We’ve curated a list of five (yes, just five!) ingredients you need on your radar for fighting the signs of ageing skin. Some you’ve probably heard of, others maybe not so much, but that’s what we’re here for. And while there’s definitely no need for a lengthy 10-step skincare routine, it’s essential to add a couple more steps and products if you’ve been skipping out on them without realising it. Considering that skin mostly ages due to skin cells becoming slower to renew themselves (meaning dead skin stays on the surface for longer while fresh new skin is trapped underneath) as well as decreased hydration and elasticity, we look to ingredients to mimic these duties and keep skin functioning at this level.
Excited to learn? Click on for the complete breakdown and where each one fits into your routine…
Known as quite the all-rounder in skincare, vitamin C – which you might have seen labelled as ascorbic acid – is a must in every skincare routine, but especially so for delaying ageing. “There’s a lot vitamin C can do for skin,” says Dr Ifeoma Ejikeme, founder and medical director at Adonia Medical Clinic. “Not only is it an antioxidant, meaning it can neutralise free radicals found in pollution, but when paired with sunscreen it ups the sun protection powers for multifaceted efficacy.” And if you’re battling the issue of pigmentation, then you absolutely need vitamin C in your kit. “It’s a tyrosinase inhibitor, limiting the melanin production that occurs in your skin as a result of sun damage, breaking up sun spots and hyperpigmentation,” explains Dr Ejikeme. Eucerin’s Hyaluron-Filler Vitamin C Booster Anti-Ageing Serum combines 10% (just the right amount) of the powerhouse ingredient with Licochalcone A, another strong antioxidant, to strengthen skin and boost radiance while tackling brown spots.
Where it fits: in the day before sunscreen and moisturiser.
Eucerin Hyaluron – Filler Vitamin C Booster Anti – Ageing Serum, $, available at Boots
“AHAs – or alpha-hydroxy acids – are some of my favourite ingredients for unveiling fresher, younger skin,” says Dr Ejikeme. “As we age, dead skin sits on the surface for longer; AHAs work to exfoliate it off and reveal the plumper and firmer skin underneath.” If the word ‘acid’ scares you, cast away that image of a red-faced Samantha from SATC – there really is a type of AHA for pretty much everyone. “Glycolic acid works particularly well for brightening lighter skin tones, while mandelic acid is great for darker skin: its larger molecules mean it works slower,” advises Dr Ejikeme. “Even those with sensitive skin can try the more gentle and hydrating lactic acid.” Eucerin Hyaluron-Filler Night Peeling + Serum combines a blend of fruit-based AHAs, including glycolic and lactic, with hyaluronic acid and glycine saponin (we’ll get to those later). Working overnight to exfoliate and hydrate all in one go, the formula is both clinically and dermatologically proven to renew and plump skin come morning.
Where it fits: at night after cleansing and before moisturiser.
Eucerin Hyaluron – Filler Night Peeling & Serum, $, available at Boots
Another acid, but this one works in a completely different way. Commended for its hydration powers, hyaluronic acid is found naturally in our bodies (it’s the reason why our eyeballs are so wet) and works for every skin type, from oily to dry to sensitive. As we age, our skin’s natural ability to produce hyaluronic acid depletes, which is why we look to products to restore it. “When applied to skin, hyaluronic can hold 1000x its own weight in water, pulling it in from the air and other products to hydrate the skin,” explains Dr Ejikeme. Eucerin’s Hyaluron-Filler Moisture Booster is a refreshing gel that immediately plumps and hydrates skin, and can be used both morning and night despite providing 24-hour hydration. “Keep it early in your routine to ensure it pulls in moisture from other products: after cleansing and before moisturiser is best,” advises Dr Ejikeme.
Where it fits: both day and night, in between cleansing and moisturising.
Eucerin Hyaluron – Filler Moisture Booster, $, available at Boots
You might not have heard much about glycine saponin, otherwise known as glycine soja germ extract. Here’s a clue: it’s connected to hyaluronic acid, but on a much deeper level – quite literally. Extracted from the soy bean, this clever ingredient works to stimulate hyaluronic acid production in our skin cells. It’s been proven to boost such production by up to 256%, and when combined with hyaluronic acid – as is the case in Eucerin’s Hyaluron-Filler Day Cream SPF30 for Dry Skin – its anti-ageing powers really come out to play. Not only is hyaluronic production boosted, it’s also pulled further into the skin, giving much-needed moisture where the deepest of wrinkles originate from. Not only is hyaluronic production boosted, it’s also pulled further into the skin, giving much-needed moisture where the deepest of wrinkles originate from. All of that, plus your daily dose of SPF so you don’t even need to add an extra step. You’re welcome.
Where it fits: anywhere, any time.
Eucerin Hyaluron – Filler Day Cream SPF30, $, available at Boots
If you’re prone to eczema or cracked skin, or ever suffered a sunburn, odds are you’re already familiar with panthenol. Dexpanthenol is the exact same thing. “Taken from vitamin B, it’s classified as a humectant ingredient like hyaluronic acid is, meaning it pulls moisture into the skin and locks it there,” explains Dr Ejikeme. It works on hydrating the outer layer of the skin and blocking the skin from losing water to the air while conditioning it to keep its elasticity, suppleness and softness as we age. What’s more, it helps the skin to regenerate and grow new cells, a process that also slows down with age, and is often found on the ingredients list of burn lotions and tattoo-healing ointments. When used overnight, the time in which skin regenerates any rough, red or scaly patches is rejuvenated over time. Eucerin’s Hyaluron-Filler Night Cream combines dexpanthenol with hyaluronic acid and glycine saponin for a truly multifaceted approach to nighttime nourishment, working on both the deepest and surface-level skin layers to repair and hydrate.
Where it fits: the last step after cleansing and serums.
Eucerin Hyaluron – Filler Night Cream, $, available at Boots
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