When we were little we couldn't wait to get older. Why? We wanted independence, freedom, and no curfews. Little did we know, ageing came with unwanted responsibilities, hefty bills and ageing skin. As your skin ages, it’s ability to regenerate, regulate and repair new skin will slow down. I’ve noticed that products that claims to be ‘anti-ageing’ or targeted towards a more mature age group often is marketed at a very higher value. Why? Brands will slap claims like anti-wrinkle, reverse signs of ageing or add extravagant ingredients like ginseng or sea kelp and charge you a premium. I am not against extravagant ingredients in skincare, they sometimes obviously serve a purpose. However, what I am trying to say is don't fall prey to a brands marketing. You can still prevent signs of ageing with products that aren’t advertised as 'anti-ageing'. The price of a product should not determine its efficacy and quality.
What does aged skin look like? Well if you google it, it will tell you that the signs of ageing skin are: fine lines, wrinkles, dullness, enlarged pores and sagging skin due to loss of elasticity. You can’t stop your skin from ageing, its biologically impossible, but you can definitely prevent premature ageing. How? Adopt good skincare habits, habits like:
- Wearing sunscreen daily, regardless of the forecast and agenda. Unprotected sun exposure leads to premature ageing of skin, wrinkles, sun spots, hyper-pigmentation or even cancer. This is the cheapest, yet most effective anti ageing product. Adequate sun protection consist of daily wear preferably a broad spectrum sunscreen, reapplication and an SPF of at least 30!
- Establish your core skincare regime and supplement as needed. This should at least consist of cleansing, moisturise and adequate sun protection!
- Cleansing is soooo important! A good gentle and pH balanced (also be gentle with your hands) will give you a clean canvas without stripping and damaging your skin barrier.
- Moisturise! You don't often see older women with acne right? Thats because their sebum production have significantly slowed down (with age). Sebum is the natural oil that moisturises your skin, but an over production of sebum is what leads to breakouts. Inadequate skin hydration is what makes fine lines and pores more prominent. Think of your skin like a sponge. When a sponge is dry the wrinkles and holes in the sponge is more prominent compared to when its wet. Same as well moisturised skin, it will appear fuller and plumped, fine lines and pores wont be as visible.
- Use and supplement with skin loving ingredients. If I went on about how to combat each specific sign of ageing, this blog might turn into a thesis. Only incorporate ingredients that are beneficial for your skin. Refer below.
Looking for recommendations? Try these Korean skincare online.
- Krave’s Matcha Hemp Hydrating Cleanser is so gentle yet rich in antioxidant and cleanses effectively without drying out or stripping skin.
- COSRX Low pH Good Morning Gel Cleanser is a cult favourite. A mildly acidic light gel cleanser. Gentle on skin and does not leave the skin feeling stripped.
- Krave’s GBR can be used as a supplementing serum or moisturiser.
- Isntree Hyaluronic Acid toner is fast absorbing to alleviate irritation caused from dry skin.
- Pyunking Yul Moisture Cream is great for all skin types. Fast absorbing and keeps the skin cool, supple and soft.
- I’m From Vitamin Tree Water Gel is lightweight and contains 68% vitamin tree leaf water. It brightens, moisturises and soothens.
- Dr Jart Ceramidin Cream is rich in ceramics and formulated with ingredients such as bifida ferment lysate, beetroot, and hyaluronic acid. These help to manage dryness, itchiness and discomfort.
- Klairs Freshly juiced Vitamin Drops - a great concentration for all skin types, even those with sensitive skin.