Hold back the years with the best anti-ageing active ingredients

The world of anti-ageing skincare is evolving at a pace that you probably can’t keep up with, and do not worry, you are not alone! Every other day there is a new active ingredient on the market that promises to turn back the clock and if you want to learn about the best anti-ageing ingredients, you have come to the right place. From the different hyaluronic acid benefits for the skin to how to use retinol for skincare, get the skinny on the most popular anti-ageing ingredients that will do the trick with minimum fuss.

1. Hyaluronic acid

If there is one anti-ageing ingredient that every skincare enthusiast has heard of, it is hyaluronic acid. Our bodies naturally produce hyaluronic acid but as we grow older, the production and levels of it start to deplete. Here is how hyaluronic acid works - when applied to the skin, hyaluronic acid for skin acts as a sponge, absorbing all the moisture from not only the air but also the rest of your skincare products. This hydrating active ingredient can be applied topically or through cosmetic fillers and injections. The star skincare ingredient is known to hold up to 1000 times its weight in water and this moisture retaining property of hyaluronic acid is what plumps your skin and minimizes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Apart from using hyaluronic acid for hydration, the other uses of hyaluronic acid are –

• Hyaluronic acid for skin – It makes your skin supple and bouncy
• Products with hyaluronic acid for the under eyes helps reduce crow’s feet and tear troughs
• Hyaluronic acid cream & Hyaluronic acid serum restores the elasticity and volume in your skin

2. Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant and is highly effective at neutralising free radicals that cause premature skin ageing. What this means is that vitamin C is extremely effective in improving your skin’s resilience and cancelling out the damage that is caused by various environmental aggressors like UV rays, dust and pollution, and stress. It also plays a vital role in boosting collagen production, which we all know is the way to giving skin a denser and firmer appearance. The ascorbic acid in vitamin C also helps the surface of the skin fight off external stress and exposure to the elements we face in everyday life. And that’s not all, vitamin C is also a great active ingredient to lighten hyperpigmentation marks, dark spots, and sunspots that result from years of prolonged exposure to the sun.

3. Pro-Xylane

Pro-Xylane is a sugar protein whose molecules are responsible for defending the skin against water loss. It restructures the skin, layer by layer, by stimulating growth proteins in skin cells, and therefore helps combat wrinkles and sagging skin. It adds density, evens out skin tone, and brightens the complexion. Just like most other anti-ageing ingredients in this list, pro-xylane also stimulates collagen and elastin production in the skin which reduces moisture loss, thus improving your skin’s volume and elasticity.

4. Retinol

Another popular anti-ageing ingredient is Retinol, the derivate of Vitamin A that is found naturally in your body. Retinol products boost cell renewal and slow down the ageing of newer skin cells. By improving cell turnover rate, this skin-transforming active ingredient targets fine lines, wrinkles, and signs of sun damage. Retinol for the skin also helps increase your body’s collagen levels, which, in turn, results in plumper looking skin. One of the benefits of retinol is that it works deep in the basal layer of your skin, rather than merely sitting on the surface, which is how it activates the production of collagen. But first timers, be wary, retinol can cause irritation and redness if not applied carefully. Here is how to use retinol for wrinkles and fine lines –

• Less is definitely more with retinol – start with a very small amount of the product for the first couple of weeks
• Instead of applying retinol products every day, start by applying them 3 times a week at first, then gradually move on to applying it every other day, and then apply it every day
• Avoid applying it during the daytime as retinol is not as effective when exposed to sunlight. So, make retinol a part of your nighttime routine instead

5. Resveratrol

Resveratrol, a plant compound found in the skin of red grapes is the queen of antioxidants as it helps to fight many different signs of skin ageing. This molecule is anti-inflammatory and helps soothe and calm red and irritated skin, boosts collagen and elastin production in the body, and firms the skin on the chin and neck. When applied topically, resveratrol strengthens and protects your skin’s surface from external aggressors. The anti-microbial properties of this compound also keep your skin healthy and reduce breakouts and inflammation. Regular use of skincare products with resveratrol can also get rid of uneven skin tone, reduce pigmentation, and brighten your overall complexion.

6. Alpha Hydroxy Acids

More commonly known as AHAs, alpha hydroxy acids are naturally occurring chemical compounds that fight different signs of ageing. The most common AHAs in anti-ageing skincare products are Glycolic Acid and Lactic Acid. One of the most popular benefits of AHAs is their exfoliation properties. AHAs are used as chemical peels to get rid of dead skin cells and boost your cell’s regeneration process. By revealing new and fresh skin cells, AHAs improve your skin’s texture and also give you a bright, glowing, and radiant complexion. Chemical exfoliants that penetrate deep into the skin also help in reducing dark spots and hyperpigmentation.

We all dream of younger-looking smooth skin, a glowing complexion, a plumped-up face, and well-defined contours. Stock up your arsenal with these must-have anti-ageing ingredients and flaunt your youthful skin for years to come.