As I trod along through my 30s, my skincare needs went from pure hydration to anti-aging. Especially now that I’m scarily close to 40, I have to start taking the necessary steps to ensure I will age well naturally. I plan to stay away from botox and plastic surgery. I want to look Diane Keaton, not Meg Ryan in my old age.
There are so many anti-aging products in the market, each with its special ingredient(s). It can get confusing when choosing which products to buy. Here are some of the more widely used ingredients de-mystified:
Retinol
- Made from: Vitamin A
- What it does: Good for reducing fine lines and wrinkles by boosting the collagen your body makes and plumping the skin.
- Best used: As retinol-based products can make the top layer of your skin dry and flaky, it is best to wear it at night. For day wear, make sure you use moisturizer and sunscreen too.
Vitamin C
- What it does: The anti-oxidants in Vitamin C help boost collagen and minimize fine lines and wrinkles.
- Best used: Add Vitamin C to your regular skincare regiment. Been using Philosophy Turbo Booster C Powder for years and I love, love, love it. It’s also very simple to use. Just add 1/2 – 1 scoop in your serum or moisturizer (I add to my moisturizer) daily. You can add it in your day or night routine. I personally prefer using it at night.
Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs)
- Made from: Includes glycolic, lactic, citric, and tartaric acids
- What it does: Good for exfoliating the skin, reducing fine lines, age spots, acne scars, and uneven skin color. Note: Acids do nothing for deep wrinkles. They are most useful if you are in your 20s or 30s.
- Best used: Choose low concentration (5 – 10%, depending on how sensitive your skin is), if you plan to use it daily. It is essentially a low dose peel and it works by dissolving the upper layer of skin cells and triggering repair. I would recommend using it only at night.
Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
- What it does: Good for maintaining skin hydration, leaving your skin hydrated, plump and a youthful glow. Oh, it also has anti-oxidant properties too!
- Best used: Day or night but I personally prefer using HA products in my day regiment as my skin will get dehydrated over the course of the day. Some products that will be good to have HA are eye serums, serums and moisturizers. I am using Neutrogena Hydro Boost Hydrating Gel Eye Cream with Hyaluronic Acid in my morning routine and I love it.
Peptides
- Made from: Lab-engineered amino acids link.
- What it does: Helps stimulate the skin’s natural repair mechanism and collagen production, thereby promoting a reduction in fine lines and the production of new skin tissue.
- Best used: There are many different kinds of peptides, each with its own task of making your skin youthful. Combining your peptide skincare products with HA and anti-oxidant products will help your skin overall. Peptide products are generally more costly but have also proven to be effective. Here are some to consider:
Remember, the key to younger looking skin is collagen (and hydration). Pick out the products that can help. Diet and exercise are equally as important as smart skincare. If you are curious/know about any other anti-aging ingredients, please share it!
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