Whether you have just started to get fine lines or already have several wrinkles on your face, it is never too late to start a pro-aging or anti-aging skincare routine.
7 common signs of aging skin:
- Fine lines or wrinkles, especially appearing around the eyes and mouth.
- Drier, thinner (more transparent), and also more sensitive skin.
- The skin is more easily damaged and takes longer to heal.
- Rougher texture where pores become more visible.
- Uneven skin tone, including discolorations.
- Age spots, pigmentation spots.
- Sagging and loose skin.
Do you recognize yourself?
Then you should keep reading to get a complete guide on how to counteract signs of aging and meet the skin’s new needs.
Why do wrinkles and other signs of aging appear?
The skin on the face is extra thin, sensitive, and exposed.
6 factors that accelerate skin aging:
- Diet.
- Lifestyle.
- Screen and sun exposure.
- Air pollution, toxins, and chemicals.
- Genetic inheritance.
- Hormonal changes.
The hormone estrogen has a big impact on women’s skin. When levels drop drastically around middle age, women develop premature signs of aging.
The aging process affects the skin in several ways:
- Skin cells age with the individual. The epidermis becomes thinner and the renewal process of skin cells slows down drastically. The skin’s structure and functions deteriorate.
- Sebum (oil) production decreases significantly, making the skin drier and causing more wrinkles over the years.
- Melanin (pigment that controls your skin color) producing cells decrease, resulting in uneven skin tone.
- The number of fibroblasts (cells in the dermis) decreases. These produce moisture-binding hyaluronic acid needed for the skin to be plump.
- Fibroblast cells also produce collagen. Collagen maintains the skin’s structure and is important for skin elasticity and firmness. The decreased levels of hyaluronic acid and collagen make the skin saggy and wrinkled.
Can you get rid of wrinkles?
To remove wrinkles permanently, you would need to turn back the clock or go back in time to take better care of the skin. The answer is therefore no.
However, you can definitely partially or completely smooth out fine lines and wrinkles on the face.
Smoothing means adding something externally or internally that can plump the skin and stimulate a stronger structure. This way, the skin can look younger.
It also means the effect disappears as soon as you stop supporting the skin.
Products that help against wrinkles and why they work
An anti-age skincare routine is interconnected, meaning the products need each other to work together to counteract signs of aging.
For best results, you should have a complete skincare routine for aging skin. Below we mention the most important tools against wrinkles.
Sun Protection and SPF
If for some reason you only want to invest in one product, then sun protection is the way to go.
UV rays not only break down hyaluronic acid and collagen in the skin. They also damage and alter cells' DNA, causing the skin to age earlier and faster.
Protecting yourself daily and year-round from the sun is therefore a must if you want to maintain a youthful appearance. Sunscreen is the most effective way to slow down skin aging.
It is never too early to start protecting the skin.
Use SPF 20 in winter and SPF 30 in summer. SPF also protects the hyaluronic acid and vitamin C in your skincare products.
In addition, SPF is a must if you exfoliate the skin.
These SPF products are well suited for mature skin; two are tinted and one is neutral.
- i+m Naturkosmetik Sun Protect Tinted Sun Care Face Cream
- Alga Maris Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30 and 50
- Evolve Climate Defence Facial Cream
Antioxidants and vitamin C
When the skin is exposed to stress factors such as poor diet, air pollution, and sun, free radicals are formed.
It is the free radicals that cause oxidative stress and make the skin age faster. Antioxidants are what can neutralize free radicals.
The most popular antioxidant in skincare is vitamin C.
- Free radicals react and take electrons from vitamin C instead of from the components of cells and DNA. In this way, the skin is protected from damage and premature aging.
- Because vitamin C is acidic, it stimulates the skin's repair process with its low pH, which increases the production of collagen and elastin. These are important building blocks that support the skin's structure, making the skin fuller, firmer, and more elastic.
- Vitamin C also has an exfoliating effect that helps dead skin cells release from the skin.
- With the help of vitamin C, the skin becomes better at retaining moisture. The moisture in the skin smooths fine lines and gives radiance.
Remember to use SPF to protect the vitamin C from breaking down due to sunlight.
Vitamin C is an important part of an anti-aging skincare routine and is best used both morning and evening.
For the morning, we recommend:
- Vitamin C serum mixed with other antioxidants.
- i+m Naturkosmetik Mix & Match Vitamin C Nectar – vitamin C serum with argan oil and hyaluronic acid.
For the evening, we recommend:
- Serum with vitamin C, antioxidants, niacinamide, and retinol.
