Anti-ageing skin care: what really makes the difference?

Ageing is a natural process, but it's normal to want to keep your skin healthy, radiant and youthful for as long as possible. With so many products and treatments available on the anti-ageing market, it's hard to know what really works. Which ingredients and treatments really make a difference in combating the signs of ageing? In this article, we take a look at the solutions that have been proven to work.

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Understanding the skin ageing process

Before exploring anti-ageing solutions, it is essential to understand how ageing affects our skin. Over time, the production of collagen and elastin, two proteins essential to the skin's firmness and elasticity, diminishes. At the same time, the skin loses its thickness and natural hydration due to a reduction in hyaluronic acid. Damage caused by free radicals, UV rays, pollution and other environmental factors accelerates this process, leading to the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, pigmentation spots and loss of firmness.

The essential ingredients of anti-ageing skincare

Not all anti-ageing products are created equal. Here are the ingredients that have been shown to slow the signs of ageing and improve the appearance of the skin:

  • Retinol and retinoids: retinol, derived from vitamin A, is one of the anti-ageing ingredients most recommended by doctors. It stimulates collagen production, promotes cell renewal and improves skin texture. Retinoids, available on prescription, are even more powerful and particularly effective on fine lines and evening out skin tone.
  • Hyaluronic acid: Hyaluronic acid is a molecule naturally present in the skin that helps maintain hydration and firmness. Products containing hyaluronic acid plump the skin by retaining water in skin cells, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
  • Vitamin C: this powerful antioxidant helps neutralise free radicals, stimulates collagen production and brightens the skin by reducing pigmentation spots. Used regularly, vitamin C can improve skin radiance and texture while offering protection against environmental aggressors.
  • Peptides: Peptides are small chains of amino acids that easily penetrate the skin and act as messengers to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. They help to improve skin firmness and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.
  • Niacinamide: also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is renowned for its anti-inflammatory and moisturising properties. It helps strengthen the skin barrier, reduce dark spots and improve skin texture.
  • Sun protection (SPF): sun cream is the most important anti-ageing skin care product. UV rays are responsible for most of the visible signs of ageing: wrinkles, loss of firmness and age spots. Using a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day is essential.

Anti-ageing treatments that make a difference

As well as skincare products, certain beauty treatments offer significant results in rejuvenating the skin and combating the signs of ageing:

  • Botulinum toxin injections (Botox): used to relax the muscles responsible for expression lines, such as the forehead wrinkles and crow's feetBotox injections offer visible results within a few days, with effects that generally last between 3 and 6 months.
  • Injections ofhyaluronic acid fillers are ideal for filling in wrinkles restore lost volumes and improve the quality of the oval of the face. Results are immediate and last around 12 months.
  • Ablative laser This treatment uses a light beam to stimulate collagen production, reduce pigmentation spots, improve skin texture and tighten enlarged pores. This procedure is effective in treating sun damage and early signs of ageing.
  • Peelings Chemical peels: chemical peels involve applying an acid solution to the skin to exfoliate the surface layers and stimulate cell renewal. They are effective in reducing wrinkles, fine lines and pigmentation and improving skin texture.

Anti-ageing skincare for everyday use

To achieve the best results, it is essential to combine professional care with a suitable home care routine:

  • Gentle cleansing: use a gentle cleanser to remove impurities without disturbing the skin barrier.
  • Moisturising: apply a moisturising cream containing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, ceramides or glycerine to maintain hydration.
  • Antioxidant serum: incorporate a vitamin C or niacinamide serum into your routine to protect the skin against environmental aggressors.
  • Moderate exfoliation: exfoliate regularly to encourage cell renewal, but not excessively to avoid irritation.
  • Daily sun protection: apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher every morning, even on cloudy days.

The key to successful anti-ageing care: consistency

It's important to remember that the key to any anti-ageing treatment is consistency. Results are not always instant and it takes time to see improvements. Following a skincare routine tailored to your skin type, combined with regular professional treatments, can help maintain a youthful, radiant appearance.

Why consult a doctor?

Even if home care plays a crucial role, a consultation with a doctor who is an expert in aesthetics is important for personalised advice. The doctor will recommend treatments tailored to your specific needs, correct any errors in your care routine and advise you on appropriate medical procedures.

Lasting wrinkle reduction and rejuvenation

Effective anti-ageing care is not limited to a single product or treatment, but a combination of proven ingredients, professional treatments and good skincare habits. By understanding what really makes a difference, you can make informed choices to keep your skin looking young and beautiful, whatever your age. Prevention is the best anti-ageing care: start early and be consistent to get the best possible results.

By choosing the right products, adopting an appropriate skincare routine and consulting a medical expert regularly, you can give yourself the best chance of a youthful, fresh and radiant complexion, year after year.

Photo of doctor Valeria Romano in Geneva

Article written by Dr Romano Valeria

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