Which cream is best for anti-aging? And do they really work? When it comes to anti wrinkle creams and treatments within the skincare realm, it can be especially hard to navigate because of the limitations of topical treatment, the confluence of other factors (age, genetics, lifestyle etc), and effective but sometimes difficult-to-handle ingredients (e.g. retinol). That’s where Kanvas Beauty comes in. Let us help you find the best anti-ageing routine for you. Looking for the best anti wrinkle cream but want vegan alternatives? We got you. Got sensitive skin and trying to settle on the right anti ageing skincare routine that won’t cause irritation? No stress! There are a multitude of options. Let’s go through some of the most common questions and issues that come up in the search for that elusive elixir of youth-in-a-jar.
Read More
Alright, here’s the truth: the best anti aging cream you will ever find is the humble sunscreen (SPF30+ PA+++ or higher). You may have heard the saying that prevention is better than the cure. Well, that rings true when it comes to skincare as well. Sunscreen is a must in anyone’s routine. Primarily, it helps lower the chances of skin cancer. But it also helps to protect the skin from premature aging and skin damage. UV rays can cause deep wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and liver spots. It can also damage your skin barrier and increase sensitivity. Hence, SPF goes a long way to preserving your youthful looks the way no other skincare product can.
There’s no set age to start using anti-ageing products. It just depends on how you feel and what your skin needs. Generally, the earlier you start, the better. And it all begins with a good SPF! Make sunscreen a part of your repertoire, no matter what age you are. Also, work on preserving your skin barrier (which naturally thins as we age). Introduce active ingredients like vitamin C and niacinamide first, before moving on to more complex additions like retinol.
Without a doubt, skincare has its limitations. As we age, we typically lose volume in our face and our skin’s laxity decreases. Our bodies produce less of the good stuff that renders our youthful looks, such as hyaluronic acid, collagen and elastin. These are things that skincare can effectively supplement – but not completely replace. Similarly, skincare can’t regenerate volume loss, but it can reverse fine lines, even out skin tone, and reduce the appearance of pores. For outstanding results, the right routine and consistency of application are required. We’re talking suitable face washes, exfoliants, serums and toners – not just moisturizers. You don’t have to use a million products; instead, invest in the few that your skin loves. Sadly, slapping on an anti-ageing cream once every couple of months won’t produce a brilliant before-and-after (if only!).
What constitutes the best anti-ageing serum is highly subjective. For some, a retinol serum is the gold standard. For others, it’s the express train to redness town. Skin that has lost its ability to retain moisture will be all about that ceramide-rich and occlusive life. Those having to contend with both acne and ageing at the same time (grrrr) will prefer exfoliating acids and niacinamide. Remember, what’s a silver bullet for someone else may work in a completely different fashion on your skin. Don’t get discouraged! The good news is that anti-ageing skincare is a huge and well-catered to category: there is something out there for everyone.
Frankly, skincare has no gender. The marketing might be designed to appeal more to females, being the traditional consumers of beauty products. But that said, the ingredients technically function in the same manner no matter what gender uses them! If you’re looking for anti-ageing skincare for men, rest assured that you have just as much choice as anyone else: don’t be swayed by the packaging. Ultimately, it’s the results that matter.
There are several brands that offer dedicated anti-ageing skincare ranges or products. SVR Laboratories is one, as is Acure, Dr. Althea and Missha. Explore some of our favourite anti-ageing products below.
Some of Kanvas Beauty’s favourite anti-ageing products are:
EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor)
What is it: EGF is a naturally occurring protein in our bodies, whose main purpose is skin healing and cellular regeneration. It stimulates growth of new cells and repairs skin damage. Sadly, its production decreases as we age, which factors in how our appearance changes over time. The good news? Applying it topically via skincare can make a difference.
Best for: Wrinkles, “crepey” skin, loss of elasticity.
Suggested products: Klairs’ Midnight Blue Youth Activating Drop and Mediheal’s E.G.T Timetox Ampoule Mask EX.
Probiotics
What is it: Microorganisms naturally occurring in fermented skincare ingredients such as rice, sake and yeast extract. These babies nourish your skin’s microbiome, which is critical to your skin’s vitality. Skincare powered by probiotics can help even out skin tone, reduce the appearance of fine lines and encourage moisture retention, leading to a fuller and more youthful appearance.
