When it comes to skincare, there is no such thing as a simple solution. But that doesn’t rule out the possibility of working it out.
You’ll never go back after you figure out which compounds are optimal for which skin condition.
The trouble is that there is so much contradicting information out there about which products to use and in what order to use them, and most of it is written in such technical jargon that it’s impossible to tell if the product in question is good for you and your skin.
And that’s before we’ve even gotten to the actual components.
There’s perhaps no area of skincare that’s more perplexing than ‘anti-aging,’ which we prefer to refer to as ‘youth-boosting,’ because we’re not ‘against’ anything and there’s nothing wrong with the natural aging process.
As far as we’re concerned, the main goal is to prevent premature cellular aging (which is a very separate thing to the mindless pursuit of youth for aesthetic reasons).
When our cells, particularly those in our skin, are exposed to factors such as stress, UV radiation, and toxins, they become damaged and age prematurely.
You won’t live as long if you all age prematurely, which we can all agree is a negative thing.
While there are certain things we can regulate to avoid, such as smoking and fast food, there are others that are unavoidable, such as stress and the sun.
These are the reasons that we must combat with things like regular exercise, a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals, and when it comes to our skincare, we can include specific ingredients and add specialized products into our daily routines to avoid harm.
We’ve enlisted the help of specialists to strip skincare down to its bare essentials, resulting in a concise list of proven substances that will maintain your skin cells in tip-top shape. Phew.
Retinoids
While ‘retinol’ is a frequent phrase, the correct umbrella term is ‘retinoid.’
Retinoids are widely regarded as the ideal anti-aging chemicals, as they have been clinically proved to accelerate cell turnover and stimulate collagen and elastin formation in the skin, giving it a plumper and smoother appearance.
They also enhance skin tone and can aid in the treatment of outbreaks and acne.
“Retinoids have been shown to have a number of beneficial effects on the skin, including helping to repair photodamage, damage from the sun, to stimulate collagen production, and to help with the improvement of the tone and texture of the skin,” explains Dr. Martin Wade, Medical Director and Consultant Dermatologist, of London Real Skin.
However, because there are several distinct types of retinoids and they come in various strengths, it can be confusing if you’ve never heard of the chemical before.
Vitamin A is the source of all of the distinct forms; the concentration is what differentiates them.
Retinoic acid (also known as Retin-A or Tretinoin) is a prescription-only retinoid that is commonly used to treat acne and aging.
Retinaldehyde, retinol, and retinol esters are the other retinoids, in order of strength (such as retinyl palmitate).
“A prescription retinoid is my favorite option, and we typically prescribe Tretinoin 0.025 to 0.05 percent depending on the skin’s tolerance,” adds Dr Wade.
“Retinols have become highly popular because they are a weaker derivative of a retinoid that can be integrated into cosmeceutical products and are accessible to those who have never seen a dermatologist.”
While retinoids are very efficient anti-aging agents, they can also induce undesirable side effects including as dryness, peeling, and irritation, so start with a low dosage and work your way up depending on how your skin responds. You can Retinoids HERE.
Vitamin C
You’ve certainly heard the phrase antioxidants thrown around in the skincare world, and while it may sound complicated, it simply refers to a substance that counteracts damage produced by environmental aggressors such as pollution, UV radiation, and stress.
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to maintain skin’s resilience against environmental aging while also minimizing the appearance of fine lines and dullness.
Sunscreen
Sunscreen is not only necessary for preventing skin from UV damage, but it is also one of the most effective anti-aging tools available.
“The sun’s ultraviolet radiation are particularly detrimental to the skin, causing more than 90% of visible indications of ageing such as wrinkles, sagging, rough patches, and skin discoloration,” says Dr Shirin Lakhani, an advanced aesthetic expert at Elite Aesthetics.
To ensure that your sunscreen provides appropriate protection, look for one that offers broad-spectrum protection or particularly indicates that it protects against UVA and UVB radiation.
Alpha Hydroxy acids
UVB rays reach the epidermis, the top layer of the skin, and produce sunburn.
Alpha Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) are a key component of anti-aging skincare because of their exfoliating and glow-giving qualities.
While AHAs come in a variety of forms, such as Glycolic Acid, Lactic Acid, and Mandelic Acid, their primary function is to break down the bindings between dead skin cells, avoiding dullness and displaying luminous, youthful skin.
Glycolic acid is the most well-known AHA, and when applied properly, it can provide remarkable results. It should ideally be utilized as a one-time intensive treatment rather than a regular part of your routine.
Always choose a product that contains less than 10% glycolic acid unless your dermatologist advises differently.

Skin
Mandelic acid is a gentler AHA since its molecules are slightly bigger and hence can’t penetrate the skin as deeply.
As a result, it can be safely added into your skincare routine over time.
Dr. Ifeoma Ejikeme, medical director of Adonia Medical Clinic, said, “You may take it in slightly larger doses and it gets fantastic effects.”
Ceramides
Ceramides, which comprise approximately half of the skin’s makeup, are generally referred to as the fundamental building blocks of skin.
They protect the skin from external aggressors and aid in the maintenance of a plump, smooth, and healthy appearance.
“Ceramides strengthen the skin’s barrier layer, which helps keep moisture in and healthy cells together.
Dr Dendy Engelman, Elizabeth Arden’s Consulting Dermatologist, believes that this is what maintains skin hydrated, smooth, and healthy.
While the skin manufactures ceramides naturally, it gets less efficient as we get older.
Furthermore, factors such as stress, UV damage, and dehydration can make the skin’s ability to generate ceramides even less efficient, necessitating topical treatment.
Hyaluronic acid, sometimes known as the “wonder hydration molecule,” can hold 1000 times its own weight in water, meaning it plumps like no other substance.
Dr Wade adds, “It’s what we term a humectant because it absorbs moisture from the environment into the skin to generate a highly moisturizing effect.”
Hyaluronic acid is produced naturally by the skin, but as we age, its natural supplies dwindle, necessitating therapeutic replenishment.
It acts like a sponge when applied to the skin, absorbing all the moisture from the air and following skincare products.
Skin specialists advise investing in a hyaluronic acid formula with a multi-molecular weight of the component for this reason.
Basically, different sizes of hyaluronic acid are used to allow it to permeate deeper into the skin as well as sit on the surface, resulting in deep hydration and a beautiful complexion.