The best in anti-aging ingredients
We’ve been down the “anti-aging” road before... and it’s a long and winding one. Which is why we always seem to be walking around in circles, always ending up back where we started.
It’s frustrating. We all just want to find the most direct route to healthy skin – and with that, fewer eye bags, sun spots, and wrinkles.
So where is the Google Maps of skincare?
Allure magazine recently banned the term “anti-aging” to cut down the aging stigma - but search results show that the phrase is still up-trending. So the quest for a “youthful glow” is as pressing as it ever was.
Here’s how we think about it: aging shouldn’t be perceived as a degenerative condition that drains away beauty and vibrancy. We can all have glowing, healthy skin in every stage of life!
For that to truly work, however, we have to address - and conquer! - age-related concerns like pollution build-up, loss of moisture, and decreased collagen. And that all comes with choosing the right ingredients.
Here’s how to welcome the process of aging (you’re wiser - and richer!) while choosing the most effective ingredients and - just maybe - preventing a wrinkle or two.
Which ingredients will really provide the most “anti-aging” benefits?
First things first: you have to find products that contain an efficacious amount of ingredients. Many companies make claims, touting their products with “powerful” key ingredients. But they don’t have the right form or enough of the good stuff to make a difference.
Why not? It’s not easy (or cheap!) to get top quality raw products. It’s even more cost-prohibitive to make sure those ingredients remain stable and effective by the time they reach your skin.
So even if the bulk of ingredient claims are true in theory, they may not be effective by the time they reach your cupboard. To avoid this problem:
- Look for stable forms of vitamin C such as SAPs (Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate) and peptides such as Matrixyl 3000.
- Stick with the small guys - brands that small-batch process tend to have better efficacy and a shorter time in warehouse storage.
Concern: Dull Skin
You can only apply so much highlighter. Because ultimately the glow should come from within, right? Well… what if you just can’t see it?
This is a common problem given our environment and lifestyles. Your skin only renews itself every 28 days, which means that every month a new layer of dead skin cells sits on your face and causes a dull finish. That dead skin cell debris can creep into your pores, contributing to breakouts and skin congestion. It can also block your serums and creams from doing their job.
Here’s how to fix that:
- Vitamin C is essential for repairing damaged skin and sloughing off those surface cells to reveal the dewy glow within. Even if you think you don’t need it, chances are you do. Why? Even those of us that know to stay out of the sun and wear sunscreen deal with pollution and exposure to powerful sun rays, and vitamin C can counteract all of of this.
- Stop pollution on contact by neutralizing free radicals with Vitamin E - also known as “tocopherol”. It boosts moisture and evens skin tone too. Find it in a multi-purpose serum like our High Society Serum - which combines vitamin E with ultra-nourishing oils like marula, jojoba, and grapeseed to get the most out of this powerful antioxidant.
Concern: Puffy Eyes
Is all that jade rolling actually reducing your under eye bags? We hate to burst your pretty tool bubble, but probably not. Why?
While it’s good (in theory) to use products that keep circulation moving, optimal circulation can be accomplished with regular exercise, a healthy diet (watch your salt intake!), and good sleep habits.
But even with adequate circulation, under eye lymphedema (swelling) is a real and persistent issue. And it can be solved in a different way.
To tackle puffy eyes head-on, we first recommend green tea and cucumber – both ingredients have a calming effect that reduces inflammation. From there, squalane derived from olive oil plumps and hydrates sagging skin. Peptides work to trigger the production of new collagen.
Sound like a lot? You can find it all in our All-In Eye Treatment. And remember - the eyes are a tricky area with a multitude of concerns. So solving under eye skincare issues requires a few different ingredients working together simultaneously.
Concern: Hyperpigmentation
Dark, discolored patches of skin are caused by sun exposure, acne scarring, and hormones. They’re generally harmless, but they’re one of the most prevalent - and annoying - signs of aging and free radical exposure.
With continued use, AHA’s like glycolic acid can break apart the dead cells and begin to fade away those uneven spots. This exposes a new, healthier layer of skin underneath. They can also:
- Improve skin texture
- Even skin tone
- Increase hydration
- Diminish lines and wrinkles
- Reduce signs of sun damage
Remember to add glycolic acid into your routine little by little. Expect to start seeing brightening results after 2 weeks. Even though it’s natural (derived from sugarcane), it can be a fairly strong ingredient. Proceed with caution until you know exactly how your skin will react.
Want to take it one step further? Use glycolic acid in conjunction with Vitamin C. The powerhouse antioxidant is known to reduce skin inflammation, dramatically reduce irregular pigmentation, and promote collagen production. The combination of the two is sure to solve all of your hyperpigmentation woes.
Concern: Wrinkles
Great news! You don’t need to spend thousands of dollars freezing your forehead to deal with those pesky wrinkles (also, your individual expressions make you interesting - and you can keep them!).
Instead, save money - and effectively deal with the problem - by using the right topical creams and treatments. Here are our suggestions and the science behind them.
First, remember that the best line-fighting ingredients build up our skin's own natural foundation - collagen and elastin fibers. Which two help the most? Hyaluronic acid and peptides.
Hyaluronic acid is key for instant, lasting plumping action – it retains TONS of moisture and instantly fills in wrinkles to smooth away fine lines.
From there, wrinkle-ironing peptides work to trigger your own collagen production, helping you build back lost collagen. The result? That smooth, freshly sauna’d glow we all want to keep year-round.
For the best outcome, try to find these ingredients in a powerful night cream. The longer they can remain on your face and work their magic unbothered, the better.
And Remember - Slow and Steady Wins the Race
We encourage you to be the turtle in this equation (so you don’t end up looking like one!). As with any goal, remember that consistency is essential. It’s easy to cheat and skip a few steps (Who has time for squalane with so many enthralling Netflix new releases?), but remember that cutting corners will hinder your long-term results.
Stay focused and stick to a few of your favorite products for at least 6 months. While it’s easy for shiny object syndrome to set in when it comes to skincare, the majority of ingredients take weeks to months of consistent use to really offer the most results - so you have to be patient.
If you’re going to switch around, at least try to stay loyal to a few of your favorite powerhouse products. Find the specific concerns that are most relevant to you and keep those bad boys in your rotation. When you start to see visible results, sticking to your routine will become second nature.
Happy hydrating!