When you think of skin ageing, wrinkles and fine lines are probably two of the first things that come to mind. But do you know that wrinkles are actually considered the most prominent feature of maturing skin¹? This makes it all the more crucial to manage them.

Before exploring wrinkles in the skin, let’s take a look at what really causes skin ageing. This natural phenomenon is essentially a mix of two processes; intrinsic ageing (the skin’s innate timeline) and extrinsic ageing (all those outside elements, especially long-term solar UV exposure and smoking)².

While both, intrinsic and extrinsic factors can result in changes in skin structure, physiology and appearance,¹ they show up rather differently². Intrinsic ageing takes place gradually and hence tends to be characterised by a smooth texture, fine wrinkling and the odd, amplified expression lines². On the flip-side, a rougher complexion with pronounced wrinkles are classic, telltale signs of extrinsically aged skin².

Now, although fine lines and wrinkles can’t be rubbed out, there are certainly options for softening their appearance and helping prevent new ones from appearing to enable you to achieve that coveted, youthful radiance. On that note, let’s create a skincare palette.

First and foremost, let’s add sun protection. With around 80% of facial skin ageing being caused by UV exposure,³ the importance of protecting your complexion from that central solar star cannot be highlighted enough. For this reason sunscreens are probably regarded as the most common beneficial agents for helping to prevent premature skin ageing⁴. And if that’s not enough - daily sunscreen application was found to slow down skin ageing in healthy middle-aged men and women⁴. The use of sunscreens can also go a long way in protecting against premature wrinkles⁵.

Of course, sunscreen is just one component in your sun protection system. Limit your time in direct sunlight, don’t forget to wear protective hats, clothing and eyewear before heading outdoors and remember to seek shade when out and about.

We know that sun exposure plays a lead role in skin ageing but there are other facets which accelerate this process including smoking, pollution, unhealthy eating habits and lack of sleep¹.

Now that we have covered the protective and lifestyle shades, let’s add in a moisturising hue. One of the most noticeable differences between youthful and mature skin is that it’s the drier, rougher texture of ageing skin which can make lines and wrinkles stand out even more. So, it’s no surprise then that hydration of the stratum corneum (your skin’s outermost layer) controls the appearance of facial lines⁵. So, be sure to pamper your skin by moisturising regularly, as it’s one of the best ways to help achieve a smooth appearance.

While moisturisers are great on their own, ageing skin tends to crave more i.e, hydrating products with additional benefits for fine lines and wrinkles. One study showed a facial cream successfully boosting skin moisturisation and visibly reducing both, fine and coarse lines and wrinkles¹.

How does your skincare palette look...pretty full, right? Just like an art masterpiece takes time, effort and dedication to complete, so does the journey of addressing skin ageing signs that include fine lines and wrinkles. However, adopting a skincare routine, making appropriate lifestyle choices, consistently and patiently following these tips can help reveal smoother, glowing and visibly youthful skin in the long run.

With so many ‘anti-ageing’ products out there hyping different skincare ingredients, it can be mind boggling to figure out the functions of each of these. Here is a cheat sheet to help you out.

Let’s start with AHAs — the A in your alphabet of ingredients for ageing skin. Owing to their exfoliating action and visibly revitalising properties, these multifaceted ingredients not only enhance skin texture and tone but also visibly reduce fine lines and wrinkles — all this is backed by strong scientific evidence⁷. While the application of AHAs help reduce a refined complexion, they can make the skin more sun-sensitive⁷. So, following sun protection measures is non-negotiable and taking things slow is key — working AHA products into your skincare routine gradually will help your skin adapt⁷.

A skincare ingredients list for mature skin wouldn’t be complete without vitamins such as B3, C & E.

A star for boosting your glow, products formulated with Vitamin B3 (also known as niacinamide) have shown a range of cosmetic effects including a visible reduction in fine lines and wrinkles⁸.

Vitamin E not only has an amazing moisturising potential but also plays a part in improving the appearance of fine line and wrinkles⁵.

Vitamins E and C are considered anti-oxidant powerhouses which helps them to visibly improve wrinkles⁵.

Last but certainly not least, is hyaluronic acid — an oldie but goodie. It has been shown to visibly reduce the signs of skin ageing with significant boosting of skin moisturisation and visible softening of wrinkles noted in many studies using hyaluronic acid based creams⁹. Fun fact: hyaluronic acid loves water a lot which probably explains its involvement in the regulation of skin hydration¹⁰.

As we age, the hyaluronic acid levels in our skin naturally drop which gives rise to the reduced lustre and resultant wrinkles evident in ageing skin⁸. On a side note, if you see ‘sodium hyaluronate’ on a label, don’t worry — it’s just a form of ‘hyaluronic acid’. Sodium hyaluronate is converted to hyaluronic acid.

In today’s anti-ageing skincare market bursting with topical offerings of all shades, it’s easy to feel spoiled for choice and overwhelmed. So what’s the best approach? Keep your skincare routine simple, science-backed, consistent and be patient with it.

When introducing new topical products, it is a good idea to patch test them on a small, non-prominent portion of skin before proceeding to apply them on larger or prominent areas.
Always remember to read the labelling on products and use them as directed, paying attention to the warnings and other advice.

Here is an easy step-by-step guide with the Elucent Age Defying range. It’s as simple as Cleanser > Day Moisturiser with SPF > Cleanser > Serum > Night Moisturiser.

1. Start your day with a lower strength AHA containing cleanser like Elucent Age Defying Gel Cleanser and use it again before going to bed.

2. Put on a moisturising sunscreen formulated with AHAs like Elucent Age Defying Day Moisturiser SPF 30* as the final step of your morning skincare routine. Be sure to lather it on generously and follow other sun protection measures mentioned earlier on in this article.

3. Introduce an AHA concentrated serum as part of your nighttime skincare routine once the skin becomes used to these ingredients.

4. If you are after an AHA product to target fine lines and wrinkles around the eye area, try Elucent Age Defying Eye Cream by adding it to your nighttime skincare routine.

5. Wind down and pamper your cleansed skin at night with an AHAs enriched night moisturiser such as Elucent Age Defying Night Cream.

*Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Avoid prolonged sun exposure and wear protective clothing, hats and eyewear to further reduce risk. Frequent re-application is required.