- Facial oil with, among other things, vitamin C, retinol, antioxidants, and vitamin D.
Cleansing:
- Evolve Enzyme + Vitamin C Cleanser Powder – a fine cleansing powder with vitamin C that becomes a gentle cleansing soap when it comes into contact with water.
Exfoliate the skin
Older skin cells do not renew as quickly and often as younger skin.
Dead skin cells also tend to remain longer on the skin's surface, leading to uneven texture, dryness, and a dull appearance.
By exfoliating regularly, you can get rid of dead skin cells.
If you choose exfoliation or peeling with AHA acids (alpha hydroxy acids), you also stimulate the cells to produce collagen and elastin.
There are many different AHA acids to choose from in skincare. For aging skin, lactic acid and glycolic acid are popular choices.
Lactic Acid
Lactic acid is a mild AHA acid that most sensitive skin types usually tolerate. Lactic acid gently exfoliates the upper skin layers, dissolves dirt in pores, and brightens discolored and pigmented skin.
What makes lactic acid unique is that it helps the skin retain moisture. The skin thus becomes less dry in a natural way.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid comes from sugar cane and is the smallest of the AHA acids.
It basically does everything lactic acid does (though it does not support moisture balance). It has a smaller molecular size and is stronger than lactic acid.
Glycolic acid penetrates deeper into the skin layers and is a fantastic acid to include in an anti-aging skincare routine.
Remember to always use SPF when you include acids in your skincare routine.
Some acids can have effects for several weeks after use, so make it a habit to protect your skin every day with at least SPF 30 – even on cloudy and rainy days.
We recommend these products with AHA acids for aging skin.
Toners:
- Evolve Liquid Radiance Glycolic Toner – AHA fruit acids, galactoarabinan, and willow bark.
- Fruit Toner – antioxidants, AHA fruit acids, and hyaluronic acid.
Masks:
- Evolve Miracle AHA 3 Minute Mask – plant and fruit enzymes including glycolic, lactic, citric, malic, and tartaric acids.
Serum:
- i+m Naturkosmetik AHA/BHA peeling serum – contains AHA/BHA acids at concentrations of 8% and 3%. Suitable for blemished, oily, mature skin.
Retinol
Retinol is a type of vitamin A that takes your skincare routine to a whole new level. Retinol is popular for use on acne-prone and aging skin.
The 4 main benefits of retinol:
- Increases collagen production and thus smooths out fine lines and wrinkles by boosting blood flow to the skin. Retinol also prevents existing collagen from breaking down.
- Increases the production of natural hyaluronic acid in the skin. The skin becomes plump and hydrated.
- Stimulates skin cells in the outermost layers to renew faster. The skin becomes smooth where dead skin is minimized and healthy skin emerges. In this way, some sun damage (discolorations, spots) can be repaired and appear less visible.
- Reduces the production of melanin (dark pigment in the skin) so that the skin tone becomes more even and discolorations lighter.
As mentioned, the benefits are many. The major downside is that retinol often irritates the skin and causes peeling, stinging, dryness, and itching.
The skin also becomes very sensitive to sunlight. Retinol itself is also unstable and breaks down easily in sunlight.
Therefore, use retinol only in the evening and increase gradually so the skin has time to get used to it. Combine with vitamin C and SPF during the day for best results.
In organic skincare, retinol is used sparingly and in lower doses due to its skin-irritating nature.
We recommend:
- Serum with, among other things, retinol, vitamin C, antioxidants, and niacinamide.
- Facial oil with, among other things, retinol, antioxidants, vitamin D.
Bio-Retinol: Natural alternatives to retinol
Unlike retinol, natural retinol or bio-retinol can be used together with acids and high-dose vitamin C.
Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is a natural and bioactive substance that has become a popular alternative to retinol. Bakuchiol comes from the plant Babchi (Psoralea Corylifolia).
It has the same effect on the skin as retinol, but without the negative side effects. Bakuchiol can therefore also be used during the day, as it does not make the skin sensitive to sunlight.
For aging skin, we recommend:
- Evolve Bio-Retinol + C Booster
- i+m Naturkosmetik Mix & Match Bakuchiol Elixir
- Cold-pressed organic bakuchiol oil
Bidens Pilosa
The extract from the plant Bidens Pilosa has also become a good alternative to retinol.
Just like bakuchiol, this plant extract has a similar effect on the skin as retinol, but without irritating the skin.
That’s why Bidens Pilosa extract can also be used anytime during the day.
Our recommendation:
- Bidens Pilosa and cold-pressed oils.
- Bidens Pilosa and Peony extract.
