The battle with ageing can be a very tumultuous one. Constantly having to deal with fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots and even a damaged skin barrier can prove to be daunting to anyone. Out of all the skincare concerns that exist, leaving acne behind - ageing proves to be one of the most troubling concerns.
Say au revoir to those stubborn lines and dark spots with our foolproof guide around all things ageing.
WHAT IS AGEING?
Ah! ageing is a term dreaded by one too many. Most people begin fretting over ageing as young as their mid - 20s. Our skin being the largest organ of our body, is often the most exposed one too. We tend to bare our skin to forces such as harsh sunlight and extremely fluctuating pollution levels. Amongst all of these, we also tend to indulge in vices such namely - smoking and consumption of alcohol. Not to mention the added stressors of our daily life.
As we grow older and wiser, a combination of all of these factors can prove to have a rather detrimental effect on our skin. But, how a particular individual’s skin ages depends on a huge variety of elements like your personal lifestyle, eating habits and your genes.
Essentially ageing occurs when your skin begins to lose elasticity and starts to appear more transparent. Along with this, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles on facial areas such as your forehead, near your eyes and lips characterise the most part of ageing.
HOW DO WE AGE?
At a younger age, all of us are blessed with youthful and radiant skin with absolutely no lines and dark spots. To our dismay this perfect skin does not last us all our lives.
With age, our skin, similar to our body - undergoes multiple changes. Most of these changes are physically visible. The most common features of ageing skin can range from sagging skin, wrinkles, fine lines to freckles and moles along with other signs of pigmentation. As time progresses, our skin goes on to become thinner causing our blood vessels to be visible.
Another key consequence of ageing is reduction in the amount of Hyaluronic Acid present in our skin. This causes our skin to lose hydration and become drier and more coarse.
Do not mistake ageing as a process that only attacks the body from outside. The interiors of our body face the same extent of brutalities caused by ageing as the exteriors as the Collagen that permits our skin to appear plump and bouncy begins to degrade. This causes the skin to sag and become brittle.
WHAT ARE THE INGREDIENTS THAT HELP REDUCE AGEING ?
While we may not be able to put a stop to the process of ageing, we can try our level best to slow its pace. And in some cases, reverse the first signs of it too! Taking a few crucial steps and protective measures can prove to be highly beneficial in retaining that tender and youthful radiance.
So we at Sublime Life are here to let you in on some of our foolproof favourites that make going through the rocky process of ageing a tad bit easier.
1. RETINOL
This famous active is loved by dermatologists, estheticians and skincare enthusiasts all over the world. Retinol is a mild derivative of Vitamin A, which makes it available super easily. This adventurous active ingredient performs a multitude of tasks making it all your skincare routine needs. The most famous function that Retinol performs is that of aiding in reversing and controlling the very first signs of ageing.
The Neemli Naturals Retinol and Peptide Serum is the boost of Retinol your skin needs for that everlasting glow.
2. VITAMIN C
Brightening your skin and giving it that sparkling glow has never been easier. Vitamin C is one of the most commonly used active ingredients in skincare products that target concerns related to ageing. It protects your skin barrier from damage caused by free radicals and works effectively to kick those dark spots away all while reversing damage caused by the sun.
The Martiderm 15% Vitamin C Photo Age Ampoules are extremely efficient in giving a boost of vitality and youth to your skin.
3. ROSEHIP OIL
A very underrated ingredient that can work magical wonders on those premature signs of ageing is Rosehip Oil. This potent oil brims with the goodness of Vitamins A and C along with anti-inflammatory fatty acids. The powerful combination of these ingredients gives Rosehip Oil the power to revive damaged skin and protect it from the first signs of fine lines. Frequent usage also aids sagging skin to snatch that elasticity back!
The Juicy Chemistry Helichrysum and Rosehip Anti - Scarring and Pigmentation Control Facial Oil has an enriching blend that works over - time to repair damaged skin and give you a radiant glow.
4. NIACINAMIDE
Most of us are aware about how ideal Niacinamide is for helping you battle acne and ultra oily skin. But did you know that this ingredient has the power to even combat ageing? Niacinamide is a water - soluble Vitamin B3 that has proven to be quite the multitasker. It fights free radicals with all the essential antioxidants packed in it. Niacinamide also reduces hyperpigmentation caused due to ageing along with boosting the elasticity of your skin. Hello firm skin with an even texture! Read more about this multi - tasker here.
The Blood Orange Brightening Facial Serum with Olive Oil and Niacinamide by Swisse will make sure you hop on the path of a luminous and youthful complexion.
5. CRANBERRY SEED OIL
Now Cranberry Seed Oil might seem like a highly unlikely contributor to the constant battle with ageing but don’t be mistaken. This ingredient has the dynamic abilities to feed your skin the necessary nutrients it requires to deal with ageing.
