You can greatly reduce the signs of ageing by taking care of your skin. And, it’s never too late to start. The condition of your skin reflects your general health and like the rest of your body, your skin needs good nutrition to look and feel its best. Whilst it is important to have a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals, there are also products available that can help your skin texture and tone from the outside in. Here are three ingredients to look for in products to feed your skin, particularly in the treatment of ageing and photo-damaged skin.

  1. Retinoids – that consist of vitamin A. They may act to reverse photo-ageing, evening out irregular pigmentation and appear to promote the formation of a new layer of collagen in the skin.
  2. Alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) – or fruit acids such as glycolic and lactic acids may improve the condition of the skin and help you maintain a healthy, glowing complexion. AHAs do this by encouraging the production of collagen which helps to decrease wrinkles and produce tighter, more youthful-looking skin.
  3. Antioxidants – such as vitamins C and E help prevent damage to the skin by neutralising free radicals and the damaging chemicals produced by the sun, smoking, pollution and other environmental factors. They also promote the formation and repair of collagen, which makes your skin more supple and elastic, and reduces wrinkles.

Written by Maureen Cole — Dip BTh, ITEC, CIDESCO IFA, AABth

Maureen Cole is a paramedical aesthetician with more than 20 years of experience in the skincare industry. She has completed diplomas with ITEC and CIDESCO, as well as an Advanced Certificate in Beauty Therapy, a Certificate in Advanced Skin Analysis and a Certificate in Paramedical Aesthetics.