Step 1: Cleanse
Ageing skin tends to lose moisture, nutrients and natural oils. Ditching the foam and opting for a gentle cream or oil cleanser can help to replenish moisture, making the skin on the face smoother and suppler. Cleansing in the morning and double cleansing at night is important for removing bacteria and pollution and for preventing pores from becoming clogged. It may sound obvious, but the purpose of cleansing is to clean your face. Save your active ingredients for later as cleansers aren’t on your skin for long.
Step 2: Exfoliate
As you age, dead skin cells build up and the skin loses its ability to replenish fresh cells as quickly. Exfoliating with a physical or chemical exfoliant at least once a week will help to remove dead cells and brighten a dull, uneven complexion. Physical exfoliants are great, but it’s more sustainable to use natural DIY scrubs—like coffee grounds. Chemical exfoliants—or peels—add active ingredients into your routine. These work by dissolving the bonds between skin cells and allowing them to detach. Hydroxy acids are among the most common ingredients found in chemical exfoliants; the best for ageing skin are alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs). Choose products that contain AHAs like glycolic acid and lactic acid to combat signs of ageing, such as fine lines and wrinkles.
Step 3: Apply a serum
Serums are excellent sources of active ingredients and should be applied before your moisturiser to increase collagen production and lock in antioxidants. The most beneficial anti-ageing ingredients are vitamin A derivatives known as retinoids (retinol, tretinoin and tazarotene) and vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid and magnesium ascorbyl phosphate).
Step 4: Moisturise & SPF
Did you know that fine lines are often just symptoms of skin dehydration? This step is ideal for including hyaluronic acid products—a naturally occurring substance in the skin that has the capacity to attract and hold a thousand times its weight in moisture. Applying moisturiser (morning and night) to your neck and chest areas is also a must for ageing skin. Sunscreen is actually the most important anti-ageing product you can use. Apply it every day or include it in your moisturiser—even when it’s cloudy and raining.
What’s the deal with eye creams?
The skin on the eyelids is the thinnest on the body and becomes especially delicate as you age. Choosing to invest in a retinol or caffeine eye cream may reduce puffiness, pigmentation and fine lines
See Also: School of Skincare: Your Guide to Eczema and Psoriasis Management in Children