Many good things happen to us as we get older. We accumulate beautiful memories, grow in learning, emotional strength, and forge community bonds with the people we love. But the physical effects of ageing, like wrinkles, sunspots, sagging, and uneven skin? Well, those developments are rather less desirable.
Thankfully, anti-ageing products and technologies are getting better all the time. With the right vitamins, serums, lasers and creams, you can prevent and reverse the cruel ravages of time. We have a team full of dermatological experts overflowing with scientific knowledge about anti-ageing treatments at the Victorian Dermal Group. To help you make informed decisions about choosing anti-ageing skincare, we've pooled all of our expertise into this article.
Read on to find the answers to some of the most common questions people ask about anti-ageing. If you'd like to learn more about our wide products that have been formulated for specific skin types, visit our online store. If you have any other questions, our team would be happy to answer them, so get in touch.
Why use anti-ageing products?
Loss of moisture and loss of elasticity are two things that affect everyone as they age, regardless of skin type. When the skin loses these key features, it also loses its firmness and suppleness. This leads to wrinkles, lines, and other advanced signs of ageing — common issues for men and women alike.
As we get older, our skin is also more susceptible to pigmentation disorders, like uneven pigmentation and age spots. Over time, these can translate to a noticeable loss of radiance, while an increase in translucency leads to higher visibility of veins.
The skin can also undergo a wide variety of tactile changes. Dryness will often increase, as will its susceptibility to trauma, which can lead to visible bruises and rashes. Redness can also increase, as the blood vessel beneath the skin begins to dilate with age.
Anti-ageing products have been specially formulated to help the skin retain moisture, firmness, and elasticity, thus preventing wrinkles and lines. Other products can assist with lessening the visibility of pigmentation disorders and trauma, by nourishing the skin with a variety of compounds.
In short, anti-ageing products — when used with the correct skin type — can slow the visible ageing process that everyone will endure.
What are anti-ageing products?
Anti-ageing products are serums and skin creams that have been specially and clinically formulated to combat the signs of ageing. Anti-ageing products are made from a range of materials and chemicals including:
- Retinoids — Vitamin A compounds that help repair sun damage, some of which are clinically proven to improve skin ageing
- Ascorbic acid — Vitamin C compounds that reduce fine lines and wrinkles
- Hydroxy acids — Citric and lactic acid that remove dead skin
- Peptides — Improve skin texture by stimulating collagen production
- Antioxidants — Found in tea extracts, antioxidants help nourish ageing skin and fight environmental factors
- Anti-inflammatories — Reduces damage from the sun and other trauma
It's important to understand that almost all anti-ageing products on the market are classified as cosmetics. This means that, while they are specially formulated from organic and chemical compounds to fight ageing, they are purely cosmetic in nature.
Anti-ageing products cannot be described as having a medical benefit to users. Because they are made for different skin types, ages, and conditions, their composition varies widely. Before you go out and buy an anti-ageing product, it pays to know what to look for.
How to choose anti-ageing skincare?
We will split all anti-ageing products up into two separate and distinct groups for this discussion: anti-ageing creams and anti-ageing serums. The differences between the two largely relate to their application and concentration:
- Anti-ageing creams are applied (sometimes liberally) to the whole face.
- Anti-ageing serums are highly concentrated and only require a couple of drops for application.
When it comes to the specific formulations for your skin, it will depend on your specific concerns. Speak to a clinician so we can develop an anti-ageing skincare plan customised for you.
Anti-ageing creams
Are anti-ageing creams bad for you?
No. Anti-ageing products have been formulated to protect skin, not harm it. However, some creams will perform better on certain skin types, so it is important to know what kind to buy before you begin applying them. For some products, you may also experience a "purging" phase before seeing improvement, but your clinician will let you know what to expect.
Are anti-ageing creams safe?
Yes. Anti-ageing creams are held to rigorous testing standards. They do not use harmful ingredients. Again, some creams may perform better on your skin type than others, so be sure to do your research before you try them on your skin.
Are anti-ageing creams effective?
Yes, they can be. Plenty of anti-ageing creams on the market claim to completely reverse the signs of wrinkles and lines, and have found to be misleading. The key is to find the active ingredients that work with your skin.
When should anti-ageing cream be used?
