“What can I do about my wrinkles?”

Type that into Google and you’ll find information from all corners of the internet about this universal skin concern - but don’t believe everything you read. We’re debunking some of the big myths out there about wrinkles!

How wrinkles form

Before we get to debunking some of the most common myths around wrinkles, let’s take a look at how they form in the first place.

Collagen and elastin are the proteins that give the skin its structure and firmness. When these proteins break down - due to age or skin damage - the skin begins to lose its shape and doesn’t bounce back like it once did.

This leads to various types of fine lines and wrinkles forming.

Superficial lines: Very fine lines that can be easily improved with the right anti-ageing skincare products.

Dynamic lines: These are laugh lines and eye wrinkles in the corners of your eyes. They are caused by repeated facial expressions - like smiling - but aren’t as obvious when your face is relaxed.

Static wrinkles: These are deep set in the dermal layer of skin and are visible even when your face is relaxed. Some forehead wrinkles and under eye wrinkles are examples.

Now it’s time to debunk some of the most common myths about wrinkles!

Myth #1 - There’s one ‘magic’ product or ingredient that can address all your wrinkle concerns

There is no single magic anti-wrinkle cream or ingredient to erase the appearance of fine lines.

The best anti-ageing skincare routines work to improve the look of wrinkles and age-related concerns in multiple steps. From cleansers and moisturisers to overnight masks and serums, each product can play a role in supporting healthy, firm skin.

Include products in your routine that contain ingredients that can help improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, including:

Hyaluronic acid - Deeply hydrates, keeping skin plump and minimises fine lines.

Vitamin A - Revered for its anti-ageing benefits, Vitamin A can cause the dermis to thicken for firmer skin and brighten skin.

Hydroxy acids - Can remove dead skin cells and are effective in minimising fine lines and wrinkles.

Vitamin C - Minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, brightens and smooths for an even skin tone.

Omega Fatty Acids - Assist in delivering positive changes in skin hydration, scaling, and roughness.

Peptides - Can improve collagen levels, smooth fine lines, and minimise the appearance of pores. 

Myth #2 - The more anti-wrinkle treatments you use, the faster the results

When it comes to your anti-ageing skincare routine - good things come to those who wait!

You need to be patient. Using a whole arsenal of wrinkle treatments doesn’t necessarily mean instant results.

Products improve the look of concerns like under eye wrinkles and forehead wrinkles over time - your skincare efforts will pay off in the long run.

Myth #3 - All sunscreen will help protect your skin from wrinkles

Instead of searching for the ‘best wrinkle cream’ focus on using sunscreen instead - the sun is the number one cause of premature ageing.

The sun’s UV rays are damaging to your skin all year round. Not just during summer or on hot days.

The sun emits two types of rays that affect the skin - UVA and UVB rays.

UVA rays penetrate the skin and speed up the breakdown of collagen, causing wrinkles to develop faster than the natural pace of ageing. UVB rays cause the skin to burn and too much exposure to either UVA or UVB can lead to skin cancers.

Not all sunscreens are created equal - you need to choose one with broad-spectrum protection.

Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. If sunscreen doesn’t provide broad-spectrum protection, your skin is protected against UVB but still vulnerable to the damage of UVA rays.

Wearing daily broad-spectrum SPF is the best way to prevent premature wrinkles and fine lines forming.

We recommend: Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30

Myth #4 - Beyond a certain age, it’s “too late” to address wrinkle concerns

While the saying “Prevention is better than the cure” is true for skincare, even if you don’t get started with a great anti-ageing routine until your later years, all is not lost. The appearance of wrinkles and fine lines can still be improved with the right approach.

That said, it’s never too early to be proactive about protecting your skin - especially with daily SPF - to help slow the signs of ageing.

Myth #5 - “Mum had great skin so I don’t have to worry”

Genetics plays a big role in how your skin will age. If you look at how your mum’s skin has aged, your skin will likely age in a similar way.

However, good genetics can’t make up for things that can damage and age your skin prematurely like smoking, spending too much time in the sun, chronic stress, and poor sleeping habits.

Just because your mum looks great for her age, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t pay attention to how you treat your skin or skip an anti-ageing skincare routine.

Myth #6 - Sticking with the same skincare routine will slow signs of ageing

Consistency is important when it comes to skincare but sticking with the same routine, every year, all year round isn’t always helpful.

Your skin’s needs change not only as you age but also during different seasons of the year.

Your summer routine, for example, might not give the support your skin needs during the colder months. Fine lines and wrinkles may seem more pronounced in winter when the air is less humid and indoor heating quickly strips moisture from the skin.

For your healthiest skin at every age and in every season keep an eye on how your skin is behaving and adjust your skincare routine accordingly.

Best Anti-ageing Skincare Routine

Even if you live a super healthy lifestyle and pay careful attention to your skin, ageing - and the wrinkles that come along with it! - are an inevitable part of life.

The good news is there’s plenty that can be done to improve the look of existing wrinkles and slow the speed at which new ones appear.

We recommend the below skincare routine to assist in improving the appearance of ageing skin concerns, including wrinkles and fine lines.

Gentle cream cleanser

The best anti-ageing skincare cleansers are gentle as skin becomes drier, thinner and more sensitive with age.

Look for cream cleansers enriched with ingredients to plump, hydrate and soften skin. Gentle cleansers won’t strip your skin of natural oils. Cleanse in the morning and evening.

We recommend: The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Anti-Ageing

Antioxidant rich serum - morning and evening

Serums deliver a higher dose of ingredients, including anti-ageing antioxidants and peptides than other anti-aging face creams.

Why? Their smaller molecules allow them to penetrate deeper into the layers of skin.

Choose a serum for the morning and evening which contain combinations of different antioxidants including Vitamin A, Vitamin B3, and Vitamin C.

We recommend: Golden Anti-Ageing Serum

Facial oil to moisturise

Rosehip oil, avocado, jojoba, squalane, and argan are some of the best anti-ageing skincare products. Facial oils are typically a single oil or an oil mixture made up of retinol and acids.

You can replace your moisturiser with a facial oil or add a few drops of facial oil to your moisturiser and apply together.

We recommend: 24K Gold Nourishing Oil

Sunscreen

The #1 step to slowing signs of ageing skin is applying broad-spectrum SPF 30 sunscreen daily.

The best anti-ageing sunscreens also contain active ingredients such as vitamins C and E, sometimes A (retinoids) and B3 to nourish while protecting skin. Finish with a foundation that provides additional sun protection.

We recommend: Skin Shield Natural Sunscreen SPF30 

Hydrating night time mask treatment

Focus on hydration and addressing skin ageing concerns with a mask treatment while you rest.

Mature skin will benefit from overnight masks with antioxidants to fight free radicals and boost collagen and elasticity.

Hyaluronic acid, peptides, and amino acids can assist to soften fine lines, even skin tone, brighten, and strengthen the skin’s barrier.

We recommend: Anti-ageing Repair Gel Booster Mask

Exfoliate weekly

Physical or chemical exfoliation removes dead skin cells from the outer layers which can minimise the look of fine lines and photoaging.

Citric, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinoids, and fruit enzymes clear dead skin, and stimulate collagen renewal.

Include an under eye wrinkle treatment

Provide the delicate skin around your eye with additional anti-aging and firming support for a fresher eye area.

We recommend: Anti-Ageing Eye Serum

 

Need some help putting your best anti-wrinkle skincare routine together? Book your free consultation with our skincare specialists.