- Antioxidants- they mainly serve a protective role in the skin. Antioxidants mainly exert their protective effects by neutralizing free radicals. Any stressors to the skin, whether UV light ,pollution or even normal metabolic processes can generate these free radicals ,these very unstable molecules when un neutralized can cause oxidative damage that breaks down collagen and elastin . Using an antioxidant helps neutralize these free radicals reducing chances of oxidative damage.
Aside from this protective role, different antioxidants can help with other skin ageing concerns whether it's increasing collagen production, or decreasing excess pigment formation, or helping hydrate the skin. So you want to pick and choose the antioxidants you want to incorporate in your skincare routine based on your ultimate skin goals.
- By far the most popular and probably the most researched antioxidant in skin care is vitamin C, it has antioxidant protective ability, but its also been shown to brighten the skin and lighten dark spots when used consistently as well as stimulate collagen.
- Niacinamide ( vitamin B3)- its also a very popular antioxidant for its ability to brighten the skin, improve texture and tone as well as to fortify the skin barrier.
- Retinoids. - Retinoids help with skin ageing in so many ways. They increase collagen stimulation . As our bodies get older, our skin get older, it doesn't feel as inclined to make new collagen so we need to stimulate it in some way and retinoids help do that. Retinoids also decreases the breakdown of collagen . Our body is naturally breaking collagen, not only in our skin but in our bones and other organs that contain collagen throughout the duration of our life. So anything that we can be doing to prevent excess break down of collagen is also going to be really helpful in fighting signs of aging. Retinoids also help reduce signs of irregular pigmentation and they increase cell turn over to make our skin more glowy, more dewy and more refreshed. At what age should you start using retinoids? whenever you feel ready to start having a significant anti ageing routine, thats a good time to incorporate retinoids ! For most people its mid 20s or early 30s when they start seeing signs of aging like irregular pigmentation or fine lines. if you are in your 50s,or 60s or 70s,Its also not too late to start incorporating retinoids, they always have a benefit.
- Exfoliants - Am talking about chemical exfoliants that create molecular change within your skin that's truly anti ageing in the long term.
The AHAs glycolic acid, lactic acid, Mandelic acid, work by stimulating the fibroblasts which then lead to the generation of new collagen. Glycolic tends to be alittle too potent .You can start with Mandelic and lactic and then push your way up if you want some more.
- Pigment Correctors- having aged skin or skin that is prematurely aged is not just about dullness or fine lines or wrinkles, its also about a regular or modelled pigmentation and some of that can be addressed with topical skin care.
Things like vitamin C, retinoids and chemical exfoliants can all help with hyperpigmentation.
Pigment is an incredibly difficult problem to tackle. others are azelaic acid, niacinamide, alpha arbutin, tranexamic acid etc
- Peptides - They signal the skin to create something new,and in this case its new collagen and new elastin. By creating new collagen and elastin you are going to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and make the skin quality better overall.
You can use it on face, neck and the decolette(ee) and other parts that need attention
- Sunscreen - you shouldn't even bother with other anti ageing skin care unless you are using sunscreen consistently in your skincare routine. Sun protection is what is going to protect you the most from premature skin ageing so its an absolute must incorporate, gotta do it,no ifs or buts about it.
Products recommendations:
https://luminr.co.ke/products/some-by-mi-galactomyces-pure-vitamin-c-glow-serum-30ml
https://luminr.co.ke/products/the-ordinary-niacinamide-10-zinc-1
https://luminr.co.ke/products/la-roche-posay-pure-vitamin-c-10-serum-30ml
https://luminr.co.ke/products/cosrx-the-retinol-0-5-oil-20ml
https://luminr.co.ke/products/some-by-mi-retinol-intense-advanced-triple-action-eye-cream-30ml
https://luminr.co.ke/products/the-ordinary-lactic-acid-5-ha
https://luminr.co.ke/products/the-ordinary-mandelic-acid-10-ha
https://luminr.co.ke/products/isntree-hyaluronic-acid-watery-sun-gel-spf-50-pa-50ml