The secret to making your complexion more resilient to ageing is to turbo-charge it with these super-powered ingredients.
VITAMIN A – The anti-ager
In beauty circles, vitamin A (retinol) is known as the gold standard in anti-aging.
It works to stimulate cell renewal, refine fine lines and wrinkles as well as improve the elasticity and overall health of our skin.
Retinol can make your skin sun sensitive so use at night only, and protect your skin during the day with sunscreen.
It’s not uncommon to cause irritation so if you’re concerned, introduce it slowly (every other night) to build up your skin’s tolerance.
Splash: Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Serum, $39.99
Splurge: Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Serum, $189
VITAMIN B – The beautifier
Vitamin B and its derivatives such as Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) and Pro Vitamin B5 (Panthenol), help to boost collagen, improve pigmentation, hydrate skin, boost immunity to UV and generally promote healthy skin.
It’s also known to reduce redness in those who suffer from rosacea and acne.
Generally, vitamin B is well tolerated by all skin types and can be used alongside your other vitamin serums morning and/or night.
Splash: Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream, $48.99
Splurge: Ultraceuticals Ultra B2 Hydrating Serum, $102
VITAMIN C – The Brightener
As well as being a powerful antioxidant to neutralise free radicals, we need Vitamin C to help produce collagen in our skin. And there’s nothing like this glow-getter to restore radiance, luminosity and a more even skin-tone.
Because of its antioxidant properties that will help protect your skin during the day, Vitamin C serums are ideal to massage over clean skin in the morning, before your moisturiser and sunscreen.
Splash: The Body Shop Vitamin C Skin Boost, $52.75
Splurge: Clinique Fresh Pressed Daily Booster with Pure Vitamin C 10, $130
DNA Enzymes – The regenerators
There’s a lot of research around DNA repair enzymes. Some scientists claim they are superior to antioxidants at recognising and correcting damage to our skin DNA caused by UV exposure, free radicals and other cancer causing pollutants like cigarette smoke.
The word is that this type of technology is the way of the future so expect to see a lot more of it coming through in new skincare formulations.
Splash: Nivea Cellular Anti-Age Skin Rejuvenation Eye Cream, $27.99
PROTECT YOUR INVESTMENT
Active skincare like these ones don’t come cheap so here’s how to get the best out of these anti-ageing weapons…
Cleanse first: The powerful ingredients in these potions are way better absorbed if your skin has been thoroughly cleansed, otherwise they’ll just sit on the top of all the debris!
Less is more: A couple of pearl size drops massaged over cleansed, dry skin should suffice but make sure you include your neck and décolleté in your regime as well.
Use sunscreen: Don’t walk out the door without applying an SPF30 or higher. Much of this skincare works to resurface your skin so it will be more vulnerable to UV damage.
Keep ’em cool and capped: Heat, sunlight and air are all enemies of active skincare and will compromise the efficacy of its ingredients so keep the lids on and store them in a cool place.
