Question: "Help, my skin has fine lines and wrinkles, how can I minimise these and prevent new ones?"
Answer: When it comes to banishing fine lines and wrinkles already set in place, jumping under the needle tends to reign supreme. This is mainly due to the very (unfortunate) fact that it is almost impossible to turn back the clock when it comes to our skin. But, if you cringe at the thought of a sharp object - there are actually a number of topical solutions that help stave off the premature signs of ageing… no needles necessary. While completely safe, injectables shouldn’t necessarily be your first port of call anyway, as some people will experience great results with topical products.
From a topical skincare standpoint, the name of the game when it comes to smoothing out wrinkles and plumping up lax skin lies in replenishing the skin with collagen and elastin fibres. These fibres are essential building blocks for our skin, giving it a plump and youthful appearance. Ingredients such as retinol, peptides, and niacinamide can significantly increase the skin's cell turnover, which will hydrate the skin and, in some cases, offer staggering results in reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Whether you're looking to prevent further signs of ageing or minimise the ones you already have, understanding the right products and routines can make all the difference. Let's explore how you can take control of your skincare and boost your skin's resilience and radiance.
What causes fine lines and wrinkles?
Like, well, just about anything in life the best way to find a solution is to first identify the cause. And luckily for all of us, when it comes to fine lines and wrinkles, the causes are usually well-understood and documented.
As we get older, our skin naturally starts to change, often leading to dark spots, changes in texture, a loss of elasticity, and dryness. While no moisturiser can entirely stop these changes from happening, using the right products can definitely slow the process down.
Most of these changes are caused by sun exposure (which is why we’re always harping on about the importance of SPF!). So, the best thing you can do to reduce premature signs of ageing is to apply SPF daily.
The sun plays a big role, but other factors are also at work. Lifestyle habits like drinking alcohol and smoking can influence where and when wrinkles appear. And, of course, there’s the simple fact that as we age, our skin produces less collagen. Collagen is the structural protein in our skin, and as its production naturally declines, the skin begins to sag. While this process is unavoidable and completely natural, certain skincare ingredients can help restore some of the skin's elasticity and bounce!
Where are the places where fine lines and wrinkles appear first?
If you’re on the preventative bandwagon, it pays to know where to keep an eye out for the first areas of the face that tend to show our age. This will depend on many things such as genetics, how many hours you’ve spent in the sun and whether or not you’ve been religiously applying SPF (no, but seriously).
This being said, there are definitely a few areas of our face that show our age before the rest, and there is a very simple reason for this. Areas where we tend to be expressive are always the first areas to form fine lines and wrinkles so if you’re on the lookout, here are the main areas you may start to notice change.
Crow’s feet
The skin here is thinner and more prone to fine lines due to constant movement from blinking, squinting, and smiling. Keep a good eye treatment on hand at all times!
Forehead
Horizontal lines across the forehead often form from repeated facial expressions like raising your eyebrows or frowning. Keep your forehead protected from the sun at all times by using an effective sunscreen and wearing a hat where possible.
Around the mouth
These lines run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth, deepening with smiling or other mouth movements. These are largely unavoidable unfortunately, but things like smoking tend to exacerbate them.
Neck
Fine lines can appear on the neck due to the natural ageing process, combined with sun exposure and the effects of looking down at screens. Make sure you are applying your serums, moisturisers and sunscreen on the often neglected neck.
What are the best skincare products for fine lines and wrinkles?
If you want to start your collagen-boosting from the comfort of your own home, here are our top product picks to include in your routine, and it doesn’t require any shopping around.
Our Skinsmiths have recently launched the PRO Essentials Age Defying Kit which has all the aforementioned ingredients that make their formulas ultra-effective. The beauty of our Skinsmiths kits is that they do all the hard work of seeking out the very best ingredients and formulas to help combat a specific skincare concern, and put them all into a convenient pack for you. Here’s a closer look at what the Age Defying Kit includes:
Gentle Cream Cleanser
As we mentioned earlier, reduced collagen production can lead to dryness in ageing skin. To help combat this, it’s crucial to include hydrating ingredients at every stage of your skincare routine, starting with your cleanser, to ensure your skin stays nourished without being stripped.
The Gentle Cream Cleanser works to gently remove makeup and daily impurities while simultaneously injecting protective hydration into your skin to nourish dry and sensitive skin. Harnessing the strength of avocado oil, hemp oil, sodium hyaluronate and Skinsmiths hero ingredient, SauvigNZ, this is like kryptonite for dehydrated skin.
Resurfacing AHA/BHA Peel
Nothing will whip your skin into shape quite like a good peel. When it comes to ageing skin, chemical peels are your best bet. They’ll help to increase the skin's cell turnover without stripping or damaging your skin barrier. Our Skinsmiths have harnessed the power of AHA and BHA in the Resurfacing AHA/BHA Peel, which will give you an in-clinic result from your own bed!
Peel and reveal your skin overnight to reveal your very best skin with this multi-acid exfoliating peel. Harnessing the power of ABC Fruit Mix, Lactic Acid and Salicylic Acid this peel works to soften skin and increase cellular renewal as well as decongesting pores.
PRO Strength Retinol
It simply would not be an anti-ageing skincare regime without the inclusion of fan-favourite retinol. Retinol ticks all the recommended boxes for ageing skin; boosts collagen production, boosts elasticity, firms sagging skin, and reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The PRO Retinol Serum is the ultimate age-defying elixir that will help reverse and prevent signs of ageing.
PRO Collagen Eye Complex
Obviously, an all-star skincare lineup would not be complete without a good under-eye cream. The PRO Collagen Eye Complex is a ceramide-enriched targeted eye treatment that is specifically designed to hydrate your delicate under-eye area. It’s effective, while also being gentle enough to be suitable for this delicate area. It includes (everyone’s favourite) retinol which will increase cell turnover and boost collagen, as well as SyntenolA which is a natural phyto retinol alternative proven to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Complete Recovery Moisturiser
Absolutely crucial to locking in all that serum goodness is a rich, hydrating moisturiser. The Complete Recovery Moisturiser is up to the task. This ceramide-rich formula will seal in moisture, as well as work to repair and protect the skin barrier. It’s the perfect final step to your ritual and will ensure all your other products are working as hard as they possibly can.
Daily Antioxidant Defence SPF30
As we mentioned, when it comes to reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles (or preventing them from appearing in the first place) you truly cannot beat a good SPF. The Daily Antioxidant Defence SPF30 is a moisturising sheer sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum and antioxidant protection for your skin. It includes organic chemical UV filters which will provide protection from both UVA and UVB filters, while also incorporating Hyaluronic Acid and Sodium Hyaluronate for an extra hydrating boost.
Make sure you apply every day and reapply during the day for the best protection!
Be kind to yourself
As we mentioned there is no magic wand when it comes to reversing the sign of ageing. And, ageing is a privilege and something that deserves to be celebrated rather than feared. This being said, we all want to look and feel our best and if you’ve started to notice fine lines and wrinkles creeping up, it may be time to revisit your skincare cabinet to ensure you’re doing everything you can to slow down the signs.
Things such as using SPF daily are actually great for your overall health wrinkles aside, and is something everyone should be partaking in regardless of where their skin is on the ageing spectrum. Lifestyle changes such as drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol where necessary also go a long way when it comes to reducing the signs of ageing, so if you’re ready to take your skin to the next level, it may require a look outside your skincare bag, too.
