There are so many different beauty products for the face, on the market today that target specific age groups. We have products that promise teens they can rid themselves of acne, products that promise a healthy glow, and of course products that will magically remove wrinkles and the signs of aging.
The issue is not the products themselves, as a good and consistent skincare regime for your face is important. The problem lies within the amount of active ingredients compared to fillers and when is the best time to transition… What is the right age or time to move from one set of products to the next?
3 Basic Skin Care Rules That Everyone Should Follow
- Wash your face twice a day, if you cannot do this due to travel or something else. Then wash your face in the evening. Use a light cleanser that removes the dirt and grease but leaves the natural oils.
- Use a UV protection moisturizer everyday and don’t just limit the use to your face, remember to use facial moisturizer on your neck, ears, forehead and cleavage, these are delicate areas that are exposed to the sun.
- Use a night cream, a night cream is a heavier version of what you use during the day. Generally packed with nutrients for your skin they will work at night while you sleep.
Our body’s change with time, some of us age faster than others depending on our lifestyle and routine. Active people that drink lots of water maybe able to slow down the aging process, however if they live somewhere hot and are outdoorsy the sun may speed the process up. Someone who works a really stressful job, but doesn’t see the light of day and only drinks coffee may age faster but because they are not in harsh environments. The toll maybe less on the skin but they may develop stress wrinkles quicker. In short, we are all very different and complex beings. Which is why the answer of transitioning products is more to do with the age and look of your skin as well as your actual age.
As we age our bodies slow down, so the hormones that regenerate important skin elastin’s decrease. This means that as we get older and with sun damage our products should change in order to supplement.
So what ingredients should be used on mature skin and what sort of regimen should be put in place?
Mature skin products generally contain these
5 active ingredients
Hyaluronic acid
What it is: A naturally occurring substance in the human body that regulates skin cell renewal and growth, lubricates connective tissue and maintains skin’s moisture and elasticity.
What it does: When used in skincare products hyaluronic acid creates a moisture barrier on the skin, helping to make it smoother and softer. This ingredient is able to hold up to 1000x its own weight in water, which creates amazing benefits for dehydrated skin. Because it is already naturally present in our bodies, hyaluronic acid is less likely to be rejected as a foreign substance.
Ceramide
What it is: Lipid molecules that are found in high concentrations within cell membranes. In the top layer of the skin, ceramides hold skin cells together, forming a protective layer that plumps the skin and retains moisture.
What it does: In skincare products, ceramides are used to replenish the natural fats that are lost from exposure to the sun, harsh drying products such as alcohol, and as the we age. Ceramides restore moisture, strengthening the skin’s natural barrier to help protect it against these factors.
Peptides
What they are: Peptides are segments of active proteins that communicate with cells and instruct them to behave in certain ways. In the skin, peptides may signal elastin production or for the skin to heal itself after a wound.
How they work: The peptides used in anti-aging products enter skin cells and instruct them to do certain things such as produce collagen, reduce redness or relax muscles… All of which reduce wrinkles. Because peptides are so small they act as a carrier for other ingredients deep into the skin.
AHA/BHA
What they are: Alpha hydroxy acid and beta hydroxy acid are organic acids that exfoliate. AHAs are derived from fruit and milk and include glycolic acid, lactic acid and malic acid. BHA is salicylic acid, which is derived from plants.
What they do: While they both exfoliate, AHAs work at the surface layer of skin only while BHAs penetrate deeper and removes dead skin cells clogged in pores. BHAs are used primarily for oily or acne prone skin with blackheads and whiteheads, whereas AHAs are used to brighten dull or dry skin.
Retinol
What it is: An active form of the vitamin A molecule.
What it does: Retinols also exfoliate. They encourage the skin to shed dead and problematic layers and replace it with younger, healthier cells. They also increase the production of hyaluronic acid and collagen, making skin more supple and smooth. Using retinols can improve the firmness of skin, reverse signs of sun and environmental damage, treat acne and reduce hyperpigmentation, dark circles, fine lines and wrinkles.
Our favourite products that contain brand names of the above ingredients are by GM Collin. GM Collin formulated products specifically for a woman’s hormonal skin. Menopause causes many changes in a woman’s body that reduce moisture, cell reproduction and the natural elastin in our skin. The best way to battle this is to add fortified creams and serums to our regular daily regimen. Mature Perfection Day and Night creams are ideal for this because they apply the active ingredients twice a day without even thinking. Remember to drink lots of water and talk to your skincare professional about when a good time to transition is, because we are all unique.