- Lovely lip gloss with Bidens Pilosa.
Hyaluronic acid
Hyaluronic acid is also called hyaluronan or HA (hyaluronic acid). It is a natural substance that binds moisture in the body.
Hyaluronic acid is most abundant in the skin, connective tissues, and eyes. The substance can bind incredible amounts of water.
As we age, we produce less hyaluronic acid. Additionally, factors like UV rays and smoking can break down the substance, so it’s wise to include hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine.
The substance itself is mild and should not cause skin irritation.
There is low molecular weight hyaluronic acid that reaches the deeper skin layers. This type can irritate the skin, especially skin prone to inflammation.
- HA lubricates our joints and keeps the skin hydrated.
- It plumps the skin, gives a glow, and smooths fine lines and wrinkles.
- HA supports the body's natural production and use of collagen.
Keep in mind that too much hyaluronic acid can dry out the skin. An overdose causes it to bind or draw moisture from the deeper layers of the skin, drying the skin from within.
Usually, hyaluronic acid in one skincare product is enough, especially when it comes to low molecular weight hyaluronic acid.
Use on a damp face, facial toner, or aloe vera gel before applying hyaluronic acid. Lock in the moisture with oils and nutrients. Otherwise, the moisture will evaporate from the outer skin layers.
Read more about this in the section below on "Moisture and Nutrition."
For mature skin, we recommend these products focusing on hyaluronic acid:
- Evolve 360 Eye & Lip Contour
- Evolve Hyaluronic Serum 200
- i+m Naturkosmetik Freistil Hyaluronic Serum
- Evolve Hyaluronic Eye Complex
- i+m Naturkosmetik 2-Phase Hydrating Concentrate Serum
Cleansing:
- Evolve Deep Clean Micellar Water – with hyaluronic acid.
Niacinamide
Niacinamide is a form of vitamin B3 often used on acne-prone skin, skin with large pores, inflamed, and aged skin.
6 anti-age benefits of niacinamide:
- Supports the formation of keratin. A protein important for the skin’s structure and what makes the skin firm and elastic.
- Strengthens the skin barrier so that moisture is better retained in the skin.
- minimizes pore size by gradually increasing moisture in the skin.
- Can strengthen healthy skin cells and protect them from harmful UV rays and oxidative stress.
- Clinical studies have shown that using 5% niacinamide on the skin has been able to lighten hyperpigmentation after 4 weeks. Niacinamide prevents melanin (color pigment) from being transported to the skin’s outer layer (epidermis).
- Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles. Probably by increasing moisture in the skin and strengthening the skin’s structure.
Note: Be careful when mixing niacinamide with other products containing high doses of vitamin C or acids. If these ingredients are included in a product, they are balanced and should not cause skin irritation.
Find niacinamide in these products:
- Serum with, among other things, niacinamide, vitamin C, antioxidants, and retinol.
- Facial cream with, among other things, niacinamide and antioxidants.
- Toner with fermented rice water, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid.
Moisture and fats
Last but not least. The prerequisite for smoothing wrinkles, binding moisture in the skin, and preserving moisture in the skin is precisely the availability or supply of moisture and fats.
- Moisture like water or substances with high water content (aloe vera, hydrosols, etc.) is essential for the skin to be rehydrated, wrinkles to be smoothed out, and to be preserved and bound by, for example, hyaluronic acid.
- Fats, oils, or nourishment are needed to keep the skin soft and supple. They also prevent moisture from evaporating from the skin. It is often said that fats or oils are needed to lock in moisture.
Bioactive and potent ingredients are all well and good. Just don’t forget the most important thing – moisture and fats! Drink water and eat healthy fats.
For aging skin, we recommend:
Moisture:
- i+m Naturkosmetik Deep Water Hydrator
- Generally, all types of facial toners provide moisture
Nourishment (fats, oils) without or with few bioactive ingredients:
- Jojoba oil
- i+m Creme de la Creme (contains hyaluronic acid)
- Evolve Hydrate & Protect Facial Cream
- Restorative Sea Culture Extra Rich Creme
- Generally, all facial oils and creams for mature skin provide nourishment.
Nourishment (fats, oils) with bioactive ingredients:
- 100% Pure Multi-Vitamin Antioxidants Ultra Riché PM Treatment
- 100% Pure Multi-Vitamin Antioxidants PM Facial Oil
- Evolve Multi Peptide 360 Anti-Ageing Cream
- Evolve Age Defying Lifting Serum – innovative firming serum with 12% active ingredients, including peptides and collagen-boosting ingredients.
Do natural products work as well as conventional ones against wrinkles and signs of aging?
