In a recent poll, 87% of you revealed that you were concerned with ageing, so we couldn’t very well stand back and let the topic slip under the carpet.
We’ve done our research and scoured the site for your most common concerns – from age spots and serums, to wrinkles and collagen, we answer the most popular anti-ageing questions, all asked by you!
1.) How old should you be when you start using anti-aging products? 25? 30? 35? And if you start using it and then stop, will your skin get worse? – MYA
“When it comes to anti-ageing measures, the earlier you start, the better. Visible signs of skin ageing, like fine lines and wrinkles around the eye, start to become evident in our 20’s. ”¨Cosmetic skincare ingredients tend not to have a permanent effect since they focus on the top layer of skin, which is constantly changing. So, if you stop using skincare products, it can revert to its original condition. It’s also important to keep in mind that two things remain true at any age: the skin needs to maintain the right moisture balance and it needs to be protected from the harsh environment, like sun exposure, in order to be at its best.” – David Khoo, Procter & Gamble Anti-Ageing Scientist. Try:Olay Pro-X Anti-Ageing Starter Protocol, and Trilogy Age Proof Daily Defense Moisturiser with SPF 15.
2.) What is the best solution for age spots? – Sumaya
Age spots are caused by a number of factors, including years of exposure to the sun without adequate UV protection, environmental aggressors (such as smoke and pollution), and hormonal changes.
The best way to avoid the formation of age spots is to ensure you protect yourself from the sun at all times, and try to keep up a healthy lifestyle. To treat pre-existing age spots, you have the in-salon options of chemical peels and laser treatments, which work to remove the pigmented upper layers of your complexion to reveal the smoother, clearer layers underneath.
Alternatively, you can opt for products specifically designed to minimise pigmentation and discolouration. Try:Clinique Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Corrector, and Dr Spiller Biocosmetic De-Pigmentor Cream.
3.) I’ve recently noticed some fine lines just under the skin on my right eye that spread and run all the way down to my cheekbones – especially when I smile/squint. It looks like wrinkles you see on very old people and I’m scared that it will get worse, especially since my skin is so dry! Are there any products I should use to minimise this? Please help! – FlawlessSugaDian
Our eye area is often the first place that starts to show signs of ageing. Not only is the skin in that area very delicate and prone to drying out, but it is also subject to a lot of wear and tear over the years when we rub our eyes and remove our make-up, and also through sun exposure.
4.) What’s the difference between a serum and a moisturiser in terms of how they can help reduce signs of ageing? Is it necessary to use both or will just one be ok? – Skonhet
“Serums are light, absorbent and easy to spread. In comparison, a moisturising cream, which is rich and nourishing, is designed to lock in moisture to help protect the skin.
A serum can be used alone on a hot, humid day, or as an excellent base before a full make-up session. A cream can be used alone on a dry day, or as a deep treatment at night. However, they are designed to work together.
5.) My skin is slightly oily, but now that I’m 30 I want to start using anti-ageing products – are there any out there that suit a more oily/combination skin? – BridgetM
As you get older, your skin tends to become drier (which can lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles), but that doesn’t mean that you aren’t still prone to oiliness and spot breakouts.
In fact, did you know that often adult-oiliness can be a sign that your skin lacks moisture? That’s right beauties, your skin can be simultaneously oily and dehydrated! If your complexion is craving moisture, it can start to overcompensate and produce excess sebum, which leaves it looking and feeling oily.
6.) My beauty therapist once told me that if you start using anti-ageing products when you are too young, your skin will become lazy and stop rejuvenating itself on its own. So now I’m all confused – I thought that ‘prevention is the cure’ and starting from a young age was the way to go. What is your view? – Laurathomson01
“There is no scientific research to suggest that this is true. In fact our research indicates that the earlier you start caring for your skin, the better off it will be in the long run.” – David Khoo, Procter & Gamble Anti-Ageing Scientist
7.) Can you really reverse damage to collagen? And if ageing starts in the lower levels of the dermis, do any creams actually get that far? I know there are heaps of ways to prolong youth (the best being to not smoke, eat a balanced diet and protect your skin from sun damage), but can you actually turn back the clock once the ageing has started? – miakat
“Olay’s cell culture studies show that certain ingredients, such as pal-KTTKS and Niacinamide, are able to help boost collagen production. These studies also show that these ingredients penetrate several layers into the epidermis.Most important of all is the end result: Clinical trials have shown that women who use a combination of these ingredients have smoother, younger-looking skin.” – David Khoo, Procter & Gamble Anti-Ageing Scientist.
Note from bh: So while you can’t really ‘turn back the clock’, or prevent inevitable ageing (sorry beauties), using products that boost collagen and elastin production will help to improve your skin and slow down the ageing process. Try:Olay Total Effects Advanced Daily Moisturiser with Cooling Essence.
8.) I take a lot of care to make sure my face stays wrinkle free, but am worried that the rest of my body is going to start giving my age away. Please tell me what I should be doing to keep my body looking younger! – Girl_with_curls
We often focus so much on ensuring our faces remain youthful, that we completely forget to take our body’s skin ageing into consideration – and there’s nothing more frustrating than having young-looking skin, only to have our hands, neck and décolletage give us away!
To ensure that your body remains wrinkle and spot free, once again, everyday sun protection is key. It’s also a good idea to incorporate a firming and toning body lotion into your daily routine, or products specifically designed to combat signs of ageing on the body. Try:NIVEA Body Firming Body Lotion Q10 Plus, and Neutrogena Norwegian Formula Anti-Ageing Hand Cream.
Want to try some of these anti-ageing products? Well now you can, because we’re giving away three of the Olay products mentioned in this article – including an Olay Pro-X Starter Kit! At the end of this week, we’ll choose the winners at random from everyone who’s commented on this article. So who knows – it could be you!
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