Best for: The first signs of ageing, mature skin prone to eczema, loss of moisture.
Suggested products: Missha’s Time Revolution Night Repair Probio Ampoule, Neogen’s Probiotics Youth Repair Emulsion and SVR's BIOTIC Ceramide Firming Balm.
GABA
What is it: Also known as aminobutyric acid, this amino acid relaxes the muscles in the area applied, and even promotes skin barrier repair.
Best for: Wrinkles, fine lines and skin sensitivity.
Suggested products: SVR Laboratories’ Fine Line Relaxer Eye Ampoule.
Peptides
What is it: Peptides are essentially amino acids, which make up the building blocks of collagen. They’re preferred to actual collagen extract in skincare formulas, because they are typically smaller in size than collagen molecules and can be more easily absorbed by the skin.
Best for: Fine lines, dry skin and discoloration.
Suggested products: SVR Laboratories’ Refresh Eyebag Toning Ampoule, Heimish’s Marine Care Deep Moisture Melting Face Cream and Laneige’s Perfect Renew Youth Generating Eye Cream.
Retinol (i.e. Vitamin A)
What is it: This derivative of vitamin A is the ingredient par excellence in the anti-aging skincare world. While it can be notoriously difficult to use (particularly for sensitive skin), the effects are worth it. It’s been clinically proven to speed up skin cell turnover, and penetrate the skin deep enough to stimulate collagen and elastin production. It’s also one of the few ingredients that can actually reduce pore size.
Best for: Fine lines, uneven skin tone and the appearance of large pores.
Suggested products: SVR’s Vitamin A Ampoule, By Wishtrend's Vitamin A-mazing Bakuchiol Night Cream for retinol beginners, and Some By Mi’s Retinol Intense Advanced Triple Action Eye Cream for a dedicated eye contour product.
Hyaluronic Acid
What is it: Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in our bodies that binds tightly with water, increasing moisture retention. Ageing along with other elements such as sunburn, pollution and lifestyle factors can decrease its presence in our skin, leading to dehydration, more prominent fine lines and sallowness. Applying it on the skin can noticeably improve its appearance, leading to a more supple complexion, less redness and a smoother texture.
Best for: Dehydration, fine lines and mild dermatitis.
Suggested products: ISNTREE’s Hyaluronic Acid Water Sleeping Mask, the Hada Labo Gokujyun Ageing Care Firming Emulsion and the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence and Ialuset Hyaluronic Acid Cream.
LED Therapy
What is it: LED therapy can penetrate the skin at a cellular level and work their benefits over time. In fact, it was originally developed for astronauts to promote tissue healing and collagen production! It’s proven to work, but the catch is that it requires consistency and frequency (e.g. 15 minutes, 4-5x per week) for the best results.
Best for: Sallowness, fine lines and hyperpigmentation
Suggested products: ECLAIR’s LED Therapy Mask.
Bakuchiol
What is it: Also known the vegan alternative to retinol, this magical plant extract appears to replicate the anti-ageing effects of retinol, without risk of irritation or dry skin.
Best for: Fine lines, dullness, mature skin prone to congestion
Suggested products: Neogen’s Dermalogy Real Bakuchiol Firming Serum (an affordable dupe for Medik8’s Bakuchiol Peptides™ Serum), By Wishtrend's Vitamin A-mazing Bakuchiol Night Cream and Purito's Bakuchiol Timeless Bloom Revitalizing Serum.
Adenosine
What is it: This yeast extract is known for its clinically-proven ability to smoothen rough skin, stimulate collagen production and even reduce wrinkle depth!
Best for: Wrinkles, loss of volume and skin texture.
Suggested products: Dr. Althea’s Resveratrol 345NA Intensive Repair Cream and iUNIK’s Rose Galactomyces Synergy Serum.
Snail Mucin
What is it: Made ubiquitous by K-Beauty, this popular ingredient promotes collagen production and increases moisture retention. It also contains naturally occurring substances such as glycolic acid and allantoin, both of which can improve skin health and deliver radiance.
Best for: Dry skin with sensitivity and fine lines
Suggested products: COSRX Advanced Snail Peptide Eye Cream, the COSRX Advanced Snail 96 Mucin Power Essence and Benton’s Snail Bee High Content Essence.