How to effectively reduce fine lines and wrinkles

Fine lines and wrinkles are likely the most talked about aspect of anti-ageing and skin care. Finding products that are affordable, fit into your skincare routine and actually work is like striking gold. Add to that the growing desire for said products to also be free from nasties, and you’re often left with slim pickings. So when clinical testing recently revealed a unique combination of botanical ingredients that boosted skin hydration by over 140%, improved skin elasticity and reduced wrinkles – we were all ears.

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But first things first, how does our skin change as we age?

One of the biggest changes in our skin as we age is its ability to retain moisture. This is partly due to the natural degeneration of the skin’s protective barrier, and partly due to damage from the environment. This lack of ability to retain moisture has a string of knock-on effects, including the increased appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as a duller-looking and rougher-feeling complexion overall. Other changes in the skin as we age also include a loss of collagen, elastin and fatty acids, which result in the development of deeper wrinkles and sagging.

So, what ingredients should you be looking for to effectively reduce the signs of ageing?

Tried and tested, hyaluronic acid is known for its ability to hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water from moisture in the air. And since one of the major causes of fine lines and wrinkles is a lack of hydration, hyaluronic acid’s ability to improve hydration levels in the skin is a serious contributor in reducing the visible signs of ageing and therefore a must in your skincare. Similarly loved for its efficacy, vitamin c is known for its ability as an antioxidant; to reduce pigmentation, even skin tone and visibly brighten the complexion. It also works to protect from environmental aggressors that contribute to premature ageing. In addition to these is the lesser-known, but just as effective echium oil. It’s made up of omega-3 fatty acids that work to minimise the depth of wrinkles and smooth out the skin. Another powerful anti-ageing ingredients camu camu, a rainforest plant that holds the highest amount of vitamin C of any natural source – up to 30 times more vitamin C than an orange!. This ingredient not only works in synergy with the stabilised form of vitamin C to reduce oxidative and environmental stress, but also encourages cell turnover in the skin, for a significantly brighter and more even toned complexion.

Are there natural versions of these anti-ageing ingredients that work as effectively?

The good news is yes, each of the ingredients mentioned above can be utilised in skincare in their natural, synthetic-free form. “The botanical ingredients in the A’kin Age-Defy range, such as echium oil and camu camu, are high quality oils and extracts that have powerful antioxidant properties that work just as well as synthetic antioxidants,” notes Archana Pujary A’kin’s Senior Formulation Chemist. Due to the high quality of such extracts and oils, the molecule size allows the ingredients to penetrate the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin), to effectively work to boost skin hydration and to improve the skin’s barrier properties.

“The makers of the A’kin Age Defy range have carefully selected ingredients that are not only good to help fight the signs of ageing naturally, but have been clinically proven to perform,” explains Archana Pujary A’kin’s Senior Formulation Chemist. From known and loved ingredients, to the addition of natural actives, the formula has seen hugely effective anti-ageing results, boasting the following clinical study results:

1. Clinically proven +143% improvement in skin hydration^
2. Clinically proven to boost skin elasticity^
3. Clinically proven to reduce wrinkles^

How should you be looking to integrate these natural ingredients into your routine?

Luckily, finding a simple and effective natural anti-ageing skin care routine is so much easier than you’d think. In fact, it’s as simple as just three key products! By using A’kin Firming Night Cream and Lifting Eye Cream at night after cleansing, and A’kin Line Smoothing Day Cream and Lifting Eye Cream in the morning, followed by an SPF you are ensuring your skin is balanced and protected while effectively combating the appearance of fine lines and ageing.

Why is it so important to be consistent with a regular skin care routine as you age?

The process of skin ageing is (for the most part) uncontrollable, and as your skin loses its ability to retain moisture and regenerate, the need for a regular skin care routine increases. By ensuring you are committed to a consistent and regular skin care routine, you are replenishing hydration levels, essential nutrients -including fatty acids and collagen that are lost daily – as well as protecting from future environmental damage.

^ Results based on a clinical study by independent laboratory using the A’kin Age-Defy Line Smoothing Day Cream, Firming Night Cream and Lifting Eye Cream regime.

Main header image @mandymooremm

Had you heard of these natural ingredients before? Would you be interested in trying this anti-ageing routine?