Whether you've just started noticing fine lines or already have multiple wrinkles on your face, it's never too late to start with a pro-aging or anti-aging skincare routine.
7 common signs of aging skin:
Fine lines or wrinkles, especially appearing in areas like the corners of the eyes and around the mouth.
Drier, thinner (more transparent), and more sensitive skin.
Skin that damages more easily and takes longer to heal.
Coarser texture where pores become more visible.
Uneven skin tone, including discoloration.
Age spots, pigmentation spots.
Loose and sagging skin.
Do you recognize these signs?
Then keep reading to get a complete guide on how to counteract signs of aging and meet your skin's new needs.
Why do wrinkles and other signs of aging appear?
The skin on your face is especially 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 significant impact on women's skin. When levels dramatically drop around middle age in women, they experience 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 cell renewal process becomes drastically slower. Skin structure and functions deteriorate.
Sebum (oil) production decreases significantly, making the skin drier and more prone to wrinkles with age.
Melanin (the pigment that determines 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 plump skin.
Fibroblast cells also produce collagen. Collagen maintains skin structure and is essential for skin elasticity and firmness. The decreased levels of hyaluronic acid and collagen make the skin saggy and wrinkled.
Can wrinkles be removed?
To permanently remove wrinkles, you would need to turn back the clock or go back in time to take better care of your skin. The answer is therefore no.
However, you can absolutely partially or completely smooth out fine lines and wrinkles on your face.
Smoothing out means applying something externally or internally that can plump up the skin and stimulate a stronger structure. This way, the skin can appear younger.
It also means that the effect disappears as soon as you stop supporting your skin.
Products that help against wrinkles and why they help
An anti-aging skincare routine is interconnected, meaning the products need each other to work together to counteract signs of aging. For the best effect, you should therefore 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 a single product, then sun protection is the way to go. UV rays don't just break down hyaluronic acid and collagen in the skin. They damage and alter cell DNA, causing the skin to age earlier and faster. Protecting yourself daily and year-round from the sun is therefore essential if you want to preserve a youthful appearance. Sunscreen provides the best and most significant effect in slowing down skin aging. It's never too early to start protecting your skin. Use SPF 20 in winter and SPF 30 in summer. SPF also protects hyaluronic acid and vitamin C in your skincare products. Additionally, SPF is a must if you exfoliate your skin. These SPF products are suitable 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 skin is exposed to stressors like poor diet, air pollution, and sun, free radicals form. These free radicals cause oxidative stress and make the skin age at a faster rate. 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 cell components and DNA. This way, the skin is protected from damage and premature aging.
Thanks to vitamin C being acidic, its low pH stimulates the skin's repair process, which increases the production of collagen and elastin. These are important building blocks that support the skin's structure, making the skin more plump, firm, and elastic.
Vitamin C also has an exfoliating effect that helps dead skin cells release from the skin.
With the help of vitamin C, skin becomes better at retaining moisture. The moisture in the skin smooths out fine lines and gives radiance.
Remember to use SPF to protect vitamin C from breaking down in sunlight. Vitamin C is an important part of an anti-aging skincare routine and is best used both morning and evening.
For morning we recommend:
100% Pure Vitamin C Serum – 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 evening we recommend:
100% Pure Multi-Vitamin Antioxidants Potent PM Serum
Serum with vitamin C, antioxidants, niacinamid and retinol.100% Pure Multi-Vitamin Antioxidants PM Facial Oil
Facial oil with vitamin C, retinol, antioxidants, vitamin D, and more.
Cleansing:
Evolve Enzyme + Vitamin C Cleanser Powder – a fine cleansing powder with vitamin C that transforms into a mild cleansing soap when in contact with water.
Exfoliate Your Skin
Aging skin cells don't renew themselves as quickly or as often as younger skin. Dead skin cells also tend to remain longer on the skin's surface, leading to uneven texture, dryness, and a lifeless appearance. By regularly exfoliating, you can remove dead skin cells. If you choose exfoliation or peeling with AHA acids (alpha hydroxy acids), you'll 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 can 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. This makes the skin naturally less dry.
Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid comes from sugar cane and is the smallest of the AHA acids. It essentially does everything lactic acid does (though it doesn't 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 using acids in your skincare routine. Some acids can have effects for several weeks after application, so make it a habit to protect your skin every day from the sun with at least SPF 30 – even on cloudy and rainy days.
These AHA acid products we recommend for aging skin. Toners:
Evolve Liquid Radiance Glycolic Toner – AHA fruit acids, Galactoarabinan and Willow bark.
Eco by Sonya Fruit Toner – antioxidants, AHA fruit acids and hyaluronic acid.
Masks:
Evolve Miracle AHA 3 minute Mask – plant and fruit enzymes including glycolic, lactic, citric, apple, and wine acid.
Serum:
i+m Naturkosmetik AHA/BHA peeling serum – contains AHA/BHA acids in 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.
