My 3 Pillars of an anti-aging skincare routine

You know what I love about skincare products and information these days? It’s that there is so much information out there, and so many products and brands that help us achieve what we want for our skin.

I used to broadly focus on 2 areas of skin concerns in the past – hydration and anti-aging. While trying to find products that suited this ‘anti-aging’ category, I realised that ‘anti-aging’ is such a broad category, with so many products that claim to be it. For my purposes, I decided to narrow it down further.

These days, there are 3 specific types of products in my skincare routine that I maintain to address my ‘anti-aging’ concerns. These concerns are primarily lines, skin firmness and dull skin.

Why would it concern me if I don’t make a fuss about growing older, you ask? Well, because I’m vain – as are most people! 😛 😀

From experience over the years, these 3 products/ingredients have made a noticeable difference to the quality of my skin, and I am more partial to maintaining them in my skincare routine for this reason. They form the pillars of my skincare routine now.

The best part is that I can find these products/ingredients in all price ranges, so I can use a more pricey product if I’m feeling flush, but can also use an affordable one if the budget calls for it. That’s the beauty of focusing on an effective ingredient, as opposed to a general skincare product from a specific brand.

Vitamin C

I am a huge huge fan of products containing Vitamin C. I am partial to using a Vitamin C serum as my experience with this ingredient over the years has been nothing but amazing! It is an antioxidant that protects skin from agressors within and without, and also helps improve skin texture and appearance.

I’ve found that with regular use of a Vitamin C serum, my skin is brighter and stronger. If you have problems with freckles or pigmentation, Vitamin C serums can help you keep it under control and reduce their appearance.

I’ve been using Vitamin C serums for a few years now, and I swear by it to keep my skin bright and clear.

Is there one product I can recommend?

Not really. I’m not terribly anal about the type of Vitamin C that is in the product. I do find that serums with L-Ascorbic Acid do work better and more quickly, but they also oxidise more quickly. I personally opt for products with a high percentage, as my skin tolerates it well, and I see results with them.

However, I know that some people find Vitamin C irritating to the skin, so start with a lower percentage, or a different Vitamin C derivative that may be less irritating.

RELATED READING: Vitamin C serums I have tried over the years – some I really love! READ HERE

I always use Vitamin C serums in the day, for 3 reasons:

• I use a different key ingredient in the night. If you don’t, and you want a more noticeable result, use Vitamin C both day and night
• I use Vitamin C for its antioxidant properties to protect my skin through the day when I’d be more exposed
• Vitamin C, when combined with a broad spectrum sunscreen, can protect your skin better from harmful UV rays

Yep, research has shown that Vitamin C actually boosts the protection of your skin when you use a sunscreen. Unlike most products with acid, which people recommend you use in the night, Vitamin C is an exception to the rule. Use it in the day – but be sure to wear a good sunscreen with it!

Sunscreen

Sunscreen is the other product that I am never ever without.

Growing up, my mum was an early adopter and proponent of sunscreen, and would slather us with it daily. But coming from a small town, and without the vast improvements in texture and formulation as we have today, I hated wearing sunscreen. It was thick, oily, greasy and smelled terrible!

I used it on and off over the years, and it was not until my early 20’s, after I returned home from my studies, that I began using it in earnest. It’s been over 20 years now of (fairly) regular daily sunscreen use, and I have to say that it has stood me in good stead.

UV rays are scientifically proven to damage skin cells and that causes the skin to age and collapse. Protecting your skin with a good broadspectrum sunscreen can help slow down this damage.

I noticed this most about 2 years ago, when my pup first came into my life. I am very diligent about wearing sunscreen on my face, but (rather hypocritically) rather less so for my arms and neck. After about half a year of morning dog walks, I looked at my tanned arms one day, and noticed for the first time, sun spots and very dry skin. My arms had developed more lines than my face! I also noticed that my neck and chest were developing spots and lines.

I now remedy that by generously applying a body sunscreen every morning to protect my skin when I’m out. I also moisturise generously, to try to reduce the effects of the sun exposure.

My personal preference is to use a mineral (zinc oxide) based sunscreen for my face when I am out in the sun. I personally find that this protects my skin best, but the texture tends to be the heaviest and least comfortable or flattering. At present, the sunscreens I’m using are the Avene Very High Protection Mineral Sunscreen and Ultra Violette Mineral Sunscreen.

When indoors, I opt for a formula that is lighter, which is usually a hybrid formula – a formula that contains chemical UV filters and some physical mineral blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. My personal preference lies with the Japanese sunscreen brands (my preference lies with Allie), although I have also found that French pharmacy sunscreen brands (Avene, La Roche Posay) work for me.

When it comes to sunscreen, I always advocate finding one that is affordable and comfortable. There are so many brands and formula these days in the market, that there is no excuse to say “Oh, I don’t like wearing sunscreen”. There really is no excuse!

The reason you should get a sunscreen that suits your budget is because of how much of it you need to use daily, for best protection. I dare bet that most people aren’t using enough product at all!