Skin will age; there’s no getting around it. Some people accept that with a smile, while others will choose to try and slow down the process; both are right, do whatever will make you happy, I say. But do you know what changes to expect either way? Some things are obvious like fine lines and wrinkles, but others may come as a surprise to you.
Whether you’re looking for anti-ageing tips or are just curious to understand your skin a little better, here’s what you can expect.
1. Your Skin’s Firmness Will Change
Every year after we reach the age of 25, our skin’s elastin and collagen levels drop by 1%. If you don’t know what that means, they’re the building blocks of our skin and are responsible for keeping wrinkles at bay, and our skin taut and youthful. As you can imagine, when these decrease everything slowly starts to go south, which is why many people experience sagging, and loss of firmness.
If you’d like to help maintain your skin’s elasticity, there are lots of innovative products that can help. The range I recommend is Eucerin Hyaluron Filler + Elasticity; every formula contains Arctiin, an active ingredient that accelerates collagen renewal, as well as silymarin, a powerful antioxidant that protects elastin and collagen from degrading further. If you’re not sure where to start, add the day cream into your routine – the creamy texture feels ultra-nourishing and sits wonderfully under makeup.
2. You’ll Notice Fine Lines & Wrinkles
Loss of collagen doesn’t only affect the firmness of your skin, it’s also the cause of one of the most talked-about signs of ageing: wrinkles. As collagen decreases, skin loses its elasticity, which in turn causes fine lines and wrinkles. Other things like sun exposure, smoking and dehydration – to name but a few – can also be contributing factors.
If you’re not a fan of your wrinkles, there’s only one ingredient to turn to; retinol is the only proven ingredient to reverse signs of ageing. If you’ve never heard of it, it’s a derivative of vitamin A, and can be quite potent, so it’s worth doing your research on formulas and potency before putting it on your face. My recommendation is La Roche-Posay Redermic [R], it contains a low dose at 0.3%, and is made with sensitive skin in mind – it’s a great entry point!
Tip: Retinol is a potent ingredient; integrate it into your routine slowly and gently.
Curious about retinol? Find out more, and how to use it here.
3. Your Skin May Become More Dry
If you’re skincare savvy, you may have heard of hyaluronic acid. It’s a molecule found in our bodies that can hold 1000 times its weight in water; it helps our skin retain moisture. But as we age, and through exposure to the sun, tobacco smoke and pollution, the amount found in our skin decreases. But that’s not all that decreases, unfortunately; hormones also plummet, which causes the skin to create less natural moisturising factor. The skin also contains fewer lipids, which are responsible for preventing moisture loss. The result of all of this? Yes, you guessed it dry skin.
If you’re suffering from age-induced dry skin, you’ll be able to feel it; your face will feel tight, rough and could look flaky. You needn’t take it lying down though, especially when there’s hyaluronic acid-infused skincare. Add a face cream into your routine that’s packed with hydration. And when it comes to hyaluronic acid serums, the NIOD Multi-Molecular HA Complex is one of the elite; it’s made with 15 forms of skin-plumping hyaluronic acid that nourishes your skin and encourages its natural production of hyaluronic acid too.
Tip: If your skin is dry, try to avoid extreme climates. Very hot and cold air can upset the skin’s moisture balance further.
4. Age Spots Could Start To Appear
On a recent #NightInWithEscentual we learnt that 90% of people over the age of 55 have age spots (also known as liver spots). A form of hyperpigmentation, these spots, which are usually brown, black or grey happen when melanin (the natural pigment of our skin that gives it its colour) becomes clumped in the skin. Years of sun exposure are usually the culprit; however, genetics and hormones can also be the cause.
If you’re keen to prevent age spots, be cautious in the sun. Wear SPF every day without fail, and be sure to reapply frequently (see our favourites here). If you’ve already started to notice them and would like to see them gone stop your search with the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum. The best-selling serum contains viniferine, a hero ingredient that’s proven to be 62 times more effective than vitamin C at evening and brightening the complexion. It not only helps fade the look of dark spots, but it also helps to stop them from reappearing.
Tip: No matter your age, wear sunscreen, whatever the weather!
Learn more about hyperpigmentation on #NightInWithEscentual.
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Hannah
Caudalie Vinoperfect Brightening Dark Spot Serum 30ml
I am still in my young age therefore I prefer using very light moisturiser or just serum alone to keep my skin fresh and breathable all the time. I first purchased this serum in the summer because it was very frequently used in many of the make up artist Lisa Eldridge's videos and I'm such a big fan of her so I decided to give it a try. For product like serum I think it would take about 2-3 months to really see the different deeply in your skin texture and complexion since it is so light and easy to sink in your skin to work it from below the surface. I didnt expect to see a miracle after 1 or 2 weeks but I think I have found it now, when the last drops of my first bottle is up and the second purchase is on the way. My skin was a bit dull and I also have a lot of dryness around my mouth area as well as under my eye circle especially after cleansing my face, no matter how gentle the cleanser is. After a few months of using this serum, I can see that my skin becomes softer and really glows. My mom said that my skin looks even better now than it was in the summer. I use caudalie serum twice a day, with moisturiser in the morning and just serum alone before I go to sleep. It may sound odd to some people but I think skin can heal itself during sleep without the help of heavy night cream (I also affraid of break out so I just leave it clear). The smell is just so lovely and relaxing, I wish they do shower gel and body lotion with this smell too. The pump is smart, I only need 1 small pump per use, rubbing it on my hands and gentlly dapping it all over my face until everything is absorbed. It leaves no trace on, not sticky, not tightening, just feels fresh but it really works. Overall, I am very happy with this product, it is one of the best serums that I've ever used, furthermore, the price is great. I mean it is definately not the cheapest serum u can find but with the quality and result it gives, among all serums that I have used, I would say it is as good as the Lancome youth activate or the Guerlain super aqua and only half of the price.
