We all want younger looking skin, but finding ways to ward off the hands of time without resorting to surgery can be difficult. The good news is that it isn’t impossible. These tips are easy to add into your daily routine and can offer you results very quickly when used regularly.
How to ward off wrinkles
You may feel as though you need a chemistry degree to navigate anti-ageing cosmetics these days, but you’re not alone. According to beauty surveys, 33 per cent of women say that choosing a skin care product is more confusing to them than filing their taxes. The main problem is that there’s so many to choose from that you get overwhelmed with choice. The best thing to do is to find a product that is loaded with healthy, skin-loving ingredients to improve the condition of your skin and to prepare it against ageing. Sunlight, toxins and pollution are all damaging to your skin and can increase inflammation which breaks down collagen, the key factor for keeping your skin supple. You need to look for antioxidants which neutralise free radicals before they do any harm and enable cells to repair any damage that’s already been caused. Look for vitamin C and E, ferulic acid and lycopene.
How to fight spots
Spots are a sign of sun damage that’s built up, and it can lead to uneven skin tone which can age you very quickly. There are ways to get even though, if you know what you’re looking for. Your superstar ingredient is hydroquinone, which dermatologists consider to be the gold standard for fading spots. It’s available in prescription form (four per cent strength) and over the counter (two per cent strength) and it works by breaking down the melanin in the spots. Apply a thin layer of the serum over your face twice a day and top it with sunscreen.
How to prevent dullness
As we age, our skin becomes dull due to the slowing down of cell turnover, causing a build-up of dead skin. The cells in the T-zone, where there are more oil glands, are usually replaced quicker than on other areas of the face, and this leads to a patchy effect on the skin. Glycolic acid is the best way to avoid this and create a glowing complexion. It helps to break apart the substance holding dead skin cells together to reveal a luminous surface. It can irritate the skin so if you can tolerate it, smooth on a moisturiser containing it every day. If not, try it a couple of times a week to avoid it aggravating the complexion. It’s best to ease your skin into using it so don’t overdo it to begin with.
How to erase acne scars
The scars of that acne-fuelled period can be as damaging to your skin confidence as the spot itself, but what can you do when your skin is scarred? Salicylic acid can help to heal your scars and fade them, making them less noticeable and helping to creating a more uniform texture and tone to your skin. It helps to promote skin cell turnover so you shed melanocytes at the surface, which makes spots fade quickly. It also helps to unclog pores and prevents new spots from forming. You can apply a peel containing this acid once a week, but you shouldn’t apply it more than that as your skin will dry out and this will increase inflammation.