Anti-ageing skincare treatments are increasingly popular, but there’s a lot of myths and misconceptions around the topic. There are many products and treatments on the market, and it can be difficult to know which ones are really effective and suitable for your skin type.
Here’s a look at some of the most common misunderstandings, and strategies that actually work to maintain a healthy and youthful complexion. If you would like some more tailored expert advice, drop into our Brighton skincare clinic and we will be delighted to chat with you.
You can prevent the signs of ageing just with natural remedies
Natural remedies have their place, particularly if you have very sensitive skin that can be easily irritated by synthetic ingredients. However, they are unlikely to target underlying issues to the same degree as clinically proven treatments that are designed to boost collagen production or smooth wrinkles, such as microneedling or Botox.
It’s too late to start anti-ageing treatments in your 40s or beyond
It’s increasingly common to have preventative skin treatments at a young age to stop any issues before they start. It is important to always use sunscreen no matter what your age, because UV is the biggest cause of prematurely aged skin.
However, the reason our skin becomes less supple and more prone to fine lines and wrinkles as we age is because the body produces less elastin and collagen, which are the protein building blocks of the skin.
Therefore clinical treatments that stimulate collagen production and quicken skin cell turnover can really make a significant difference to the smoothness and radiance of your skin, no matter how old we are.
You need to spend a lot on high-end products if you have mature skin
High-end skin care is big business, and companies with large marketing budgets will spend a lot on luxury packaging and well-targeting advertising campaigns to justify an expensive price tag. However, these products often contain the same active ingredients as more affordable alternatives.
Therefore it is important to research clinically proven ingredients rather than rely solely on the marketing and advertising content. For example, hyaluronic acid is effective for promoting soft and well hydrated skin, and is widely used in products of all price points.
Retinol is another commonly used ingredient across the whole range of skincare products. It is a form of vitamin A that can be effective for treating blocked pores, acne, mild scars, and for reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
However, it is a powerful ingredient that can cause adverse reactions, particularly if you have sensitive skin. It can also make your skin more sensitive to the effects of sunlight, so this may be a consideration if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
If you want to try it for the first time, apply a small amount to an unobtrusive area of your skin, and monitor for any negative reactions, such as redness or itchiness.