4 main benefits of retinol:
Increases the production of collagen and thus smooths out fine lines and wrinkles by increasing 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 moisturized.
Stimulates skin cells in the outermost skin layers to renew themselves faster. The skin becomes smooth and even as dead skin is minimized and fresh skin is revealed. This way, certain sun damage (discoloration, spots) can be repaired and become less visible.
Reduces the production of melanin (dark pigment in the skin) so that skin tone becomes more even and discolorations lighter.
The benefits are many as mentioned. The major disadvantage is that retinol often irritates the skin and causes flaking, stinging, dry and itchy skin. 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 usage slowly so the skin has time to adjust. 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:
100% Pure Multi-Vitamin Antioxidants Potent PM Serum
Serum with retinol, vitamin C, antioxidants, and niacinamide among other ingredients.100% Pure Multi-Vitamin Antioxidants PM Facial Oil
Facial oil with retinol, antioxidants, vitamin D, and more.
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 Babchi plant (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 daytime, as it doesn't 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 Bidens Pilosa plant has also become a good alternative to retinol. Just like bakuchiol, this plant extract has similar effects on the skin as retinol, but without irritating the skin. Therefore, Bidens Pilosa extract can also be used any time during the day.
We recommend:
Evolve Bio-Retinol Gold Face Mask – Bidens Pilosa and cold-pressed oils.
Evolve Nigthly Renew Facial Cream – Bidens Pilosa and Peony extract.
Evolve Bio-Retinol Glossy Lip Oil – wonderful lipgloss with Bidens Pilosa.
Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid is also known as 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 such as UV rays and smoking can break down this substance, so it's wise to include hyaluronic acid in your skincare routine.
The substance itself is mild and should not cause skin irritations. There is low-molecular hyaluronic acid that reaches the deeper skin layers. This type can irritate the skin, especially skin that easily becomes inflamed.
HA lubricates our joints and keeps the skin moisturized.
It makes the skin plump, gives it radiance, and smooths out 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 skin layers and dry out the skin from within. Usually, hyaluronic acid in one skincare product is sufficient, especially when it comes to low-molecular hyaluronic acid. Use a wet face, facial water, or aloe vera gel before applying hyaluronic acid. Seal in the moisture with oils and nourishment. Otherwise, the moisture evaporates from the outer skin layers. Read more about this in the section below on "Moisture and nourishment".
For mature skin we recommend these products with hyaluronic acid as the focus:
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 that is often used on acne-prone skin, skin with large pores, inflamed and aging skin.
6 anti-aging benefits of niacinamide:
Supports the formation of keratin. A protein that is important for skin structure and what makes skin firm and elastic.
Strengthens the skin barrier so that moisture is better retained in the skin.
Minimizes pore size by increasing moisture in the skin over time.
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 (dark pigment) from being transported to the outer layers of the skin (epidermis).
Minimizes fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. Likely by increasing moisture in the skin and strengthening the skin's structure.
Think about:
Be careful when mixing niacinamide with other products containing high doses of vitamin C or acids. If these substances are included in a product, they are balanced and should not cause skin irritations.
Find niacinamide in these products:
100% Pure Multi-Vitamin Antioxidants Potent PM Serum Serum with niacinamide, vitamin C, antioxidants, and retinol among other ingredients.
100% Pure Multi-Vitamin Antioxidants Ultra Riché PM Treatment Face cream with niacinamide, antioxidants, and more.
100% Pure Fermented Rice Water
Toner with niacinamide and hyaluronic acid, among other ingredients.
Moisture and Nourishment
Last but not least. The prerequisite for being able to smooth out wrinkles, bind moisture in the skin, and retain moisture in the skin is the availability or supply of moisture and nourishment.
Moisture such as water or ingredients that contain a lot of water (aloe vera, hydrosols, etc.) is essential for skin to become hydrated, for wrinkles to be smoothed out, and to be available for binding by ingredients like hyaluronic acid.
Oils, fats, or nourishment are needed to keep the skin soft and supple. They also prevent moisture from evaporating from the skin. It's often said that oils or fats are needed to seal in moisture. Bioactive and potent substances are all well and good. Just don't forget the most important thing – moisture and nourishment! Drink water and eat healthy fats.
For aging skin we recommend: Moisture:
i+m Naturkosmetik Deep Water Hydrator
Generally, all types of facial waters provide moisture
Nourishment (oils, fats) with few or no bioactive ingredients:
Jojoba oil
i+m Creme de la Creme (contains hyaluronic acid)
Evolve Hydrate & Protect Facial Cream
100% Pure Restorative Sea Culture Extra Rich Creme
Generally, all facial oils and creams for mature skin provide nourishment.
