The truth of the matter is anyone can write ‘anti-ageing’ or ‘age-defying’ on a beauty product – but it doesn’t necessarily mean it is.
The term anti-ageing is so broad that it has the potential to encompass all sorts of things, including things that don’t actually relate to your skin type or concerns at all.
And if you’re really trying to maintain the health of your complexion for the most youthful, glowing skin possible, it’s more about tailoring your routine to your specific needs than falling for something that just says it’ll do the job.
So to help you navigate what’s actually going to make a difference and what’s just fluff, here are the myths and facts about anti-ageing skin care you need to know.
TRUTH: Your skin will change as you get older
There is plenty of scientific research to back that our skin will change as we age. Our collagen production slows, expression lines become a little deeper and more permanent, and pigmentation becomes more prominent. But it’s recognising these changes for what they are and how you can counteract them that will help you create a skin care routine to suit.
MYTH: Mature is a skin type
But just because our skin changes, it doesn’t mean everyone’s complexion can be lumped into a ‘mature’ category. Some of us may experience dryness, while others may experience adult acne or sensitivity. There’s no one-size-fits all when it comes to skin care, including once you reach a ‘certain age’.
TRUTH: Active ingredients are key
Checking the ingredients on your skin care products will provide way more intel than any marketing labels. Look for active ingredients with proven claims and results. AHAs like lactic and glycolic acid will gently exfoliate for smoother skin texture and vitamin C is a great one for providing antioxidant protection against environmental aggressors and brightening dullness. And then of course, there’s retinol. The most scientifically proven anti-ageing ingredient, it helps to resurface the skin, tackling texture and pigmentation, among a whole list of other benefits.
MYTH: You have to spend big to see results
Just because the number of candles on your birthday cake is increasing, doesn’t mean the price of your skin care has to. There are plenty of affordable brands that harness the power of the ingredients mentioned above. Look for actives and scientifically proven claims rather than a high price tag
TRUTH: What you do on the inside makes a difference
A healthy, balanced diet and consistent water intake will always aid in keeping skin in a good condition. Treat your body well on the inside and it will treat your skin well as a result. Adding an ingestible to your routine is also a good way to boost your nourishment and work on your skin from within. Nature’s Way Beauty Collagen Mature Skin Tablets help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by promoting collagen production. And those active ingredients we mentioned before? The tablets also contain retinol and vitamin C to improve skin elasticity and firmness, while also improving nail and hair health, which can also take a hit as we age.
MYTH: It’s all just genetics
While it’s true that genetics can play a part, they’re also not the be all and end all. Just because your relatives may have had good skin doesn’t guarantee you’ll glow to the grave, just the same as you shouldn’t assume you’ll be wrinkly as a prune because your mother was. Take care of your skin and adjust your routine to its ever-changing needs — it’ll always prove better than doing nothing.
TRUTH: You can’t stop it all
In the same vein, miracles can’t be expected. Lines will happen, spots will pop up, but it’s all just a part of it. Love your skin no matter how it transforms. After all, its changes simply tell the story of the life you’ve led so far.
Are you surprised by any of these myths and facts? What’s the best skin care tip you’ve learnt?
Good genetics must help. Definitely agree what you do on the inside makes a difference.
I also drink 2 litres of water everyday. I also wear Suglasses and a hat each time I go out.
Active ingredients are definitely important!
Best skin tip I’ve learnt is to wear SPF (a high one) not just on the face but also the neck and chest too.
True there is only a certain amount you can do with skincare, the rest is acceptance you are not going to look 25 forever!
I remember seeing a lady on the Oprah Show many years ago.
She said water & moisturiser (she actually emphasised moisturise, moisturise, moisturise). These were the secrets to her skin. She then said she was 70yo. The whole audience breathed in with shock including me. She looked like she was in her 40s.
Ditto. My Mum taught me this around 15yo. I also put SPF on my hands because this is where your age can show before you face; neck & décolletage.
Wish I was told earlier that SPF is a must in Australia. I’ve just started to use it couple of years ago. After getting melasma. Woopsie
Good tip
Wearing a hat more and applying SPF more too is so important.
