First Things First: Why Does Skin Age Anyway?
The Sun although saving us from those winter blues and putting a smile on our face is also a double edged sword. It’s responsible for producing ultraviolet rays and these are unfortunately involved in making our skin look older, more wrinkled and develop that prune look if that’s what you’re after.
There are two types of UV rays that are involved in the skin ageing process.
- UVA = A for ageing (collagen destroyer, causes sagging and wrinkles).
- UVB = B for burning (sunburn, DNA damage – the type to cause skin cancer).
You may be asking – “if I stay at home all day behind those windows will that keep me looking young?”
Well most regular windows do actually block the majority of UVB rays but unfortunately those pesky UVA rays still pass through, so unless your batman living in the bat cave where its impenetrable to even sun light I’m afraid that you’ll still be exposed to UVA.
Other causes for skin ageing include smoking, heavy drinking, lack of sleep which all accelerate oxidative stress and inflammation. And good ol’ father time of course leading to a natural decline in collagen, elastin and cell turnover.
So what secrets can I use to keep looking young
Now the fun part; what actually works:
- Sunscreen: The Most important of all skin products to reduce ageing
- Broad-spectrum SPF 50 every single day.
- Retinoids: The builder
- Vitamin A derivatives that boost collagen and cell turnover.
- Basically, they tell your lazy skin cells: “Get back to work!”
- Vitamin C: The Glow Potion
- A powerful antioxidant that brightens skin and protects against UV/environmental damage.
- Works well under sunscreen for added protection.
- Niacinamide: The Peacekeeper
- Calms irritation, shrinks pores, evens tone.
- Hyaluronic Acid: The Plumper
- Draws water into the skin like a sponge.
- Think of it as Photoshop’s “smooth” tool in a bottle.
Example of a skin care regime
🌞 Morning (Protection & Prevention)
- Vitamin C serum (antioxidant, brightening, UV/environmental defense)
- Moisturiser with niacinamide (strengthens barrier, reduces inflammation)
- Broad-spectrum sunscreen SPF 50 (non-negotiable)
🌙 Night (Repair & Renewal)
- Gentle cleanser
- Retinoid (collagen booster, gold standard for wrinkles) but remember can make skin become more UV sensitive that’s why better to use at night
- Moisturiser with hyaluronic acid (soothes, hydrates, supports barrier)
The Bottom Line
You can’t escape father time, but you can certainly give em a run for his money. If you’re feeling lazy or all those creams are breaking the wallet (believe me, it can certainly become extortionate), the one take-home I would recommend above all others is remember your sunscreen. And the earlier you start, the less you’ll age. So keep at it and you might even be rewarded with a compliment every now and again.