Everything about our physical appearance changes over time, and for many, including an anti-ageing face cream in our skincare routines is a natural progression. Skin loses its elasticity and glow as we age, influenced by things such as collagen production, sun exposure, and lifestyle choices. Anti-ageing creams can address some of the issues that arise from these factors. Let’s look at some of the best anti-ageing face creams for younger-looking skin, and learn how to pick the right product for your skin type.
Anti-Ageing Face Creams
Let’s be clear – anti-ageing products cannot magically reverse time. However, they can lessen the visible effects of ageing on your skin. If that’s something you’re interested in then it’s important to include some kind of anti-ageing product into your daily skincare routine.
What are anti-ageing face creams?
Face creams designed to reduce the appearance of ageing often have active ingredients that target common concerns such as:
- Wrinkles
- Fine lines
- Age spots
- Loss of elasticity
These products will often boost hydration, support collagen production, and protect the skin from environmental damage such as harsh sunlight.
How do anti-ageing creams work?
Lots of anti-ageing products hinge on boosting collagen stimulation and increasing cell turnover. Collagen is a structural protein that keeps skin looking firm and smooth, and its production naturally decreases with age. The shedding and replacing of dead skin cells also slows down as we get older, and can lead to dullness, fine lines and uneven skin tone.
Both of these processes can be supported by certain cosmetic ingredients, leading to more youthful-looking skin.
Key Ingredients to Look for in Anti-Ageing Face Creams
Here are some of the most common and effective ingredients found in anti-ageing products.
Retinol and retinoids
Derivatives of vitamin A, retinol and retinoids are some of the most effective anti-ageing ingredients. They increase cell turnover, promote collagen production, and in doing so reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You can find retinol in many over-the-counter products, such as moisturiser, serums, and – of course – anti-ageing face cream. On the other than, retinoids may sometimes require a prescription, depending on their strength.
Hyaluronic acid
A natural molecule found in the skin, hyaluronic acid helps with all things hydration. Hydrated skin naturally looks plumper and firmer than dry skin, so anything that adds moisture will make your skin look fuller and more youthful.
Peptides
These chains of amino acids serve as the building blocks for collagen and elsatin, contributing to collagen production and improving skin elasticity over time.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants aren’t just found in cosmetics – if you have a balanced diet, they’re also likely to be in your fridge and on your plate. Antioxidants help to protect your skin from free radicals, UV rays and pollution; harsh environmental stressors that can take their toll on skin over time.
Choosing the Right Anti-Ageing Skin Cream for Your Skin Type
If you’re wondering what is the best anti-ageing face cream for your skin’s specific needs, look no further.
For dry skin
If your skin is already dry, it’s likely to get even more dry as you age. Look for anti-ageing creams that are rich in moisturising ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides and glycerin. This will help to keep your skin feeling supple and smooth.
For oily or acne-prone skin
If you have naturally oily skin – congrats! You’re less likely to develop fine lines and wrinkles as you age. Still, if you’re concerned about the visual side-effects of ageing, you should look for lightweight, oil-free creams that won’t clog your pores. Aim for something that has retinol, as it is great for acne and acne scars, as well as promoting cell turnover and collagen production.
For sensitive skin
Many anti-ageing creams include chemical exfoliants or harsh retinoids – both of which can cause problems for sensitive skin. Focus on gentle, fragrance-free products with anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation can lead to redness and dryness that can leave your skin looking older than it is.
For combination skin
Salicylic acid products will work wonders for combination skin. As well as sloughing away dead skin cells from dry patches, it will help to unclog pores and even lighten acne scarring from oily areas. The result is a more even, youthful-looking skin tone.
How to Incorporate Anti-Ageing Cream into Your Skincare Routine
Ready to start making anti-ageing cream a part of your daily skincare routine?
When and how to apply
Cleanse and tone your skin before applying anti-ageing cream. Some anti-ageing products, especially those with retinol and retinoids, can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, so it’s recommended to use them at nighttime. Use gentle, upward motions to apply the cream to the face, neck, and decolletage – the areas prone to showing sign to ageing. Try not to pull too harshly on your skin when rubbing in the cream, especially in areas where the skin is thinnest and most sensitive, such as around your eyes.
Complementary products
Some people prefer to have an anti-ageing cream for their face, and a separate, targeted product for their under-eye area. It’s also advisable to use sunscreen as part of your skincare routine if you’re concerned about the signs of ageing – not just because anti-ageing products can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight, but also because sun exposure is one of the key causes of an aged appearance.
Common Myths About Anti-Ageing Face Creams
There are lots of myths surrounding anti-ageing products. Here are some of the ones you might have already heard – and why they’re simply not true.
Myth: The more expensive the cream, the more effective it is
Price doesn’t equal effectiveness – ingredients do. Many affordable creams contain high-quality, active ingredients, so read ingredients lists and consider your skin’s needs rather than getting hung up on the price tag.
Myth: Results are immediate
Skincare is described as a routine, because it needs to be repeated dedicatedly over a long period of time before it will start to work. While some products might appear to instantly smooth or firm your skin, this is often just due to hydration, and any long-term benefits will take weeks or even months of consistent use to become apparent.
Myth: Only mature skin benefits from anti-ageing products
It’s never too early to start taking care of your skin. Not to mention, the ageing process will affect everyone differently, and no two people are guaranteed to look the same at any given age. Using anti-ageing products can help to hold off the signs of ageing further down the line.
Own Your Ageing
Remember, the goal isn’t to erase every pore, line or wrinkle on your face – it's to keep your skin healthy and resilient. With the right skincare routine, you can celebrate your skin as it grows and ages with you, leaving you feeling confident in the skin you’re in at every stage of life. If you’re ready to take control of the effects of ageing and incorporate an anti-ageing face cream into your routine, take a look at the products we recommend.