It's no secret our skin changes as we age. From acne in your teens to the first signs of ageing in your 30s, our skin is constantly changing throughout different stages of our lives; so, too, should your skincare regimen! Where you once invested in skincare to target acne, you may find yourself having to turn to skincare for wrinkles and fine lines on the face. 

With a myriad of products on the market, it can be incredibly confusing to choose and know what products really work—particularly when it comes to anti-ageing skincare. Of course, there are tried and true products that not only work to improve the appearance of your skin but also help fight visible signs of ageing, like fine lines and wrinkles, as you use them consistently over time. 

In this article, we'll break down four anti-ageing skincare heroes that are formulated to fight the signs of skin ageing,  leaving your skin looking and feeling at its best as you age.

1. Retinol

Retinol is perhaps the most widely known and used anti-ageing skincare product, and this is for a very good reason – it works!

What is Retinol?

A derivative of Vitamin A, an essential nutrient important in growth and cell division, Retinol is an ingredient used in many skincare products. As a topical treatment, it's available in creams, serums, gels, and more. When applied topically to the skin, Retinol speeds up skin cell turnover, which can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

The key to how Retinol works for anti-ageing lies in its ability to increase the renewal of skin cells and boost collagen production. As we age, the body's natural collagen production begins to slow down, and skin loses elasticity. That's why introducing a product like a Retinol treatment to your skincare regimen is super important for helping reduce the signs of skin ageing.

Retinol needs to be used with care, as too much (especially on sensitive skin) or using it without moisturiser or sunscreen can cause damage, dehydration and irritation.

2. Sunscreen

Sunscreen is one of those products everyone needs to use regularly throughout their whole lives, not just to prevent premature skin ageing and sun damage but also to decrease your risk of skin cancers.

How does sunscreen work?

Sunscreen comes in two types: chemical sunscreen and physical sunscreen.

Physical or mineral sunscreen ingredients, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, reflect and scatter the sun's rays before they penetrate the skin. Conversely, chemical sunscreen ingredients, like avobenzone and octisalate, absorb UV rays before they're able to damage the skin.

UV rays can speed up the breakdown of collagen and elastin, and sun damage is one of the main causes of photoageing in the skin, which can lead to premature skin ageing. By adding sunscreen to your daily regimen, you're actively protecting your skin from harmful UV rays.

It's important to find a product with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor), as this number determines the amount of time you can be in the sun without burning. 

3. Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic Acid (HA) is a hydrating hero that's been getting a lot of hype over the last few years. As a humectant, a substance that attracts and retains moisture, HA can bind over a thousand times its weight in water.

How does Hyaluronic Acid work?

Hyaluronic Acid is a naturally occurring substance in the body and is mainly found in the eyes and, of course, the skin. With age, the production of HA in the skin decreases as well as our skin's ability to retain water, which can result in our skin losing its hydration and plumpness.

That's where skincare products with Hyaluronic Acid come in handy. Introducing a serum, lotion or cream that contains HA to your regimen is an easy way to replenish lost moisture, enhance skin elasticity and help decrease the depth and appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

4. Bakuchiol

Bakuchiol is the latest skincare craze to pop up, offering the same anti-ageing benefits Retinol does but in a gentler, more natural formulation.

What is Bakuchiol?

Bakuchiol comes from the seeds of Psoralea Corylifolia (also known as the babchi plant), which is commonly found in Ayurveda and Eastern medicine. It is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive skin, and works to renew the skin's cells and improve collagen by increasing cell turnover. By accelerating skin cell renewal, bakuchiol can help improve the appearance of skin texture and signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles.

Starting Your Anti-Ageing Skincare Journey

By using any of these four products in your skincare regimen, you can start fighting the visible signs of skin ageing to maintain youthful-looking skin for longer.