Isolated active ingredients generally work worse compared to when an active ingredient naturally exists in synergy with other substances that enhance its effect and themselves have positive effects on the skin.
Rarely do we want to achieve just one result; instead, we want a combination of things for younger, fresher skin.
Plant-based skincare is recognized by the skin, resembles its own components, and provides long-lasting results.
We always prefer natural skincare products for the best overall effect that supports the skin barrier in the long run.
Feel free to read more about the differences between conventional and organic skincare.
The biggest mistakes you can make when choosing products against signs of aging.
Everyone has individual skincare needs. However, there is one thing everyone has in common: all the mistakes you can make in an anti-wrinkle or anti-aging skincare routine.
They can really counteract or worsen the effect of your products. In the worst case, mistakes can damage the skin.
Here we highlight the most common pitfalls in a skincare routine for aging skin.
You don’t have a sun protection product (SPF) in your skincare routine.
SPF is the primary protection against UV damage, future wrinkles, and sunspots.
It also protects any active ingredients in your products from breaking down. If you exfoliate the skin (especially with acids) or use retinol, it becomes more sensitive to sunlight.
Without SPF, the skin is damaged, resulting in more signs of aging.
You dry out the skin with the wrong types of products.
Foaming cleansers, products with a lot of alcohol, and dry makeup like powder dry out the skin, which causes or highlights more wrinkles.
You lack patience.
You switch or stop using skincare products before they have had time to take effect. Too many product changes stress the skin, resulting in tired, dull, and irritated skin.
You are using too many different products.
You have created your own routine with too many products or potent ingredients.
Either their effects cancel each other out, or the skin is overtreated and damaged. Too many products can also clog or weigh down the skin.
Don’t be afraid to ask for tips and help.
You are making incorrect combinations of active ingredients.
Always follow the recommendations provided for each skincare product or line.
- Do not use vitamin C together with acids. It simply becomes too acidic (low pH) for the skin and causes too strong exfoliation.
- Do not combine retinol with acids. Choose either one or the other.
- Do not use high-dose vitamin C with retinol. However, you can try vitamin C in your morning routine and retinol in the evening. Products containing both in their formulation are fine, as the formula is balanced.
You use too many and too strong ingredients
You over-exfoliate by:
- Combines too many (strong) acids.
- Exfoliates the skin too often.
Usually one product with acid/acids is enough. If you start early with an anti-aging skincare routine, it’s good to know that younger skin doesn’t need to be exfoliated as often as older skin.
Simply because younger skin renews itself more often. Try exfoliating with milder acids or exfoliate less often if you experience skin irritation or worsened skin health.
The same applies to retinol. One product with retinol in your skincare routine is usually enough. Try lower concentrations and don’t use retinol every day.
You are using too much hyaluronic acid
Less is more. Your skin reacts to hyaluronic acid (HA) and the skin is anything but hydrated and plump.
You are simply using too much hyaluronic acid and not adding any moisture. Since HA binds moisture, there needs to be moisture for it to bind. Otherwise, it takes moisture from deeper skin layers and moves it to the upper skin layers (which easily evaporate!).
HA is a popular ingredient and it can easily become too much. HA in one of your skincare products is usually enough (especially when it comes to low molecular weight hyaluronic acid).
How to put together a good skincare routine against signs of aging
It is very individual what your skin specifically needs to smooth out wrinkles. Too much of a good thing usually shocks the skin, resulting in irritation.
Experiment to find which active ingredients your skin likes. Use one new product or active ingredient at a time. Otherwise, you won’t know what really gave an effect or caused irritation.
If you have trouble deciding, you can choose to have one or two "multivitamin" products that contain a little bit of a mix of bioactive ingredients.
That way you get a bit of everything in a well-composed product. If you want to create your own skincare routine, the table below can be helpful.
Table with suggestions on what can be combined for an ultimate anti-aging skincare routine.
*The recommendation not to use niacinamide with vitamin C is based on an old study where the test showed that the ingredients reacted with each other and could cause skin irritation. Niacinamide is a stable ingredient but reacts with vitamin C and all kinds of acids at high temperatures. Newer studies show that niacinamide together with vitamin C is stable and does not cause skin reactions. They are safe to use at room temperature.
We still want to point out that niacinamide has a higher pH than both vitamin C and acids. When combining two completely different products, their pH can be affected and work less effectively, possibly resulting in a reaction.
If the ingredients are included in a formulated product, there is no danger. Be careful when making your own combinations, especially with high doses of active ingredients.
Also feel free to read about supplements and nutrition for the skin
