Our last feature looked at the decline in the popularity of injectables to help combat the visible signs of ageing. Today, we explore some of the natural alternatives out there. By now, we all know that if we’re not taking care of ourselves – reducing stress, prioritising sleep, exercising regularly and eating a minimally processed diet rich in vitamins and minerals – then we’re unlikely to feel - or look - our best.
So, if we take these as the cornerstones of a beauty-boosting lifestyle, what are some of the add-ons that can give us a little lift without any of the potential downsides of injectables?
For starters, there are a number of powerhouse skincare ingredients:
Retinol
Widely regarded as the gold standard in anti-aging ingredients for its ability to stimulate collagen production and promote cell turnover, retinol helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles to reveal smoother, more radiant skin.
Hyaluronic Acid
This natural humectant draws moisture to the skin, enhancing hydration and helping to plump the surface of the skin. The result: fine lines and wrinkles appear less pronounced, and the complexion looks more supple and bouncy.
Vitamin C
A potent antioxidant, vitamin C protects the skin against environmental damage while brightening the complexion and stimulating collagen synthesis - a must if you suffer from hyperpigmentation or post-inflammatory marks!
Peptides
These small protein molecules aid in boosting collagen and elastin production, promoting firmer and more resilient skin.
Nowadays, these skincare heroes can be found in everything from basic drugstore ranges to high-tech, high-end products, just be sure to read the label to make sure the concentration of the active ingredient is commensurate to the price tag, so you get the most bang for your buck.
Sunscreen
Last but not least, sunscreen - there’s no point spending loads on expensive serums if you don’t pay attention to sun protection. Using SPF is hands down the best way to prevent new damage and photo-ageing.
“Nature gives you the face you have at twenty. Life shapes the face you have at thirty. But at fifty, you get the face you deserve.”
Coco Chanel
Get hand’s-on!
Two beauty treatments with a long tradition that are experiencing somewhat of a renaissance thanks to TikTok and Co.* are face yoga and facial massage. Both use the hands, or a gua sha stone, to help de-puff the skin by encouraging lymphatic drainage and working out the tension that can leave us looking pinched and tired. If nothing else, they can provide a little slice of self-care that, in the spirit of
another big trend, “romanticising your life”, can be easily integrated into an existing routine.
To help you relax and de-stress, why not try incorporating some facial massage into your skincare arsenal. Even simply massaging your cleanser of choice into the skin for a couple of minutes every night can help to revitalise the complexion by improving blood flow to the skin, nourishing cells with essential nutrients and promoting a radiant complexion.
Next time, we’ll dive a little deeper into the methodology and potential results of these two methods.
*there are 296K posts on Instagram with the hashtag #faceyoga and #facexercise videos on TikTok have been viewed a staggering 535.6K times.
