When it comes to skin care, there are some ingredients that certainly work harder than others. And because dissecting a label is half the battle, we’re here to help by narrowing it down to the five best anti-ageing ingredients to know.
We’re talking about the ingredients that plump, repair, smooth, and brighten. The helpful heroes that treat but also protect the skin, and therefore slow the signs of ageing. Take that, fine lines and wrinkles.
Sound like some ingredients you’d love to get to know? Here are the top five to remember and the benefits they provide…
Peptides
There are many different kinds of peptides in skin care, so you’ll often spot the word combined with another on the label. But in general, if you see it, it’s a good thing. Overall, peptides are chains of amino acids that contribute to the creation of protein within the skin (and the hair for that matter). They’re sent wherever the body needs them most, acting as messengers that signal the body to heal itself.
So what that means in terms of wrinkles, sagging and lacklustre skin, is that collagen and elastin production are stimulated. And in turn, the skin reaps smoothing, hydrating and repairing benefits.
bh recommends:
- Grand Nature Advanced Anti-Ageing Lifting Eye Cream, $59.99 at Amazon AU
- Dr. LeWinn’s Ultra R4 Collagen Surge Overnight Sleep Mask, $63.99 at Chemist Warehouse
- Skin Physics COPPER PEPTIDES + Advanced Age Defence Serum, $39.99 at Priceline
Sunscreen
Big fan of SPF? Good, because sunscreen is undoubtedly one of the best anti-ageing ingredients out there. Wearing it daily will help block UV rays from penetrating into the skin, effectively minimising the risk of premature wrinkles, skin sagging and hyperpigmentation.
The Cancer Council also recommends one teaspoon of sunscreen to be applied per limb. And yes, this includes your face. So if you’re currently relying on the SPF in your tinted moisturiser or foundation, it’s highly likely you’re not applying enough.
bh recommends:
- Dr Roebuck’s Barrier Reef Daily Facial Shield SPF50+, $36.75 at ry.com.au
- Bondi Sands Sunny Daze SPF 50 Moisturiser, $22.95 at bondisands.com.au
Retinol
Also known as vitamin A, retinol is one of the most used and most studied anti-ageing ingredients. It works by increasing cell turnover, helping to treat fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, dullness, loss of firmness, and just about any other skin ageing issue you can think of.
It can come in many different levels of potency, and it’s often advised by dermatologists to start ‘low and slow’. This will help to build up the skin’s tolerance to the product and prevent irritation and peeling.
The skin is also more sensitive to UV exposure with use, so it’s best practice to apply retinol at night and use adequate sun protection in the morning. For beginners, a retinol serum can be a good place to start, as you can follow most with a moisturiser to comfort and nourish the skin.
bh recommends:
- Ella Baché Retinol Night Treatment Serum, $139 at ellabache.com.au
- Skin Republic Retinol 1% Serum, $19.99 at Chemist Warehouse
Antioxidants
Antioxidants have the unique ability to prevent environmental elements from wreaking havoc with your skin. Think: UV and blue light damage. Antioxidants help prevent these nasty free radicals from penetrating the skin and destroying collagen and elastin.
The only problem is, they’re not always directly referenced as an ‘antioxidant’ on skin care labels. But the good news is, there are plenty of skin care ingredients you’re probably already familiar with that are, in fact, antioxidants.
Some of the most popular ones include vitamin C, niacinamide, resveratrol, vitamin E and coQ10.
bh recommends:
- Dr Naomi Skin Let’s C, $139 at drnaomi.com
- Andalou Resveratrol Q10 Night Repair Cream, $34.99 at Priceline
- Plunkett’s Natural Vitamin E Cream, $13.99 at Chemist Warehouse
AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)
If you’re all about ditching dullness for glow, you need some AHAs in your routine. Alpha hydroxy acids gently exfoliate by dissolving dead skin cells, leaving behind soft, smooth and refreshed skin.