Cranberry Seed Oil oozes with powerful components like Vitamin A, Vitamin C, Vitamin K and Omega Fatty Acids. The combination of these ensures reduced inflammation on the skin along with bidding adieu to loss of Collagen and appearance of wrinkles and fine lines!
This Cranberry Seed Rejuvenating Facial Oil by Cowshed is a potent combination of antioxidants and Omega Fatty Acids that rejuvenate and firm your skin.
6. GLYCOLIC ACID
An Alpha-Hydroxy-Acid, Glycolic Acid is a skincare favourite that is a core ingredient in a lot of products that target issues like ageing and acne.
This acid works towards gently exfoliating your skin, revealing a smoother and more even texture with regular use. The common signs of ageing like hyperpigmentation and fine lines face trouble with the arrival of Glycolic Acid in your skincare routine.
The Glycolic Acid and Apple Cider Vinegar Toner by Neemli Naturals that also contains plant based hydrolyzed Collagen highly improves the overall production of collagen that aids in repairing damaged skin and boosting skin elasticity.
7. CERAMIDES
This particular ingredient is essentially a lipid which is found to occur naturally in our skin barrier. The presence of Ceramide helps in retaining moisture and sealing the hydration in along with protecting your skin from damage.
But with the slow passage of time, the Ceramide content present naturally begins dropping down, as a result - causing your skin to lose moisture and appear less plump.
The Oceglow Glow Serum is a rich blend of Ceramides and Vitamins that combine forces to reverse the initial signs of ageing and result in a youthful and glowing complexion.
8. HYALURONIC ACID
Hyaluronic acid is a highly powerful humectant that finds itself in various skincare products ranging from toners to moisturisers and serums.
It is a highly efficient ingredient that has the power to draw water to the outer layer of your skin and strengthen its barrier. This acid penetrates into the deep layers of your skin and prevents water loss. As a result, your skin is left with a firm everlasting glow.
The Multi Vitamin Super Hydrator by Vaunt Skincare has an ideal combination of potent ingredients that can help you say goodbye to ageing and feed your skin with some super food!
If you wish to take a deeper dive into Hyaluronic Acid, we have a highly informative blog that can guide you through it. Read it here
9. GRAPE SEED OIL
Grape Seed Oil seems like an unlikely ingredient that could help you manage all things ageing. This oil is carefully crafted from grape seeds and is an all - natural product.
Famous for its anti - inflammatory and antioxidant properties, little did you know that it also contains antimicrobial properties. The presence of Vitamin E in Grape Seed Oil extensively works towards firming your skin and hydrating it at the same time. Protection from heavy sun damage along with stimulation of Collagen in the skin make this ingredient a must have.
The Manuka Honey Glow Boosting Moisturiser by Swisse has the perfect combination of Grape Seed Oil and Vitamin C strengthens the skin barrier along with intensely hydrating your skin.
10. GREEN TEA
All this talk about antioxidants and you thought we missed Green Tea? Absolutely not. The antioxidant powers that Green Tea possesses are unmatched. It is highly rich in a particular antioxidant known as EGCG which works towards increasing the cell turnover - ultimately reducing the appearance of wrinkles.
The Charcoal and Green Tea Face Wash by Tvam gently cleanses your face and the antioxidants present help in fighting the first signs of ageing.
IS THERE ANY OTHER WAY TO BATTLE AGEING TOO?
Along with trying your best to incorporate some of these powerful actives and ingredients into your skincare routine, there are a lot of other things you can do to effectively deal with ageing.
- Wear Sunscreen - One of the most crucial steps towards ageing with elegance is the application of sunscreen on a daily basis. Increased exposure to the sun causes the Collagen present in our skin to break down - which in turn leads to sagging skin and the formation of wrinkles.
- Be mindful enough to consume a healthy and balanced diet - Having a conscious skincare routine with the right ingredients can definitely do wonders in reversing the ageing process. But ensuring that what goes inside your body is equally conscious can help accelerate the process.
- Make it a point to exercise a few times a week - Exercising a few times a week can slow down how your body and skin ages. It increases blood circulation which keeps your cells healthy.
- Reduce the consumption of alcohol and cigarettes - Heavy consumption of alcohol and cigarettes can lead to the signs of ageing being more prominently visible.
- Controlling and managing stress - One of the largest contributing factors to ageing skin is increased amounts of stress. Finding healthy ways to cope with stress such as - a small exercise routine and some soulful meditation could aid in minimising copious amounts of stress. A serene mind and inner being often manifests with a gleaming and youthful appearance.
SUMMARY
Ageing is a highly inevitable part and parcel of the journey that is life. We cannot prevent it from taking place. But what we can control is how we let it affect our skin. With a few expert additions to your skincare routine and mindful changes to your daily routine - ageing can be a rather graceful process.
- Sakshi Rawte