We can't hold back the signs of skin ageing forever but there are ways to slow them down with a targeted anti-ageing skincare routine and healthy lifestyle choices.

Signs of skin ageing 

The first visible signs of skin ageing start to appear around 25 years old. We all age a little differently - our genetics and lifestyle play a big role in how skin ageing occurs in our 30s and beyond.

• Fine lines and wrinkles: Collagen and elastin are the skin’s support structure. Fine lines and wrinkles appear as collagen and elastin begin to break down and skin loses its strength and elasticity.
  
  
• Dark circles and bags: Dark circles are more prominent in ageing skin. With the loss of collagen and thinning, translucent skin around the eye area means the blood vessels beneath the eyes become more visible. Hyperpigmentation is also part of the natural ageing process and darkening of the skin under the eye is common. Under-eye bags due to ageing occur when the skin under the eye weakens and the sagging forms a pouch.

• Dehydration and rough skin: Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance found in our bodies and plays a key role in skin hydration. With age, it’s harder for the skin to hold onto moisture and the amount of hyaluronic acid produced declines - leaving skin drier and rougher.

• Drooping eyelids: As the skin loses elasticity and thickness, eyelids begin to droop and cause folds of wrinkles. The fat, bone and muscle around your eye play a big role in how prominent drooping is.
  
  
• Age spots and hyperpigmentation: Between the age of 35 to 49 it is common for patches of pigmented skin to increase. These are signs of photo-ageing - the result of repeated exposure to ultraviolet light which causes age spots and hyperpigmentation. Skin can become uneven and dull looking.
  
  
• Crows feet: The wrinkles around your eyes, also known as crows feet, are usually the earliest signs of skin ageing. The skin around the eye is thinner than anywhere else on your face and has a lack of oil glands. 
  
  
• Mouth lines: Lines around the mouth are a telltale sign of skin ageing and there are a few different types. 
  
  
• Superficial lines: Very fine lines that can be easily improved with the right anti-ageing skincare products.
• Dynamic lines: Also known as laugh lines. 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.

Intrinsic ageing vs Extrinsic ageing

Our skin ages in two ways.

The ‘natural’ way - known as intrinsic ageing - is essentially the inevitable process of skin ageing we all experience.

Genetics play a big role in how the individual intrinsic ageing process plays out as do other internal factors like hormone levels, cells and proteins.

The second kind of ageing is caused by external factors like lifestyle and environmental pollutants and is known as extrinsic ageing.

The good news? With the right anti-ageing treatments and healthy lifestyle habits - eating well, sleeping enough and not smoking - you have much more control over slowing this type of skin ageing.

The best skincare ingredients to slow skin ageing 

• Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid draws water into the cells and holds onto it for rapid hydration benefits - it can hold 1000x its weight in water. It deeply hydrates, keeping skin plump and minimises fine lines.
  
  We recommend: esmi Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum (contains Hyaluronic acid)

• Vitamin A: Vitamin A is a fat-soluble vitamin also known as retinal, retinol, retinoic acid, and beta-carotene. Revered for its anti-ageing benefits, Vitamin A can make healthy changes to a cell’s DNA, cause the dermis to thicken for firmer skin and brighten skin. 
  
  We recommend: Anti-Ageing Eye Serum (Contains retinyl palmitate)
  
  
• Hydroxy acids: Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) include glycolic, citric and lactic acid and beta hydroxy acids are used to remove dead skin cells and are effective in minimising fine lines and wrinkles.
  
  We recommend: Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum (contains citric acid and glycolic acid)
  
  
• Vitamin C: Vitamin C is an all star anti-ageing ingredient. Providing free-radical protection, it minimises the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, brightens and smooths for an even skin tone.
  
  
• Omega Fatty Acids: Omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 play a role in maintaining youthful, healthy-looking skin. They deliver positive changes in skin hydration, scaling, and roughness.
  
  We recommend: 24K Gold Nourishing Oil (contains Rosehip oil which is brimming with Omega 3 and Omega 6)
  
  
• Peptides: Peptides are a type of protein that help preserve and boost collagen levels, smooth fine lines, and minimise the appearance of pores.
  
  
• Green tea extract: Packed with antioxidants, green tea extract can protect skin against the harmful effects of UV exposure which includes slowing the signs of premature ageing.

Best anti-ageing skincare routine 

• 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: Beneficial oils for mature skin? 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 and Liquid Mineral Foundation

• 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.vHyaluronic acid, peptides, and amino acids will help 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 minimises the look of fine lines and photoaging. It also helps the skin absorb the ingredients from other products more effectively. Citric, glycolic acid, salicylic acid, retinoids, and fruit enzymes clear dead skin and stimulate collagen renewal.
  
  
• Include an eye 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-ageing skincare routine together? Book your free consultation with our skincare specialists.