Our skin undergoes significant changes as we age, including stress, hormonal changes, sun exposure and the relentless march of time. Understanding these changes is crucial for knowing which type of effective skincare to look for.
“Getting older is a part of life, it’s a natural process, but looking after your skin with great-quality products and getting yourself into a good routine will benefit you,” says celebrity facialist and skincare expert Charlotte Connoley. So, we’ve compiled a comprehensive range of skincare products that deliver results based on your specific concerns.
Even out your skintone with sunscreen & Vitamin C
Spending too much time in the sun can lead to an increase in pigmentation. However, by combining Vitamin C with a daily SPF, you can effectively reduce the appearance of sunspots and safeguard your skin from further damage.
We love using La Roche-Posay Vitamin C12 Serum, £45, followed by a layer of Ultrasun Face Anti-Pigmentation SPF50+, £15, every morning to correct an uneven skintone.
Soften lines with retinol & peptides
Wrinkles are a natural part of the ageing process but retinol can help. As the gold standard of anti-agers, it exfoliates your skin and increases collagen production, which can reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
L'Oréal Paris Revitalift Pure Retinol Night Serum, £31.99, is a happy place to start, offering results without causing discomfort. Follow with a peptide serum, such as Vichy LiftActiv Collagen Specialist Peptide Night Cream, £41, which promises to plump and smooth the look of fine lines.
Protect your skin with ceramides
Ceramides, or lipids, are produced naturally in the skin and help lock moisture. As we age, our ceramide levels deplete and can cause dry skin if not treated properly.
To restore moisture levels and support the skin barrier, slather on CeraVe Moisturising Lotion, £12.50, to dry, clean skin. For extra nourishment, once a week, drench skin with a Dr. Jart+ Ceramidin™ Facial Barrier Mask, £8.50.
Get a glow with acids
Glycolic acid dives into the skin and loosens any dead skin cells to reveal a clearer, more radiant complexion. To really ramp up the glow, combine with a hydrating hyaluronic acid serum.
After cleansing, saturate a cotton pad with The Ordinary Glycolic Acid 7% Exfoliating Toner, £7.70, and sweep across the face and neck. Follow with Caudalie VinoHydra Hyaluronic Serum, £29, with a hydration hit to nourish and soothe.
Decongest pores with a double cleanse
It’s important to thoroughly clean your face of dirt, oil and makeup before bed as your skin regenerates overnight. The best duo for the job? Start with a micellar water, such as beauty editor favourite Bioderma Sensibio H2O Cleansing Micellar Water, £13.50, to lift off waterproof mascara and foundation.
Then, to ensure all makeup is eliminated and to deep clean your pores, use an oil-based cleansing balm – we like Liz Earle Superskin Advanced Nourishing Cleansing Balm, £39.
De-puff eyes with an eye mask & serum
When you haven’t had enough sleep, puffy eyes and dark circles are a certain giveaway. For a quick boost, apply PIXI BeautifEYE Eye Patches Serum, £22, to hydrate your under-eye area – leave on for 10 minutes.
Next use your ring finger to gently pat on a small amount of Balance Me Vitamin C Brightening Eye Serum, £24. Gently patting the area around your eyes can help promote lymphatic drainage, this will reduce puffiness and give your eyes a more awake appearance.