Top 5 Anti-Ageing Skincare Ingredients

Here at Kiehl’s we are pro-ageing and believe that ageing is undoubtably a privilege. That’s not to say that we don’t believe in skincare! We’re a skincare brand and we’ve seen first-hand how much skin can benefit from a consistent anti-ageing skincare routine that’s packed with powerful anti-ageing ingredients. It doesn’t matter how old you are now, if you start to focus on your skin health with anti-ageing skincare, you’ll see short and long-term benefits. Let’s discover the top 5 anti-ageing skincare ingredients that need to be on your radar and in your daily routine: 

Retinol  

The tried-and-true gold standard of anti-ageing ingredients has got to be retinol, a vitamin A derivative that is usually found within serums. Retinol products can help to improve collagen production and skin tone, visibly renew the skin and fight signs of ageing including fine lines and wrinkles. The first retinols within the skincare market were effective but side effects including redness, itchy skin and dryness were common, and this can still be a problem. Luckily our precisely formulated Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum uses a daily-strength dose of pure retinol to visibly reduce the look of wrinkles, refine the feel of skin’s texture and firm the feel of skin to deliver retinol benefits with minimal typical signs of discomfort such as redness, dryness and peeling. The uniquely comfortable formula is suitable for all skin types including dry skin and sensitive skin and helps to promote surface skin cell turnover while strengthening the skin barrier function and visibly renew skin for younger-looking skin. Apply your Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum to cleansed skin, allow it to absorb before applying moisturiser and sunscreen in the day, or in the evening, follow with night oil/cream. 

Vitamin C  

In the last few years vitamin C has had a boom in the skincare world, and for good reason. This zingy vitamin associated with immunity and oranges has a lot to offer in skincare as well as within your diet. An antioxidant, vitamin C helps to protect the skin from free radicals which attack the skin and cause signs of ageing. It’s also known as a glow-booster as it works to improve skin dullness, get rid of dead skin cells and fight dark spots. You’ll find it in our vitamin C serum: Powerful-Strength Line Reducing Concentrate and Powerful-Strength Line-Reducing & Dark Circle-Diminishing Vitamin C Eye Serum. This dynamic duo both contain vitamin Cg, or ascorbyl glucoside, a Vitamin C derivative that activates once absorbed into the upper layers of the skin’s surface. The antioxidant-rich serum and eye cream work to reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles while helping to improve the feel of skin texture. Apply the duo after cleansing and before moisturising twice a day, in the daytime always wear SPF. 

Peptides  

Peptides occur naturally in the body – they are short chains of amino acid that work as messengers between cells, and they can help to carry messages that encourage the skin to produce more collagen, relax or contract muscles and heal wounds for example. As we age our natural peptides begin to diminish, so including them in skincare is key. You can double up on your power ingredients by choosing our Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum, as this anti-ageing formula also includes peptides and ceramides. The gentle formula helps to promote a stronger skin barrier while Pure retinol helps to visibly reduce the look of wrinkles, refine the feel of skin’s texture and firm the feel of skin. Apply your Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum to cleansed skin, allow it to absorb before applying moisturiser and sunscreen in the day, or in the evening, follow with night oil/cream. 

Hyaluronic acid  

Hyaluronic acid is an expert hydrator that can hold up to 1000x its own weight in water. In skincare formulas it helps to fight dehydrated skin, a key element in signs of skin ageing because skin that is dehydrated can look dull, sunken, slack and lines and wrinkles will appear deeper. Our Vital Skin-Strengthening Hyaluronic Acid Super Serum is formulated with 11kDa hyaluronic acid — our smallest form of hyaluronic acid — and a proprietary adaptogenic herbal complex. This potent ‘super serum’ deeply penetrates skin’s surface layers** and neutralizes skin-ageing stressors to visibly renew skin. Skin feels more resilient with boosted radiance and helps skin to better retain moisture for bouncier feeling skin. Apply morning and evening after cleansing and before moisturiser twice a day. In the AM always follow with SPF. 

**Stratum corneum layers. 

Niacinamide  

This water-soluble form of vitamin B3 helps to improve the health of the skin barrier, meaning the moisture barrier means this vital top layer of the skin is better able to protect the more vulnerable layers of skin underneath efficiently. It also helps to provide hydration and is calming for all skin types – particularly oily skin and blemish prone skin. Try our Ultra Pure High-Potency Serum 5.0% Niacinamide, this shine-reducing niacinamide facial serum is formulated with only ten ingredients and helps to reduce the appearance of imperfections and excess oil. With 5% niacinamide, our potent formula helps to visibly minimise shine and soothe skin. Apply morning and evening after cleansing and before moisturiser twice a day. In the AM always follow with SPF. 

FAQs 

What skincare ingredients are best for anti-ageing? 

We recommend a consistent skincare routine both AM and PM that includes a retinol serum like our precisely formulated Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum, an anti-ageing moisturising cream such as our Super Multi-Corrective Anti-Aging Cream For Face And Neck and an eye cream like Super Multi-Corrective Anti-Aging Eye Cream. Sunscreen is essential for preventing the sun’s rays from damaging the skin, so ensure you protect your skin every day with our Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++. 

What is the most powerful anti-ageing ingredient? 

Formula is key, so while anti-ageing active ingredients do boast results, it’s important to consider the whole formula rather than focusing on a singular ingredient. However, as discussed in this article there are a wealth of powerful anti-ageing ingredients, such as retinol which you’ll find in our Retinol Skin-Renewing Daily Micro-Dose Serum. A vitamin C product such as our vitamin C serum  Powerful-Strength Line Reducing Concentrate can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles within a targeted skincare routine. We always recommend sun exposure protection which can help to prevent sun damage, try our Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++. 

Is an anti-ageing skincare product good for a teenager? 

While a daily skincare routine for teenagers is recommended, we would likely suggest starting with gentle products that focus on their skin needs. Our skin pros have all the tools to help teenagers build the perfect skincare routine, so book a virtual healthy skin consultation or book in at your local store. 

How is anti-ageing skincare different than other skincare? 

Anti-ageing skincare typically focuses on preserving the skin and targeting fine lines, wrinkles, dark spots, and sagging. Other skincare might focus on calming blemishes, keeping redness at bay or balancing oil production.