When it comes to skincare, we’re often asked the age old question (excuse the pun) – at what stage should I start an anti-aging skincare routine, or when should I begin introducing anti-aging products into my existing routine? But when it comes to ‘anti-aging’ as a concept, the answers are not linear, nor will they be found in a single bottle. The way our skin looks as the years go on is a culmination of many things, from sun exposure to pollution, from skincare to weight fluctuations – each and every line and wrinkle represents the life we have lived. Which is why Vemel remain ever rooted in the idea that we can preserve our youth through healthy efforts, but not rewind time.
A Little Bit of Science
In order to understand what approach best suits the aging process, and how to adapt our skincare accordingly, we first need to be aware of the changes our skin undergoes during this process. Whilst we may see the signs on the surface of our skin, from fine lines and wrinkles to dry, dehydrated skin – every layer of our skin is affected during the aging process, which results in the overall change in appearance and texture of the skin that we see. The Epidermis; our epidermis is the outer layer of the skin, which acts as a barrier to retain moisture, but keep out toxins and bacteria. But during the aging process cell turnover begins to slow down, as does the skins sebum and hyaluronic acid production – the result of which is a loss of moisture, meaning the skin becomes more dry, therefore accelerating the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The Dermal Layer; referring to the middle layer of the skin, the dermal layer is made up primarily of blood vessels, connective tissue, collagen and elastin. It’s been found that from our mid 20’s onwards, our collagen levels decrease by 1% each year, as well as a consistent decline in elastin levels too, weakening the overall skin structure and therefore increasing the likelihood of wrinkles and lines appearing on the surface of the skin.
Subdermal Layers; this layer is made up primarily of fat, connective tissue and large blood vessels and is responsible for insulating the body. As the body ages, the lipid storing cells within this layer reduce in number, which in turn results in the sagging of the skin, a loss of volume and even deep set wrinkles. These natural processes can however be slowed down and delayed (not reversed!) by addressing some external factors which often accelerate the overall aging process – just a few simple changes can make all the difference to age gracefully.
External Factors and How To Deal With Them
Sun exposure; the number one cause of skin aging is down to the oxidative stress created on the skin because of the suns UV rays. The uneven pigmentation the sun can cause is one of the earliest signs of aging visible on the skins surface – in fact studies have found that around 80% of skin aging signs like wrinkles are due to sun exposure.
So as you can imagine, the solution is simple; daily application of an SPF (preferably SPF 30 for full protection) with regular top ups every few hours, particularly when in direct sun, is just what your skin needs to reduce any chances of photoaging – this step can (and ideally should be!) starting as early as childhood and should continue throughout your life. Alongside sunscreen, give your skin that extra boost to preserve your youth by including a serum high in antioxidants to fight off free radical and prevent photoaging. A perfect example is the Vemel Advanced Protective Serum, with skincare gems from Blueberry and Cherry Seed Oils to Micro & Macro Algae Complex to not only lock in hydration, but also boost the skins collagen production. This serum also works wonderfully to fight against another external factor which can lead to increased aging – pollution.
Pollution exposure can cause the skin to release free radicals, and when pollution and sun exposure occur simultaneously oxidative stress can be accelerated. Simply apply your serum day and night on damp skin, and with some consistency you’ll reap the rewards in a youthful glow. Another aspect of life which can greatly impact how our skin ages, is our nutrition over the course of our lifetime. Consuming a diet filled with fruits and vegetables abundant in antioxidants can work wonders for the way your skin looks later in life. This is because antioxidants are molecules which can counteract the damage caused by free radicals, therefore slowing down the aging process.
Skincare Ingredients Aging Skin Loves
When you’re able to make your lifestyle work for you and not against you, with the steps mentioned above, you have a strong foundation for healthy skin. But when it comes to your skincare routine, what really matters?
Well, for a start – having one. Whether you’re in your early 20’s or in your late 50’s, it’s never too early or late to start an anti-aging skincare routine, what matters is that you start. As we mentioned, collagen and elastin production begin to decline in your mid 20s, so starting your routine at this stage could give you a solid base to preserve your youthful glow for many years to come. Start your routine by swapping out any harsh cleansers for a gentle yet effective alternative – like the Vemel Vitamin Boost Cleansing Balm with Shea Butter, Carrot Extract and Sea Buckthorn Extract to gently purify but not strip the skin of its necessary natural oils. Next include an antioxidant dense serum like the Advanced Protective Serum mentioned earlier, to arm the skin barrier with all the goodness it needs to fight off free radicals and prevent photoaging. Top it off with a rich in texture and in nutrients moisturiser, like the Vemel Vitamin Rich Face Butter, with Mango Butter, Apricot and Argan Oils to nourish the skin, as well as target signs of aging and reveal a brighter, more radiant complexion.
The truth is, aging is a process that deserves celebration, and should provide us with a sense of empowerment and achievement. And beautiful skin is not limited to just those in their youth; it comes in many forms, which is why we view taking care of our skin as a form of self love and appreciation. So for every smile line and crease we do have, know it is all a memory etched into our skin of the incredible life we have lived and memories we have made.