As the largest organ in our body, skin acts as a barrier between our body and the environment. Our skin protects our body from extreme temperatures, harmful elements and pathogens. Due to the constant exposure to internal and external ageing factors, skin is often the first organ in our body which shows signs of ageing.
Skin Ageing Process
Ageing happens because our skin can no longer renew and replace all the damaged cells. The skin ageing process is hugely influenced by genetic predisposition, lifestyle and daily skincare routine. There are 3 major skin components known as collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid which provide a structure and give our skin its strength, elasticity and resilience. Ageing causes the degradation of these components; resulting in the appearance of wrinkles, lines, age spots, dry and sagging skin.
The 7 Best Anti-Ageing Skincare Ingredients
Studies showed that some skincare ingredients slow down and reverse the signs of ageing. If you look for anti-ageing skincare products, make sure they have one or few of these 7 best ingredients:
1. N-Acetyl Glucosamine
Naturally extracted from the outer shells of shellfish, studies showed that n-acetyl glucosamine reduces wrinkles, fine lines and age spots while also firms and lifts up the appearance of the skin. Clinical data indicated that n-acetyl glucosamine increases the production of collagen in the skin by 33% and hyaluronic acid by 107%.
2. Resveratrol
Naturally found in the skin of red grapes, resveratrol is the most powerful antioxidant to date which possesses greater anti-oxidative effects than vitamin C, E, and A. Studies showed that resveratrol neutralises free radicals, prevents oxidative damage, diminishes wrinkles and pigmentation spots.
3. Coenzyme Q10
Coenzyme Q10 is another very powerful antioxidant which provides energy to cells and increases skin's ability to regenerate and reverse signs of ageing. It also helps prevent skin damage due to UV rays, blue light and pollution.
4. 24-karat Colloidal Gold Peptide
Studies showed that 24-karat colloidal gold peptide has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and skin healing properties. With a particle size less than 0.0000001 meter, colloidal gold peptide brings active ingredients, nutrients and oxygen deeper into the skin to revitalise and renew cells.
5. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Unlike niacin which is not suitable for sensitive skin, niacinamide is the gentle and soothing type of vitamin B3 which reduces the signs of ageing and prevents the appearance of pigmentation spots. Studies showed that it increases the production of collagen, elastin and other proteins in the skin by up to 100%.
6. Sodium Hyaluronate (Hyaluronic Acid)
Hyaluronic acid plumps up the skin, reduces wrinkles and lines. However, not all hyaluronic acids are the same. For best results, look for sodium hyaluronate. Sodium hyaluronate has a smaller molecular size compares to the one of hyaluronic acid, therefore it can penetrate deeper into the skin.
7. Bakuchiol
You may not hear this name before but studies showed that bakuchiol which is extracted from the seed of psoralea corylifolia plant is better than retinol at reversing the signs of ageing. Unlike retinol, bakuchiol doesn't cause photosensitivity so it is suitable for day and night time use.
The Best Anti-Ageing Skincare Products
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Author:
Henry Tianus is a multi-award-winning Anti-Ageing Scientist with 3 decades experience in skincare research and product development. Henry Tianus's articles have been read by people in more than 100 countries with USA and UK at the top of the list. Join Henry Tianus eNewsletter to receive the latest health and wellbeing tips.
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Scientific Sources: (1) N-Acetylglucosamine modulates function of the skin fibroblasts, International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2013 Oct, 35(5): 472-6. (2) Reduction in the appearance of facial hyperpigmentation by topical N-acetyl glucosamine, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2007 Mar, 6(1): 20-6. (3) The effect of N-acetyl-glucosamine on stratum corneum desquamation and water content in human skin, Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2009 Jul-Aug, 60(4): 423-8. (4) Low Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid: Its Effects on Epidermal Gene Expression & Skin Ageing, International Journal for Applied Science, English Edition, SOFW-Journal, 134, 11-2008. (5) Niacinamide: a B vitamin that improves aging facial skin appearance, Dermatologic Surgery, 2005 Jul, 31 (7 Pt 2), Pages 860-865. (6) Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin, International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2004 Oct, 26(5), Pages 231-238; (7) Resveratrol protects human skin from damage due to repetitive ultraviolet irradiation, Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, 27(3), January 2012. (8) Multiplicity of effects and health benefits of resveratrol, ScienceDirect, 7April 2016. (9) Resveratrol: a unique antioxidant offering a multi-mechanistic approach for treating aging skin, Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 2013 Dec, 12(12): 1389-94. (10) Anti-aging properties of resveratrol: review and report of a potent new antioxidant skin care formulation, Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 2008 Mar, 7(1): 2-7. (11) Resveratrol-Enriched Rice Attenuates UVB-ROS-Induced Skin Aging via Downregulation of Inflammatory Cascades, Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity, 2017: 8379539. (12) Anti-inflammatory, analgesic and anti-tumor properties of gold nanoparticles, Journal of Pharmalogical Reports, 2017 Feb: 69(1): 119-129. (13) Aging skin is functionally anaerobic: importance of coenzyme Q10 for anti aging skin care, Biofactors, 2008, 32(1-4): 245-55. (14) Topical treatment with coenzyme Q10‐containing formulas improves skin's Q10 level and provides antioxidative effects, Biofactors, 2015 Nov 12, 41(6): 383–390. (15) Multidirectional activity of bakuchiol against cellular mechanisms of facial ageing ‐ Experimental evidence for a holistic treatment approach, International Journal of Cosmetic Science, 2022 Jun; 44(3): 377–393. (16) Prospective, randomized, double-blind assessment of topical bakuchiol and retinol for facial photoageing, The British Journal of Dermatology, 2019 Feb;180(2):289-296. doi: 10.1111/bjd.16918.