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Ageing
Ageing skin isn't a flaw, it's a sign of life being lived, and understanding the skin's natural changes can help you care for your skin with confidence rather than concern. But here's the twist: while getting older is inevitable, most of the visible signs we associate with ageing skin aren't set in stone. The way your skin ages is shaped by more than just your genes and the number of birthday candles on your cake — it's also determined by your choices, habits, and the care you give it. Want to get clear on how skin ages and what you can do to keep your skin feeling fresh, luminous and full of life? Let's get into it!
The earliest signs of ageing, the wrinkles, fine lines, dryness, dull skin, sagging, and pigmentation, usually show up where we notice them the most, on the face. And while they're part of the story of getting older, many of those signs are at least partly preventable.
Let's break it down. As skin matures, the collagen and elastin fibres that give your skin its firmness and springiness, start getting tangled and broken down, leading to sagging and wrinkles1. The cellular factories that produce more of these vital skin proteins also take a hit, making it harder to replace what's lost or damaged. One of your skin's key natural moisturisers, hyaluronic acid, also starts falling apart faster than it can be replenished — say hello to dry skin!2 And those dark spots and uneven skin tone are caused by skin pigments like melanin and lipofuscin building up due to time and sun exposure3.
It sounds depressing, but knowing what's coming and how it works means you can act early!
Skin ageing is a mix of things you can't change and things you absolutely can. 'Intrinsic' ageing is the slow, steady clock of biology, and for the most part it's written into your genes and hormonal shifts that are out of your hands1. But everything else falls under the umbrella of 'extrinsic' ageing, and that's where you have power.
UV rays, especially from the sun, are the single biggest contributor to premature ageing — responsible for a whopping 80% of visible facial ageing4 — followed by things like smoking, pollution, stress, and poor nutrition or sleep habits1.
These wreak havoc in a number of ways. UV rays (especially UVA rays) damage the DNA found in your skin, triggering inflammation1. As the body attempts to repair this damage, it starts making enzymes that break down collagen and elastin, the proteins that keep skin firm and smooth. If that wasn't bad enough, sunlight also directly produces reactive oxygen species (ROS — including free radicals), which can also damage DNA, kicking this process along further and speeding up visible ageing1.
Yes, absolutely! The good news is that most of the signs we stress about — wrinkles, uneven tone, dullness — are more about how much time you spend in the sun than the number of trips you've taken around it. When it comes to preventing against premature ageing, a good sunscreen and antioxidants in your skincare routine are two allies you want in your corner.
And don't underestimate the power of effective moisturisers. Dehydrated skin is dull and more prone to irritation,5 so quality moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin or sodium PCA can quickly help pick up the slack when your skin is feeling tired.
In this case, the answer is a qualified 'yes' — while early prevention will serve you better in the long run there are some proven ways to hit ctrl-z on the visible signs of ageing. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs) are chemical exfoliators that sweep away tired, dull skin to reveal smoother, fresher-looking skin beneath. They've been shown to decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and improve overall skin texture6.
For balancing out uneven skin tone and brightening skin, there's niacinamide, a form of Vitamin B3 that reduces the appearance of dark spots and dullness7.
The best routines are simple, science-backed, and built around proven ingredients. Here’s a blueprint for starting AHA skincare products for glowing, resilient skin:
Step 1: Start with a low AHA cleanser, like Elucent Age Defying Gel Cleanser, morning and night, as a way to introduce your skin to AHAs—no harsh soaps allowed, your skin will thank you.
Step 2: Hydrate with an overnight moisturiser with hyaluronic acid that will have you waking up refreshed, like our Elucent Age Defying Night Cream.
Step 3: As your skin builds a tolerance to AHAs, level up with a concentrated serum, like Elucent Age Defying Serum for targeted wrinkle reduction.
Step 4: Protect every single morning with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, like our Elucent Age Defying Day Moisturiser SPF 30.*
Bonus tip: The skin isn't just affected by what you put on it; keeping away from smoking & vaping, eating healthy, getting regular, quality sleep and managing your stress all do their part, too.
* 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.
Ready to put this science to work? The Elucent Age Defying products contain the power of AHAs and the support of some antioxidants (such as Vitamins E & C), moisturisers including hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide.†
Your skin tells your story, and every line is a memory made. Understanding the science behind how skin ages puts the power back in your hands. You can’t stop the clock, but you can slow its effects, prevent unnecessary damage, and even undo some of the signs that make skin look older than it feels. Smart choices — like daily sun protection, nourishing moisturisers, and proven ingredients like AHAs and niacinamide — aren’t just routines, they’re investments in your skin’s future. Defy dull in your skincare, and defy dull in your life.
Anti-ageing day moisturiser with SPF30 to smooth, protect and hydrate skin
8% AHA night cream to visibly firm, smooth and revitalise ageing skin
Day moisturiser with 5% niacinamide to brighten and even skin tone
Night cream with 5% Niacinamide to brighten complexion and visibly reduce pigmentation
Want glow without the drama? Here’s your simple, friendly guide to using AHAs the right way—what to use, when, and how to keep your skin calm and happy.
What they are, what they do, and why your skin might fall in love. A no-nonsense guide to these glow-getting exfoliants.
There’s no magic eraser, but there is great skincare. Here’s how to smooth and soften the look of fine lines and wrinkles over time.
1. Naharro-Rodriguez J, Bacci S, Hernandez-Bule ML, Perez-Gonzalez A, Fernandez-Guarino M. Decoding skin aging: a review of mechanisms, markers, and modern therapies. Cosmetics 2025;12(4):144.
2. Papakonstantinou E, Roth M, Karakiulakis G. Hyaluronic acid: A key molecule in skin aging. Dermatoendocrinol 2012;4(3):253–8.
3. Skoczyńska A, Budzisz E, Trznadel-Grodzka E, Rotsztejn H. Melanin and lipofuscin as hallmarks of skin aging. Adv Dermatol Allergol Dermatol Alergol 2017;34(2):97–103.
4. Flament F, Bazin R, Laquieze S, Rubert V, Simonpietri E, Piot B. Effect of the sun on visible clinical signs of aging in Caucasian skin. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2013;6:221–32.
5. Augustin M, Kirsten N, Körber A, Wilsmann-Theis D, Itschert G, Staubach-Renz P, et al. Prevalence, predictors and comorbidity of dry skin in the general population. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2019;33(1):147–50.
6. Karwal K, Mukovozov I. Topical AHA in dermatology: Formulations, mechanisms of action, efficacy, and future perspectives. Cosmetics 2023;10(5):131.
7. Bissett DL, Oblong JE, Berge CA. Niacinamide: A B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance. Dermatol Surg 2005;31(7 Pt 2):860–5; discussion 865.
† Not all Elucent Age Defying products contain all these ingredients.
