When it comes to looking young and taking care of your wellbeing, it seems that you can suddenly experience a burst of ageing signs for no reason. This can have you running towards your nearest beauty parlour or botox clinic, but once you understand the underlying cause of your ageing skin, you’ll never have to waste your money on scary anti-ageing treatments. What’s the big secret? Water.
According to skincare expert Noella Gabriel, who is in charge of treatments and product development at Elemis, mere dehydration can be the culprit behind your signs of ageing. Whether you’ve recently spent a weekend by the sea, a period of stress or even the changing seasons, many things can have a negative effect on the barrier function of your skin, which leads to water loss. Luckily, it’s a problem that’s easily and inexpensively fixed. Gabriel explains, ‘The drier and more dehydrated the skin is, the more it emphasises existing lines, so things can look much worse than they are. That’s why a great moisturiser is instrumental to a more youthful appearance.’
Sally Penford, Education Manager at The International Dermal Institute, comments, ‘Skin that lacks oils will generally always be dehydrated, too, as reduced barrier lipids increase the likelihood of water loss, reinforcing the problem. If dryness is an issue, introduce a hydrating gel mask or a rich, vitamin-based mask at least twice a week to give skin a good feed and don’t forget to layer on a generous dollop of daily moisturiser to protect from the elements.’
Noella adds, ‘Lifestyle choices are very important and affect the speed of the ageing process. Certain activities, for example smoking, will accelerate the visible effects and, over time, dehydrate and dull the complexion. Creams and serums are key for keeping your skin healthy, helping it hold and retain moisture and improving the condition of dry complexions. Think of it as giving your skin a big drink, packed full of replenishing antioxidants.’
To get a big anti-ageing wellness boost from a small amount of products, you need to avoid alkaline soaps, choose a cleanser that is designed to hydrate, and apply an extra-hydrating but non-greasy moisturiser every day. Sally recommends, ‘Evening primrose oil – a source of gamma linoleic acid – silicones and shea butter work to protect and repair the skin’s barrier function, which can be damaged by changes in temperature, leaving skin red and sensitised. One of the best ingredients to help with this is hyaluronic acid, which holds up to 1,000 times its own weight in moisture. Skin will feel instantly quenched.’
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