Best Products and Ingredients to Combat Premature Ageing
With so many “miracle” serums and creams on the market that promise to diminish your wrinkles overnight, it can be confusing to know which skincare products to choose. But the truth is that there are only a handful of heavy-hitting ingredients that are clinically proven to have anti-ageing effects, which we have outlined below.
Vitamin A & The Retinoid Family
In a nutshell, the retinoid family is a squad of strong ingredients derived from vitamin A, and include retinol, retinal, and tretinoin. Retinoids are considered to be the holy grail anti-ageing ingredient, and for good reason too. They have been found to help boost the quality and frequency of collagen (the protein that gives your skin its structure) production.
Patience is key with retinoids, as it may take up to three to six months of regular use before improvements in wrinkles are apparent—and the best results take six to 12 months. Keep in mind that using vitamin A in topical serums and skincare products should be used with caution, as too much too soon can cause sensitivity, redness and irritation.
Products to try
- 0,5% Retinol – Vitamin A – from R270
- 0,3% Retinol – Oil Based Vitamin A – from R240
- 1% Retinol – Oil Based Vitamin A – from R285
- 0,1% Retinaldehyde – The Powerful Vitamin A – from R285
Peptides
Peptides are molecules made up of short chains of amino acids. They’re most often called the building blocks of proteins, because they are what proteins are made of. Peptides increase the production of collagen (the protein that gives your skin its structure) and have the ability to assist in restoring damaged skin. The result is smoother, healthier, plumper skin.
Product to try
- Peptides + Cu Complex – Anti-Ageing Complex – from R550
SPF
If you use only one product, make it sunscreen! Incorporate it in your daily skincare routine (even if it’s cloudy or you’re planning to be indoors all day), because about 80% of facial skin ageing is due to sun damage from ultraviolet (UV) rays. Our best tip is to choose a sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB, and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30+.
Product to try
- Sunscreen SPF50 – from R160
Vitamin C
L-Ascorbic Acid (Is the most abundant non-enzymatic anti-oxidant in the skin) is a vital nutrient to our overall health and the health of our skin. This powerful antioxidant is essential to the production of collagen in skin cells, and neutralises the free radicals that cause oxidative stress to skin and lead to premature skin ageing. It may also help defend against the damage that UV light can cause. However, it doesn’t absorb UVA or UVB rays, so that doesn’t mean that you can use a vitamin C serum in place of sunscreen.
Although you’re probably getting vitamin C in your diet, there’s no way to guarantee it’s actually going to your skin. Consistently using a vitamin C serum is the most effective and direct way to reap its phenomenal benefits.
Products to try
- 10% Ascorbic Acid + 3% Ferulic Acid – Anhydrous Vitamin C – from R260
- 20% Tetrahexyldecyl – Ascorbate Oil Based Vitamin C – from R390
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is an alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that seems to do it all. It’s widely used for a variety of different skin concerns, including anti-ageing, hyperpigmentation, dryness, and breakouts. This multi-tasking ingredient is a must-have in your anti-ageing kit to exfoliate skin and reduce fine lines, fade dark spots, and even out skin tone and texture.
Product to try
- 6% Glycolic Tonic – Exfoliating Glow Tonic – from R250
