Ageing is definitely something to be embraced as a sign of a life well-lived, but just because you’re embracing your age doesn’t mean you need to look it.
There’s no denying that anti-ageing is one of the most popular buzzwords when it comes to skincare, with countless products promising miraculous results in a matter of weeks.
From plumped skin, to reduced wrinkles and a brighter complexion, the claims can sometimes sound too good to be true – so what should you be using?
The appearance of ageing is caused by five things; collagen breakdown, photo defence, inflammation, oxidation and glycation.
(Image: INSKIN COSMEDICS / Instagram)Marie Enna-Cocciolone, skincare guru and the founder of INSKIN COSMEDICS, tells Now To Love that the appearance of ageing is caused by five things and that each of them cause the skin to change in ways we associate with ageing.
The five factors are:
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Collagen breakdown – 75 per cent of the skin is dry weight and quick to break down naturally, let alone under hormonal pressures and ill health.
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Photo defence – Repeated exposure to UV accounts for almost 90 per cent of premature ageing.
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Inflammation – The skin’s first line of defence, responsible for sensitivity, redness, and irritation.
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Oxidation – Oxidative stress disrupts the skin barrier, breakdown collagen and elastin and contributes to uneven skin tone.
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Glycation – Excess glucose molecules in the body contribute to the hardening of skin fibres that ultimately cause skin breakdown, heavy lines, and sagging.
So how can you effectively address these signs of ageing? Marie says there are a few key ingredients to look out for.
“An active skincare range without a doubt includes three main vitamins A, B3 and C, technically referred to as Retinol, Niacinamide and Ascorbic Acid,” she explains.
“The synergy of these hero Vitamins plays a major role in fighting the five causes of aging and are best complemented with Hyaluronic Acid for Hydration, active oils for nourishment and advanced peptides for advanced skin treatments.”
Many Australian women will be familiar with those ingredients, having spotted their names on countless skincare products available in the country.
But Marie warns that not all products are made equal, revealing that very few skincare brands worldwide use these key ingredients in their active doses.
“Sadly, in Australia, a brand using a small percentage of actives can make the same claims as a brand using the optimum dose,” she adds.
With that in mind, your best bet when it comes to anti-ageing is finding products with these active ingredients in their optimal doses, while maintaining a consistent skincare routine.
As Marie tells us, “If the skin is functioning at its peak, it has its best chance to remain healthy and youthful.”
The best anti-ageing skin care brands to add to your routine
To take some of the guess work out of it, we’ve rounded up some of the best skincare brands with anti-ageing products on the market here in Australia, from Olay, to L’Oreal and more!
Olay
If you’re new to retinols, the Olay Regenerist Retinol 24 collection is Australia’s number-one retinol range for a reason. Olay’s retinoid complex is a highly stabilised form of retinol that is more concentrated and less irritating. The collection includes a serum, night moisturiser and eye cream and with 99% pure Niacinamide and Bioavailable Retinoid, it deeply hydrates skin for 24 hours, so with regular use, you’ll be waking up to glowing, plumper and younger-looking skin.
Vida Glow
Skin Virtue
Skin Virtue is an Australian brand that was founded by formulation science expert Nina Gajic who wanted to create evidence-backed skincare for those with sensitive or problem-prone skin. Their Future Advanced Collection was carefully created to target age related skin conditions like dehydration, fine lines, pigmentation and loss of elasticity. On the pricier side, their products are certainly splurge-worthy for some quality ingredients and formulations.
Estee Lauder
It may be a slightly pricier option, but Estee Lauder has several skincare collections designed specifically to prevent and improve the five signs of ageing. From its cult Advance Night Repair Serum, to the Revitalizing Supreme + Global Anti-Aging Cell Power Creme, consumer reviews – and ambassador Deborah Hutton – say it’s worth the splurge.
Dr LeWinn’s
There’s a reason this brand has a cult following here in Australia; it works. Currently the number one Australian Cosmeceutical skin care brand in national pharmacies, Dr LeWinn’s is dedicated to advanced anti-ageing skincare, meaning every product is designed to have you looking and feeling younger.
Nivea
Good anti-ageing skincare doesn’t have to cost an arm and a leg! Nivea’s Q10 Power and Cellular Filler ranges are designed to fight the signs of ageing without hurting your hip pocket, and the brand came out in fourth place on Canstar Blue’s review, with high ratings across the board from consumers.
L’Oreal
Given a four star effectiveness rating by Aussie consumers in the Canstar Blue review, L’Oreal has been one of the mainstay anti-ageing skincare brands for years now. Its dedicated Revitalift range is designed with an anti-wrinkle, extra-firming formula to fight the signs of ageing and stars like Fiona Falkiner swear by the brand’s products.
The Ordinary
Another cult skincare favourite, The Ordinary offers anti-ageing options without the fuss or exorbitant price tags. You can put together your own custom routine focused on anti-ageing ingredients like retinol and hyaluronic acid, or grab one of the curated sets like the No-Brainer Set, designed to tackle the first signs of aging.
Sisley Paris
While many people know the brand for its makeup offerings, Sisley’s skincare ranges are formulated using phyto-cosmetology, a science that makes the most of natural plant-based ingredients. It’s an awesome option for anyone looking for something a little luxe and offers a wide variety of anti-ageing products, including the cult All Day All Year cream.
SkinCeuticals
Another pricey brand, SkinCeuticals boasts a broad range of products that are packed with active ingredients that exfoliate, reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, and help stimulate the skin’s production of collagen. Not to mention these clinical skincare products are used by dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and medi-spas, so you know they’re high quality.
Clinique
Ranked fifth in the Canstar Blue review, Clinique is still a major player in the Australian anti-ageing skincare game. With a whole range of products designed to tackle wrinkles, fine lines, sagging skin and more, there’s something for literally every skin concern – and the prices are still reasonable.
O COSMEDICS
This Aussie-owned brand is a professional skincare range that was made with anti-ageing in mind. Its products address the five causes of ageing using functional active ingredients, meaning they’re at their medical strength to work on cell optimisation and normal skin function.
Brought to you by Olay.
