If it's one thing we should all do as soon as possible, that is to look after our skin. I really started paying attention to this in my 30s, but really, when I was partying and enjoying life in my 20s with gorgeous smooth skin, that is when I really should have started putting the effort in. It's never too late to start though!
What you put on your skin is important. It is the largest organ in your body, and if you look after it and treat it well, it will serve you fabulously for years to come.
There are so many skincare brands out there on the market — how do you know which one to go for? My recommendation is primarily to go for a skincare range that labels itself as a cosmeceutical and that is backed by science. Cosmeceuticals contain high-strength concentrations of the vitamins and active compounds that work on your skin to make it glow and keep away the wrinkles.
Vitamin A
It is the Vitamin A component of your skincare that will provide the real kick in terms of anti-ageing effects. Vitamin A stimulates collagen synthesis and increases cell turnover of your top skin layer. The result is a reduction in fine lines and wrinkles and smooth, blemish-free skin. No anti-ageing regime is complete without a dose of Vitamin A — usually it is applied at night time.
High-strength Vitamin A preparations can have side effects including redness, irritation, and peeling of the skin, which is temporary until your skin gets used to the formula. Vitamin A preparations go by the name of Retinol, Pro-retinol, Retinoic Acid, and Retinaldehyde.
Vitamin B
Getting your daily dose of Vitamin B is an essential part of your skin routine. The B Vitamins are actually a collection of vitamins that all do great things. The most important for skin are Vitamin B3 (niacinamide) and Panthenol (Provitamin B5). It is a great hydrator and collagen booster — so it reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, giving skin a lovely luminosity. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and healing effects, works to calm redness and blemishes, regulates sebum production, and strengthens your skin barrier.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C packs a punch in skincare. It's a powerful anti-oxidant that protects the skin from free radicals, including from the sun's UVA and UVB rays. It aids collagen production by boosting skin fibroblasts, which softens any fine lines on the face. It also helps to improve hydration, brighten your skin, and even out skin tone. Overall it makes your skin shine and makes you look younger.
Vitamin D
Okay, I admit — this is the odd one out. You don't apply Vitamin D to your skin in cream form; our main source of Vitamin D is from the sun. However, Vitamin D is relevant to our skin. We all need a little dose of sunshine to get our Vitamin D, but too much exposure to the sun accelerates skin ageing. So when you think Vitamin D, think sun protection on your face. It is a fine balance: Vitamin D is the feel-good vitamin and every cell in your body needs it to stay healthy. It aids skin growth, repair, and metabolism, fights free radicals, and boosts your immune system.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E is found in so many skincare products because it is so versatile and highly beneficial for the skin. It's a great moisturiser and good for dry, rough skin. It is an antioxidant and protects your skin against environmental damage whilst enhancing your immune response. It also encourages the healthy growth of new skin cells and boosts collagen production. For that reason it lightens scars and can be good for stretch marks. Vitamin E also works well in conjunction with other products, namely Vitamin C and Co-enzyme Q10.
Putting It All Together
So there we have it — the ABCDE of skincare. The best time to start caring about what you put on your face is now. I recommend finding a brand that you like and that uses high-strength active ingredients. When you get a good routine going, your skin will look healthy, young, and luminous.