Lactic, glycolic, and malic acid all fall under the AHAs umbrella, helping to boost radiance, smooth fine lines, and fade hyperpigmentation.
The key is finding which type works best for you. And just like retinol, it’s best to start with a low potency and slowly work it into your routine.
bh recommends:
- Yves Saint Laurent Pure Shots Night Reboot Serum, $105 at Myer
- John Plunkett’s SuperBright Exfoliating Skin Brightener, $31.99 at Priceline
- ELEMIS Dynamic Resurfacing Pads, $88 at MECCA
*This article has been updated since its original publication.
Main image credit: @gabunion
Do you use any of these amazing anti-ageing ingredients?
I do want to try more Retinol, The ordinary looks good
Retinol’s my skin’s favourite product, and sunscreen during the day.
Crazy how I’ve heard of every single one but never really put so much effort in because I fear they wont work
The Dermalogica exfoliating are good
I wonder of the above, which ones are man made ingredients?
Spam below by drogudugu.
BH, please remove.
As my skin ages, I pay more attention to it. Sunscreen is always a must when I go out.
Retinol seems too strong for my sensitive skin (L’oreal) so recently turned to Niacinamide which is great but can also dry my skin out so have to take it easy on that.
Im slack with winter sunscreen but use Natio which has a built in moisturiser and seems ok as dont normally like sunscreen as too greasy.
Have peptides and antioxidants in some of my skin care but cant mix these antioxidants with other skincare i use.
I swear by SPF cream.
I was lucky enough to trial the Ella Baché Retinol Serum. Love it. Makes my skin feel incredibly smooth and soft.
I haven’t tried very many of these suggested products, so time to try some out.
I’ve used the Plunkett’s Natural Vitamin E Cream, quite good in winter when weather is cold and drying
I haven’t tried most of these, the only being sunscreen.
So many modern great products by the sounds! The Elemis resurfacing pads look really good.
yes that brand sounds like it has some really nice products
I love any of Dr Lewinns products -always lovely to use
Sunscreen is the only ‘anti-ageing’ product, but the other ingredients can certainly help
AHA’s and retinol are my favourite!
Definitely love AHA’s, I’m slowly getting more into retinol now too
oooh, so many new products! Want to try 2 of those listed. Love acids, retinol, peptides, all of it.
I use all the above (not at the same time) 🙂
I use most of these ingredients. I would like to incorporate peptides, tho
I’ve been using a retinol product I got from the summer self discovery bag and am loving it
I don’t use any AHAs, that is something I might need to introduce. I love my retinol and sunscreen. Also, I have some peptides to start using.
I’m still in the baby stages with retinol, as someone with sensitive skin and redness, I tread carefully with retinol. I use a gentle formula, Sunday Riley Sleeping Night Retinol Oil. I was gifted it and super grateful for it but upon seeing it’s price tag, *gulp*
Interesting article, I have recently received the grand nature eye cream in the last rewards room and have a sample of the skin brightener.
Retinol is great but there are gentler alternatives.
The Bondi Sands day cream looks fabbo
Thank You BH for Explaining Anti-aging Formulas there is so many and I cannot use very Strong Retinol Serums or Creams because they cause an allergic reaction, like a very Red Face and Rashes.
I love Retinol, Vitamin C & Acids. Sunscreen is non-negotiable. I’m yet to try many peptides.
I have been using sunscreen more nowadays because i failed to in my previous years.
I have been looking for a product that contains copper but I’m not sure if the Skin Physics
COPPER PEPTIDES + Advanced Age Defence Serum would be suitable because it contains sodium hyaluronate (this ingredient can be problematic for me).
Retinol is my favourite at the moment
I’ve recently started using sunscreen everyday, not just when it’s sunny
Plunkett’s Natural Vitamin E Cream fits with my budget. Definitely look this for next time.
So many options.
Interesting…
Retinol has not figured much in my skincare routine but i am starting to dabble.
Interesting article.