There’s no doubt that anti-ageing is one of the hottest buzzwords in the beauty-sphere, where lotion and potions promise to erase, lift and zap fine lines, saggy skin and pigmentation.
But when should you start to use products like these? We spoke with Cheryl Ross – skincare expert, beauty book author and founder of of CR Formulations – to set things straight.
At what age should you start using anti-aging products?
There is no specific age. There are many factors that determine how a person’s skin ages – genetics, illness, stress, environment, all contribute to when your skin needs active help.
If you want beautiful skin it is vitally important to look after it, even from a young age. The greater care you take, the longer your skin will be able to resist the signs of ageing.
Is it counteractive to use anti-ageing skincare from a young age, or is it smart to be preventative?
It is not a matter of being counteractive, it is a matter of understanding that skin care needs to start from a young age. Antioxidants are the key here. Products that contain a high % of antioxidants will help prevent skin damage. Simply put, the longer and the better you protect your skin, the longer it will be before you need to repair it. Anti-ageing is about both – not just trying to reclaim what you’ve lost but stalling the loss in the first place.
Should you only start using anti-ageing products when you see the tell-tale signs, such as fine lines, pigmentation and lack of elasticity?
We are never going to be able to avoid the visible signs of ageing but when they start to occur there are so many great ingredients and products that can target the individual problems.
How are we able to achieve and maintain healthy-looking skin?
Probably the most ‘unsexy’ part of the skin care routine is the preparation. Preparation is essential. We do this by cleansing and toning. After removing the dead cells and the dirt and grime associated with everyday living, we need to feed the skin. The key things are to hydrate, nourish, protect and restore.
Other than cleansing every day, what can people do to achieve luminous skin?
I don’t necessarily agree with the need to cleanse every day. Cleansing to me is about removing the grime and unblocking the pores and it is preferable to do this at night. A luminous skin is achieved more by the use of a gentle face polish. Polishing smoothes and refines the skin’s texture and helps deliver the active ingredients.
What, in your opinion, are the best hydrating ingredients for skin?
I love hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate) it holds 1000 times its own weight in water. When applied topically, hyaluronic acid penetrates the first layer of skin really well, giving it a plumped-up effect. It’s also good at adjusting itself on your skin, the level of humidity in the air and other climate factors. Try CR Formulations Tonique, $72
What are the best ingredients to fight pigmentation?
Bearberry Extract, derived from the Uva Ursi plant. This contains a natural form of hydroquinone but is more stable and does not become pro-oxidant when exposed to sunlight and it is not harmful to the skin. Liquorice, mulberry, veronica and primulas extracts all help inhibit Tyrosenase. Tyrosenase is an enzyme present in plant and animal tissues that catalyzes the production of melanin and other pigments from tyrosine by oxidation, as in the blackening of a peeled or sliced potato exposed to air. Try CR Formulations Lighten Up, $85
What are the best ingredients to target lack of elasticity in skin?
The peptides Snap8 and SynColl are 2 of the super peptides that target the loss of elasticity and so do many of the natural amino acids – silk, rice, cucumber and Siberian ginseng. Try CR Formulations Silk and Pearl Peptide, $79
What’s your best anti-ageing secret? Tell us in the comments below.
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