I’ve been trying to drink at least 3 L of water a day
I’d love to go back and start proper skincare earlier. I do know I need more sleep and water.
My anti-ageing tips, a good nights sleep and calm nervous system. Easier said than done but makes a huge difference to the way I look and feel. Even more important than skincare.
Wow I’d love to see that episode!
Sunscreen has to be one of the biggest anti-aging tips!
I regret not starting an intense regime earlier, at least I know better now.
SPF is key. Wish I had been diligent when I was younger.
SPF , hydration and good nutition are so important and I also believe a big smile and great aptitude takes years off anyone.
Always wear SPF, and keep yourself well hydrated.
Over the years I have realised that sunscreen is really important, especially the harsh sun we have in Australia. My mom has beautiful skin and she always made sure she used a Nivea or Olay creams to keep her skin hydrated and having a positive happy attitude to life also helped.
My Mum had amazing skin. She died aged 77 without a single wrinkle on her face. She always used Olay or Nivea products and Ive followed her lead. For my age my skin is pretty good. My eldest daughter who is 33 would never listen when I would tell her to look after her skin and her skin has wrinkles already where I have none. My other two daughters look after their skin especially my youngest. They both have good skin. Its not all genetics.
SPF is key for me!
can’t stress enough about using SPF. Mu mum is 70 this year and has amazing skin as she slip slop slapped, and never forget about your neck/decolletage area
Agree with all the key points and comment about SPF – yes!
The article mentions that AHA ‘gently exfoliates’. That’s not always the case as it depends on the concentration and acid type. Best to start carefully on lower concentrations.
I always try to SPF my hands cityglenda and mum was always at me about the sunscreen.
Agree with all of the above. My sister in law looks waaay older than she is, smoking, drinking and roasting. But at least her girls are learning from her mistakes.
Yeah I really need to start doing that!!
So lovely that your mum taught you about it. I learnt about it through reading mags I think and having a general interest in wanting to just look after my skin after surviving childhood through the ’70s!
Moisturizers and SPF are important for me
I drink around 4L a day & my skin is very hydrated. My biggest tip is SPF every day, & don’t skip the neck & décolletage.
Helpful and interesting article. I look younger than I am but regret sunbaking as a teenager. Luckily I always put a towel over my face when I was lying in the sun but you can never really reverse sun damage.
I echo everyone here: SPF is so damn important for anti-aging, especially in this country. Keeping hydrated is also important, as well as having a good diet. Actives will only get you so far, but they are handy to have in your skincare arsenal (provided your skin can tolerate them in the first place – mine doesn’t always like to play ball, so I have to be careful).
Great article and I agree with the other beauties comments, SPF is also important.
Thats the problem CCW, we never worry about these things (like hands) until it is too late. I apply it like it is hand cream before I go out. I have sunspots starting to appear and I don’t want anymore!
Great article sorting out myths/truths. Would love to have been on the trial for Nature’s Way Beauty Collagen Mature Skin Tablets having just turned 60.
Reading the reviews didn’t help much – all participants should have included their age – maybe half did – but it seemed that the few in their 60/70s didn’t get results – so maybe too late for me!
Interesting article
My mum’s friend is in her 80s and she has the most beautiful skin with hardly any wrinkles, she swears by using Goat’s milk products on her face. I’ve never tried them but I hope I look as good as her at her age.
SPF and water should top the list
Very true!
Great article, I will definitely take all the help I can.
Interesting article.
If only I knew 40 years ago what I know now about the importance of hydration and high SPF sunscreen then I wouldn’t need to plaster my face with so many skincare products.
Interesting article, thank you.
Grow old gracefully, accept but be proactive in looking after your skin
Helpful information I’m in this age group and struggle to find good products at a reasonable prive
I do believe the Active ingredients are key in anti-ageing products .
So many tablets and liquids to drink now, its all very confusing, oh and expensive
I agree with everyone else that sunscreen should be top of the list along with hydration. I am curious about the Nature’s Way Collagen Tablets as I already use their multivitamins. After reading this article, I think I have to give them a try. Thanx again BH ‘S
Interesting… And maybe a touch expensive… Personally I love seeing a face with wrinkles as it gives the person character and tells a story of a life lived….
It’s true there are budget buys that work