Nourishment (oils, fats) 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 perform worse compared to when an active ingredient exists naturally in synergy with other ingredients that enhance its effect and themselves have positive effects for the skin. Rarely do we want to achieve just one result; instead, we want a combination of different benefits for younger and 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 term.Read more about The differences between conventional and organic skincare.
The biggest mistakes you can make when choosing products for signs of aging
Everyone has individual needs when it comes to skincare. However, there is something everyone has in common, and that's all the mistakes one can make in an anti-wrinkle or anti-aging skincare routine. These can really counteract or impair the effectiveness of your products. In the worst case, the mistakes can damage your skin. Here we highlight the most common pitfalls with a skincare routine for aging skin.
You don't have a sunscreen product (SPF) in your skincare routine
SPF is the primary protection against UV damage, future wrinkles, and sun spots. It also protects any active ingredients in your products from breaking down. If you exfoliate your skin (especially with acids) or use retinol, it becomes more sensitive to sunlight. Without SPF, your skin suffers damage resulting in more signs of aging.
You dry out your skin with the wrong types of products
Foaming cleansers, products with high alcohol content, and dry makeup like powder make the skin drier, which creates or accentuates more wrinkles.
You don't have patience
You replace or stop using skincare products before they've had a chance to take effect. Too many product changes stress the skin, resulting in tired, dull, and irritated skin.
You use too many different products
You've put together your own routine where too many products or potent ingredients are involved. Either their effects cancel each other out, or the skin becomes over-treated and damaged. Too many products can also clog or weigh down the skin. Don't be afraid to ask for tips and help.
You make incorrect combinations of active ingredients
Always follow the recommendations for each skincare product or series.
Don't use vitamin C together with acids. It simply becomes too acidic (low pH) for the skin and results in too strong exfoliation.
Don't combine retinol with acids. Choose either one or the other.
Don't use high-dose vitamin C with retinol. However, you can try vitamin C in your morning routine and retinol in the evening. Products with these two in their formulation are fine, as the recipe is balanced.
You use too many and too strong ingredients
You over-exfoliate by:
Combining too many (strong) acids.
Peeling the skin too often. Usually one product with acid/acids is sufficient. 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 frequently. Try exfoliating with weaker acids or exfoliate less often if you experience skin irritation or deteriorating skin health. The same applies to retinol. One product in your skincare routine with retinol is usually enough. Try lower concentrations and don't use retinol every day.
You're using too much hyaluronic acid
Less is more. Your skin reacts to hyaluronic acid (HA) and the skin is anything but moisturized and plump. You're simply using too much hyaluronic acid and not adding 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 outer skin layers (which easily evaporate!). HA is a popular ingredient and it's easy to use too much. HA in one of your skincare products is usually sufficient (especially when it comes to low-molecular hyaluronic acid).
How to create an effective anti-aging skincare routine
It's very individual what your skin 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 actually gave results or caused irritation. If you have trouble deciding, you can choose to have one or two "multivitamin" products that contain a good mix of bioactive ingredients.This way you get a little bit of everything in a well-composed product. If you want to create your own skincare routine, the table below can be useful.
| These can be combined | These work well with retinol | These work well with AHA acids | These must be used together (A+A, B+B etc.) | | | ------------------------------- | ---------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- | --- | | SPF (daytime) | x | x | x | ABC | | Vitamin C | x | can be used in the morning when you don't use retinol | can be used in the morning or evening when you don't use acids | A | | AHA acids | x | B | | | | Retinol (evening) | x | C | | | | Bio-retinol | x | x | | | | Niacinamide | * | x | * | | | Hyaluronic acid | x | x | x | D | | Moisture + Nourishment | x | x | x | D |
This way you get a little bit of everything in a well-composed product. If you want to create your own skincare routine, the table below can be useful.
| These can be combined | These work well with retinol | These work well with AHA acids | These must be used together (A+A, B+B etc.) | | | ------------------------------- | ---------------------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------------- | --- | | SPF (daytime) | x | x | x | ABC | | Vitamin C | x | can be used in the morning when you don't use retinol | can be used in the morning or evening when you don't use acids | A | | AHA acids | x | B | | | | Retinol (evening) | x | C | | | | Bio-retinol | x | x | | | | Niacinamide | * | x | * | | | Hyaluronic acid | x | x | x | D | | Moisture + Nourishment | x | x | x | D |
*The recommendation not to use niacinamide with vitamin C is based on an old study where the test showed that the substances reacted with each other and could cause skin irritations. Niacinamide is a stable substance, but reacts with vitamin C and all types of acids at high temperatures. Newer studies show that niacinamide together with vitamin C is stable and doesn't cause any skin reactions. They are safe to use at room temperature. We still want to flag that niacinamide has a higher pH than both vitamin C and acids. When combining two completely different products, their pH can be affected and function less effectively with a potential reaction as a result. If these substances are included in a formulated product, there's no danger. Be careful when making your own combinations, especially with high doses of active ingredients. Read more about Supplements and nutrition for the skin