It's best to start using anti-ageing creams well before wrinkles and lines set in. Preventative measures always yield the best results, and can have you looking younger than your actual age by years, and in some cases, decades.
When should you start using anti-ageing cream?
You can start using anti-ageing cream whenever you want. When it comes to preventing the signs of ageing, the earlier the better. Your skin generally starts to produce less collagen in your early twenties.
Is anti-ageing cream bad for young skin?
There's no evidence to suggest that anti-ageing creams are bad for young skin. In fact, many dermatologists recommend a proactive approach to skincare when people are in their 20s and 30s to prevent more damage down the track. You can get started by applying sunscreen every day and avoiding harmful activities like smoking.
Can anti-ageing creams age you?
No. That would be counter-intuitive. However, some may perform better on certain skin types than others. There's no point in investing time and money into an anti-ageing cream that has formulated for a completely different skin type. The cream may not age you, but you will probably not experience many anti-ageing results.
Anti-ageing serums
How to use an anti-ageing serum
Ever wondered how to apply an anti-ageing serum? It's pretty simple. All you do is:
- Take a few drops of the serum — only as directed
- Apply it to the palm of one hand, or directly onto the skin of the face
- Using an upward motion, smooth upwards and outwards
- Start at the cheeks and move towards the temples and forehead
- If you are targeting a particular area, like your T zone for example, concentrate the application there
Anti-ageing serums are designed and concentrated in such a way as to make a little go a long way. Overusing the product will mean that your skin cannot fully absorb the excess ingredients, leaving the product sitting idly on your face. This can lead to an array of adverse effects, including:
- Oily or dry skin
- Irritation and rashes
- Breakouts, even acne
Be sure to only use as much as directed by the label or your skincare professional.
Do anti-ageing products work?
Yes! Anti-ageing serums work. Anti-ageing creams also work. The key is finding a solution that works for you. This may take some trial and error. However, you can find faster success by getting in touch with the team at Victorian Dermal Group. Our skincare experts can take a close look at your skin and advise you on products that will help it look its absolute best, even as you age.
How do anti-ageing products work?
Here, we'll take a look at some of must-have anti-ageing products and address some common questions about them.
Is sunscreen the best anti-ageing product?
Sunscreen, or other products with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF), are great anti-ageing products, and probably the first ones any of us will use in our lives. The right sunscreen can form a great foundation for anti-ageing skincare routines. They are for daily use, and generally considered to be the best anti ageing cream by dermatologists.
[feature_link]Read more about sunscreen to see how it can help your skin stay youthful.[/feature_link]
Is hyaluronic acid anti-ageing?
Hyaluronic acid is a popular anti-ageing product. It has the ability to significantly decrease the depth and prominence of wrinkles by promoting firmness and elasticity. However, if the skin is already dry, hyaluronic acid has the propensity to dry it out further, sometimes worsening the signs of ageing. This can work well in humid areas. Alternatively, applying to a damp face and later sealing with a moisturiser greatly improves the results of hyaluronic acid.
Is azelaic acid anti-ageing?
Yes! Azelaic acid is a key weapon in the fight against melasma and other hyperpigmentation issues. It works as a gentle exfoliant that works to align misbehaving elements in the topmost layers of skin. Like other acid-based treatments, if used incorrectly, it can lead to side effects like tingling or peeling where it has been applied. Consult your skincare professional for more information.
Is salicylic acid anti-ageing?
Salicylic acid is a popular inclusion in many skincare routines. It works with other acids — like alpha-hydroxy and glycolic acids — to tighten the skin. This minimises the appearance of pores and reduces oiliness, granting the skin a youthful appearance once again. Like any acid, salicylic acid can irritate the skin if used incorrectly. Always use in moderation, and consult your skincare professional for tips on application.
How to use Retin-A for anti-ageing
Retain-A, or Tretinoin, is a Vitamin A treatment that has been clinically proven to reduce, repair, and even reverse wrinkles. It does this by improving collagen production, which works to tighten the skin, while lightening it and preventing age spots. It is applied in a pea-sized amount to the affected area, and left to rest for 20 minutes. Because of its clinical efficacy, Retin-A and Tretinoin are both classed as medicated skincare which need to be prescribed by a doctor. However, as skincare technology becomes more sophisticated, there are plenty of Vitamin A derivatives that you can try out before you even consider a prescription.
