#AskHauterfly: When Should You Start Using Anti-Ageing Products?

#AskHauterfly: When Should You Start Using Anti-Ageing Products?

We’ve all grown up watching anti-ageing cream adverts on TV — fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, dull skin…you know the usual script that comes along with each ad. At 20-something, when I am still trying to combat the occasional breakout here and there, I wonder whether I should actually start with an anti-ageing regime.

The questions that pop to mind are endless — are these fine lines or smile lines, am I just a wrinkly person or are those crows feet, and should I be switching out my normal moisturiser with one that prevents my skin from looking older than it is? So WHEN should you actually start using products that help with ageing skin?

We’ve got Dr Madhuri Agarwal, Founder and Medical Director of Yavana Aesthetics Clinic to guide us through the dos and don’ts of anti-ageing skincare, and when you SHOULD start working on those signs of ageing.

 

“Ideally, it is recommended to start anti-ageing products in your mid-20s. According to studies, around the age of 25, the major structural components of skin, i.e. collagen and elastin, start reducing slowly. So start by the age of 25 to prevent early signs of ageing,” she advises.

Still Breaking Out?

Not all of us have perfect skin and for those who still suffer from breakouts, you need to be extremely careful with what goes onto your face. “In case someone is breaking out, stay away from cream-based products that contain petroleum jelly, mineral oil, lanolin, and alcohol. Use gel-based, oil-free products to prevent aggravation of acne,” Dr Agarwal recommends.

“Stay away from scrubbing your face too much to get rid of the zits, as it will further worsen the breakouts. In case there are repeated bouts of breakouts, consult a dermatologist for the appropriate products and treatment to control them.”

Ingredients To Look Out For

In order to clean blocked pores and increase the smoothness of your skin, Dr. Agarwal suggests using a mild exfoliating scrub that contains salicylic or glycolic acids — just to remove the dead skin cells. If you’re in your mid-20s, move away from harsh cleansers and astringents to more gentle ones. “The skin starts changing and the oil glands start shrinking at that time, so you need to use pH balanced cleansers.”

Mario Badescu Glycolic Foaming Cleanser (Rs 1,238)

Secondly, sunscreen needs to be your BFF, as it helps minimise the early signs of ageing that is caused by any exposure to the sun. “Use an SPF between 30-50 daily.”

 

Avene Eau Thermale Very High Protection Cream SPF 50+ (Rs 1,350)

Vitamin C-based products help in reducing premature ageing, so Dr Agarwal recommends adding such a product to your skincare regime. “Lastly, include something containing hyaluronic acid to hydrate and moisturise the skin, reduce fine lines and plump up the skin. Make sure you use a water-based, oil-free product to avoid breakouts.”

 

Hylamide HA Blur Hyaluronic Based Prismatic Blurring Surface Finisher (Rs 1,500)

Day Creams VS Night Creams

“It is important to use a separate day and night time cream. The rationale is simple – in the daytime, sun and pollution/environmental factors are the known triggers responsible for early ageing of skin. Hence skin requires protection from sun with the use of a broad spectrum sunscreen, and for environmental damage, the day cream should be equipped with antioxidants such as Vitamin C.

 

The Body Shop Vitamin C Glow Boosting Moisturisers (Rs 2,295)

“These ingredients are not required in night. Skin cells are rejuvenated through the night and so you should look for products that help in this process. So your night time cream should have contents like retinols, peptides, and alpha hydroxyl acid,” she says.

Serums, Oils VS Creams

When you have more options to choose from, that’s when things can get confusing and we’ve all wondered what the difference in results would be if we used serums and oils versus the usual moisturisers. “Serums and oils are made of highly concentrated ingredients such as skin brighteners, antioxidants, peptides, and retinols. They are usually water based and rapidly absorbed in the skin on application,” Dr Agarwal breaks it down for us.

 

Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Concentrate (Rs 1,950)

“Creams are used to hydrate the skin and prevent water loss from skin. They are thick products containing petroleum jelly and similar lubricants. They take time to absorb in the skin.

Ideally, the serums and oils are to be applied first on the skin, followed by day and night creams on top. The creams act as protective cushions for the serums and oils.”

If you have reached your mid-20s, then you should revamp your beauty kit with some of these recommended prodiucts, ’cause THIS IS the time to start working on those signs of ageing.

Tatiana Dias

Tiny but fierce, our Fashion & Beauty Writer grooves to her own soundtrack. An animal lover at heart, she plays proxy mommy to pretty much all the strays she meets.

Read More From Tatiana
Seen it all?

We’ve got more!