously. Another thing not to forget during this phase of your life is that signs of ageing are often most prominent on the hands and neck, as well as on your face. To combat these, use an intensive neck treatment daily (such as Rodial’s Chin & Neck Lift) and apply hand cream regularly.
In your 40s-50s
As you hit your 40s, 50s and beyond, it’s all about hydration, hydration, hydration. Skin at this age can feel dry and thin due to the lack of collagen, elasticity and natural oils. This in turn manifests itself in deeper lines and unwanted wrinkles, which are best targeted with nourishing formulas and targeted anti-ageing products. Incorporating ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine is a must at any age, but especially when you hit later life. The Dr Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Serum uses short chain hyaluronic molecules to penetrate deep into the skin, while long chain molecules work on the upper surface layers.
Follow with a deeply moisturising, rich cream such as Natura Bisse Diamond Extreme (during the day) or Aurelia Probiotic Skincare Cell Revitalise Night Moisturiser (for night), and skin will be drenched in hydration. If you haven’t already, now is the time to turn to retinoids too. Retinol is a form of vitamin A, which aids skin renewal and helps with collagen production. This wonder ingredient can also help to reverse side effects of sun damage which lead to ageing. Last but not least, always remember your eyes; as we age, the skin beneath our eyes can become thin and sag, therefore it may need extra attention. Invest in a rich treatment such as VENeffect’s Anti-Ageing Eye Treatment which targets crows feet and fine lines, as well as brightening dark circles and puffiness.
