As we age, our body goes through changes both inside and out. In this article, we look at the indicators of ageing that most commonly occur in the skin and the ones that people are the most concerned about remedying.
There are many ways to address the signs of ageing, however, choosing the one that is the best can be difficult. Depending on which ageing concerns are the most troublesome for you, we have gathered some of the best anti-ageing treatment creams available in Australia.
Today, there are a plethora of anti-ageing creams on the market that are packed full of active ingredients. To know which are best suited to slow the hands of time we have to first understand what causes visible ageing.
What causes ageing skin?
Ageing in your skin is a result of two different kinds of wear, intrinsic and exogenous. The first type refers to the natural rate at which the body’s cells renew themselves, while the second is exogenous ageing, which is damaged due to external sources.
As skin ages, it becomes less elastic, less firm, and starts to lose its smooth tone. What begins as fine wrinkles often gives way to deeper ones. The surface of the skin might become rough and dry, and the outer layer also thins, which gives it a translucent appearance and begins to reveal the small underlying blood vessels. Constant exposure to the sun will cause freckles, sunspots, and pigmentation changes.
How does ageing affect the different skin layers?
Epidermal layers
The cells which make up the surface of your skin reach a peak around the age of 20. As these cells age, they produce less and less of the substance called hyaluronic acid. This substance is responsible for keeping your skin feeling soft and smooth, as well as nourishing the layers below it.
Dermal layers
From the age of 25, the amount of collagen production in the skin reduces by 1% each year, meaning it cannot repair itself as effectively. As a result, deeper wrinkles form, and elasticity will continue to decline. Hyaluronic acid production slows down, leading to cells being less effective at absorbing water and binding it. This can result in the skin becoming dry and damaged, with visible capillaries. Reduced micro-circulation can lead to a decrease in radiance due to inefficient delivery of nutrients and oxygen to the surface of the skin.
Subdermal layers
Here there is a reduction in the size and number of lipid-storing cells, resulting in sagging and a loss of volume that can lead to deeper wrinkles and a hollowing of the temples and cheeks.
UV exposure on your skin
Not surprisingly, ‘photodamage’ or ‘photoaging’ from UV rays is a major cause of wrinkles and fine lines. Around 90% of the changes seen in aged skin (rough, dry, deeply wrinkled, sagging, uneven texture and tone, depigmented white spots called ‘guttate hypomelanosis’, and broken vessels) are caused by exposure to the sun.
The UV rays cause direct damage to collagen and lead to premature ageing – as well as skin cancer. Smoking also causes this damage as a result of nicotine altering how your body repairs itself.
The best anti-ageing creams
Usually, cosmetic anti-wrinkle moisturisers, serums, and eye creams plump the skin with added moisture to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. Which is, let’s face it, a temporary fix. Consulting a dermatologist or a telemedicine prescription skincare provider, like the Brisbane-based Qr8 MediSkin, can help you reap the benefits and efficacy of powerful active ingredients safely. At Qr8 MediSkin, their doctors provide one-on-one video consultation, followed by custom blending a serum or cream base that has been tailored to your skin’s tolerance and sensitivity. The final product is delivered to your door, while their Skincare Support Team is on-hand to guide you through every step of your treatment.
Pigmentation: Sunscreens
It’s no surprise that the least expensive and the best anti-ageing cream in Australia is sunscreen! It protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays which play a role in premature ageing and increase the chances of developing skin cancer.
A ‘broad-spectrum’ SPF of 30 and higher should be part of your daily skincare routine. Even if the weather is overcast, put on your sunscreen – UVA and UVB light cuts through cloud cover, and UVB penetrates the water. There is no sunscreen on the market that offers total protection, which is why sunglasses, hats, and protective clothing are often necessary.
Anti-wrinkle: Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic + Retinol Anti-Aging Moisturizer
In this product, retinol combats fine lines and wrinkles, while ferulic acid enhances the properties of other vitamins for healthy skin. This cream visibly smooths textured skin as well as hydrates and improves the appearance of expression lines, wrinkles, and discolouration. Infused with active ingredients, this moisturiser also works to strengthen the skin’s natural protective barrier and ability to counteract signs of ageing instantly and long-term.
Neck and décolletage: Dr Hauschka Regenerating Neck + Décolleté Cream
The neck is a delicate area that’s easy to overlook, but it plays a big role in giving our face an attractive shape and profile. Over time, the skin weakens from sun damage, dryness, and stress – making us look older than we are. Dr Hauschka’s Regenerating Neck and Décolleté Cream, specially developed for mature skin, supports the skin’s natural regenerative functions keeping it hydrated, refined, and revitalised for a smoother, more supple appearance. Combining high-quality natural ingredients, this cream is rich in essential fatty acids and antioxidants with coconut, argan, jojoba, sesame, sweet almond, macadamia, and sunflower oils smooth and protects the skin.
Plumping: RéVive Intensité Complete Anti-Aging Serum
The Intensité Complete releases an advanced Line Relaxing Complex that significantly softens the appearance of lines and wrinkles to give skin a smoother, more youthful appearance. Simultaneously, a Cellular Filling Complex helps re-establish volume, visibly plumping, and re-contouring skin. This hydrating serum helps restore skin renewal and volume loss with Bio Renewal and Bio Volumizing Proteins, for younger-looking skin.
The best anti-ageing cream for your skin
When you are looking for anti-ageing creams or treatments, think about what your main skin concerns are. Some of the most effective ingredients can irritate sensitive skin and be prescribed clinically formulated anti-ageing treatments are a way to achieve the best results safely, under the guidance of a doctor or dermatologist.
