If there’s one thing about our appearance that reveals our age, it’s our skin. From sun damage, and pollutants to hormonal changes, our skin may become slack as the collagen and elastin levels drop.
A pharmacist pointed out the first line of defence is prevention and sun protection is key to minimise skin damage before working to repair fine lines and wrinkles. She also recommended six products to use, with prices starting from £7.80.
Aruj Javid, Group Pharmacist at LookFantastic said: “Firstly, applying broad-spectrum SPF 30+ daily can help to protect your skin from UVA rays that can lead to premature ageing. For night-time, the powerhouse skin-care ingredient retinol can help to refine your skin by supporting natural cell renewal whilst helping to minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
She said that Ultrasun Face Anti-Ageing Lotion SPF 50+ is a good sunscreen that doesn’t break the bank, currently priced at £20.80, it delivers very high sun protection with a blend of anti-ageing and safeguarding ingredients, including Ectoin. The multi-purpose, water-resistant face cream can be used in place of your daily moisturiser to provide high and long-lasting protection in just one application.
Another alternative she recommended is the La Roche-Posay Retinol B3 Anti-Ageing Serum, £48, the concentrated serum is infused with vitamin B3 to leave the skin feeling smoother, hydrated and renewed for a dewy and healthy-looking glow. She continued to add that the The Ordinary Retinol Serum 0.5% in Squalane is another affordable option loved by skincare buffs.
The £7.80 tinted bottle gives a plumping and firming effect on the complexion while squalane prevents the formation of dark spots.
Aruj also said people shouldn’t limit themselves to using products labelled ‘anti-ageing’ and added: “You can absolutely build a mature skincare regime with products that are not labelled as ‘anti-ageing’. There are many skincare products available that can help to hydrate and protect your skin barrier. For example, cleansing with a hydrating ceramide cleanser or applying a broad-spectrum SPF.”
Loved by celebrities, Embryolisse Lait-Crème Concentré Multi-Purpose Moisturiser, £13.99 is a French pharmacy staple and it can be used as a mask, a cleansing milk, after-sun care, makeup base or aftershave care. With nearly 6,000 reviews online, one said: “The only cream that’s kept my skin moisturized and no peeling when using Retinol A and I tried so many and also mixed many things together.
“The redness in my skin has calmed down and my pores look smaller, I have super oily/acne-prone skin.” However, some people have said they aren’t keen on the texture. Amazon offers a 5% saving if you buy four or more.
ESPA Tri-Active Lift and Firm Moisturiser, now £40, is a nourishing cream with Sea Amber and Larch to leave skin feeling smooth, soft, supple and looking plumped with moisture. One fan said it’s great for under makeup as it “sinks in quickly”, adding: “Paired with the matching serum, they are a great anti-ageing daily routine.
“The moisturiser will last ages as a small amount goes a long way.” However, one shopper said: “Ok cream but for my skin type not that great and piles, unfortunately.”
Lastly, as an alternative, the Murad Essential-C Day Moisture Broad Spectrum SPF 30, reduced from £69 to £54.70, Aruj picked this one for people who are looking for something to brighten their complexion and boost the skin’s barrier to environmental aggressors. You can also get this at M&S.