Most dermats will tell you that the ideal age to start an anti-ageing skincare routine is 25. If it sounds a bit too early, allow us to clear the air. According to Dr Anupriya Goel, MBBS, MD, DPD (UK) dermatologist and medical director Berkowits Hair and Skin Clinics, “Before the age of 25, our skin makes a lot of collagen and elastin tissues, and degradation is less. Post that, collagen and elastin start going down and lines and wrinkles start appearing. So, 25 years is the ideal age to incorporate anti-ageing products in your routine. FYI, after the age of 35, the collagen and elastin synthesis decelerates further and sagging sets in.”
Fortunately, millennials and Gen Z are more aware of this fact and are practising prejuvenation — the act of starting a series of thoughtfully planned steps that will prevent or delay the changes associated with the ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles, brown spots and even thinning of the skin. This is done so as to keep your skin looking youthful for as long as (humanly) possible.
So, how exactly can you prejuvenate your skin? Here are five ways that skin experts recommend:
01. Sun protection
Your best defence against developing early ageing signs is sunscreen! A broad-spectrum sunscreen — with an SPF of 30 or higher — will stop collagen loss in your skin and prevent photo-damage caused by UVA and UVB rays. This can, in turn, prevent brown spots, fine lines, wrinkles and freckles from appearing on your skin; not to mention, prevent more serious issues like skin cancer as well.
BB picks: Lakme Sun Expert SPF 30 Ultra Matte Lotion
02. Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that fight free-radical damage in your body and keep premature signs of ageing at bay. This is why popular antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, green tea, etc. are one of the most popular and trendy skincare ingredients out there. Antioxidants are excellent at keeping hyperpigmentation away, and adding radiance and glow to your complexion.
BB picks: Dermalogica Multivitamin Power Serum
03. Retinoids
Retinoids boost collagen production in your skin; thus making them one of the most sought after anti-ageing ingredients in the skincare world. A strong lipid barrier will help the skin fight a number of external aggressors and keep your skin plump to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Introducing retinoid in your skincare regime (in the form of moisturisers, eye masks and other staples) will stimulate collagen and keep your skin better protected against damaging environmental factors.
BB picks: Pond’s Age Miracle Wrinkle Corrector Day Cream
04. Resurfacing procedures
Resurfacing procedures like fractional lasers, IPL facials and acid peels are exfoliating treatments that help get rid of surface damage and stimulate collagen. There has been an increased interest among young women to get these in-clinic treatments done regularly. Being non-invasive, safe and free of side effects, they are an added step you can take to maintain the best skin of your life.
05. Soft tissue fillers
Soft tissue fillers, which mainly consist of hyaluronic acid, help make up for collagen and bone loss in your face. This is mainly due to the fact that HA fillers can compensate for the volume loss on your face and replace lost collagen. Over time, these fillers, combined with your skin's natural collagen, will help keep ageing signs like hollowing of the cheeks and sagging of skin at bay.
Written by Sumona Bose on Oct 07, 2020
Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!