The Most Effective Skincare Products for Anti-Aging

Introduction

When it comes to skincare, we all want products that are effective and deliver visible results. In the pursuit of youthful and healthy-looking skin, these are three MVP skincare products that everyone should be using: sunblock, retinols, and hyaluronic acid. These products have gained popularity for their ability to combat aging and prevent skin aging. In this post, we will delve into exactly why!

1. Sunblock

Sunblock, also known as sunscreen or sun protection factor (SPF), is THE MOST VITAL component of any skincare routine. It is not just for beach days or sunny vacations; sunblock should be a daily staple, regardless of the weather or season. Free radicals produced from UV radiation accelerate collagen breakdown in the skin and increased pigmentation production, for example sun spots / age spots, freckles and melasma. It also increases your risk of skin cancer, although this is less common in Asians. Sunblock helps to prevent the formation of wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots, which are often associated with aging skin.

If you are a lazy, minimalist person who does not use any skincare whatsoever, I deeply urge you to consider adding a single step - sunblock - to your daily routine. It is the single most painless, simplest, cheapest thing you can do to slow down skin ageing.

The minimum requirement in selecting an appropriate sunblock should have is SPF 50, PA ++++ that cover UV-A and UV-B exposure. Blue Light Irradiation and Infrared Light coverage are a bonus, but not many sunblock products offer coverage of these.

Choose a non-comedogenic (does not clog pores) formulation that does not leave a sticky, oily feeling on your skin. Some sunscreens also come lightly pigmented for makeup-free days.

Lastly, consider adding an oral sunblock - my recommendation is Heliocare. Heliocare oral sunblock supplements' main ingredient is the Harvard-backed Fernblock Photoimmunoprotection Technology that protects skin from photoageing and pigmentation caused by UVA, UVB, Visible Blue Light and Pollution. It is 100% herbal and was developed by Harvard Medical School leading researches. It has backings from numerous international scientific and medical publications since its discovery and inception.

Heliocare Luminance is a brightening and whitening supplement comprising the primary Fernblock technology as well as antioxidants that brighten the skin complexion and complement clinic treatments to lighten pigmentation conditions such as melasma. Heliocare Luminance should be taken regularly, twice a day to enjoy the full benefits.

Heliocare Ultra is a double dose of Fernblock and is highly recommended for use prior to high dose UV exposure, for example diving, tennis or golf. Heliocare Ultra has helped my patient with sun allergy (hypersensitivity) enjoy a two-week long trip in Africa without breaking out in hives!

For more information on Heliocare Luminance, I wrote a separate in-depth blog post here.

2. Retinoids (Retinols)

Retinoids, commonly referred to as Retinols, are a group of compounds derived from Vitamin A. Retinoids are a powerhouse ingredient in the world of skincare. Retinoids stimulate collagen production, increase cell turnover, and promote a more youthful complexion. Retinols are highly effective in reducing the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, making them a go-to product for anti-aging skincare. Collagen, a protein that gives our skin its structure and elasticity, naturally decreases as we age. This loss of collagen leads to sagging skin and the formation of wrinkles. Retinols work by stimulating the production of collagen, helping to restore elasticity and firmness to the skin.

Retinoids are also highly prized in the treatment of acne as they promote cell turnover. They are able to treat pubescent acne, hormonal acne and adult acne. In normal skin, dead skin cells are shed more quickly, revealing a fresher and more radiant complexion.

Retinoids come in a wide range of strengths and can be difficult to start using due to their propensity to cause skin irritation. Most people usually need to some time to get accustomed to retinoids when newly incorporated into a skincare regime.

For those keen on reaping the benefits of Retinoids but don't know where to start, you can take 10 minutes to read my comprehensive guide on Retinoids here. For those interested specifically in how Retinoids help with acne, click here.

3. Hyaluronic Acid

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies that helps to retain moisture in the skin. It has gained popularity in the skincare world due to its ability to hydrate and plump the skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. As we age, our skin tends to lose moisture, leading to dryness and a dull complexion. Hyaluronic acid helps to combat this by attracting and retaining moisture, resulting in more hydrated, healthy and youthful-looking skin.

A challenge with Hyaluronic Acid is finding a preparation that adequately penetrates the skin and has lasting effects. The best Hyaluronic Acid products should contain a combination of short and long chains of Hyaluronic Acid to ensure a good balance of penetration as well as longevity in the skin.

For those wanting to take this a step further, you can consider injectable hyaluronic acid, which is commonly called 'skin boosters'. Skin boosters are directly injected into the skin ensuring 100% penetration and additional longevity (months). Some also offer collagen stimulation as they can activate collagen-producing cells in the skin, known as 'fibroblasts'.

Examples of common brands of skin boosters include: BELOTERO REVIVE, Profhilo, Rejuran (Healer/HB), Juvederm Volite, Restylane Vital Light, Teoxane RD1. Find more information on skin boosters here.

Conclusion

In the quest for youthful and healthy-looking skin, incorporating sunblock, retinols, and hyaluronic acid into your skincare routine is a must. Prevention is the most affordable way to stay looking young for longer! These three MVP skincare products work together to combat signs of ageing and protect against further skin damage. Sunblock protects the skin from harmful UV rays, retinols stimulate collagen production and promote cell turnover, and hyaluronic acid hydrates and plumps the skin. By incorporating these products into your daily routine, you can enjoy the benefits of a more youthful and radiant complexion. Remember, consistency is key, so make these products a part of your daily skincare regimen for optimal results.