What is the right age to start using anti-ageing products?

If there is one thing that every woman strives for, it is to bask in youthful glory for as long as possible. Visible signs of ageing can be very stressful indeed, and it is no wonder why women shy away from discussing this topic. A question that frequently pops up is ‘what is the right age to start using anti-ageing products?’. After all, the desire to stay young and beautiful is as old as time.

Did you know that Cleopatra used to bathe in fermented donkey milk to maintain her beauty and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles? Now, before you even contemplate heading out and getting your hands on some donkey milk, take a deep breath. Fortunately, science has come a long way and there are many beauty tricks and anti-ageing skin care regimens that can help you slow down (if not completely stop) the ticking clock.

Today, let’s discuss the optimal age to start using anti-ageing products and some of the best anti-ageing creams in the market to set you on the path of achieving younger-looking skin.

Anti-ageing skincare products: Why so important?

You might not have really bothered with anti-ageing features when browsing for skincare products, thinking that you might not need them yet. If you’re in your twenties, you might think you’re still young enough not to bother with anti-ageing products. However, this thinking might be a bit detrimental in the long run. According to some experts, everyone can benefit from using one form or another of anti-ageing products, no matter your age.

What you need to realise is that ageing is a natural process. Even if you don’t see any visible lines or wrinkles, the internal ageing process is continuing inside the body. Sooner or later, these internal changes start reflecting on our skin externally. This is why you should try your best to prevent the faster onset of these signs by using high-quality anti-ageing products.

In order to tackle these signs of ageing and figure out the right anti-ageing products for your skin type, you first need to be aware of what to watch out for.

First signs of ageing: What are they?

Many dermatologists are of the opinion that the skin starts to noticeably age in your late twenties. According to recent medical research, you tend to produce 1% less collagen each year after you turn twenty. While this intrinsic ageing process may be inevitable, your daily habits and environment also play a huge role in expediting visible signs of ageing. These include:

• Dullness and uneven skin tone
• Dry, uneven skin texture
• Rough and itchy skin
• Enlarged pores
• Under-eye dark circles
• Sagging skin
• Age spots, also known as hyperpigmentation
• Fine lines and wrinkles (particularly on the forehead and around the eye area)
• Loss of youthful glow and increased skin sensitivity
• Thinning skin that tends to bruise more easily

The above signs may vary from person to person. After all, several external factors come into play besides your genetics and intrinsic age. Therefore, the use of anti-ageing products is more beneficial than what most people give them credit for in maintaining a youthful appearance.

When to start anti-ageing products?

There are several leading skincare experts who advocate the use of anti-ageing products as early as your 20s, while others advise you to start them by the time you hit your early 30s. There is no one set age, and it all depends on your own personal choice.

However, there is much truth in the trite saying ‘prevention is better than cure’ and taking preventative steps to delay the onset of signs of ageing in your 20s rather than 30s, can benefit you more in the future. The sooner you start using anti-ageing products like serums and collagen-boosting moisturisers, the less likely you will develop wrinkles, fine lines, and dark spots earlier than anticipated.

What is the right age to use anti-ageing creams?

As we discussed above, the earlier you start taking care of your skin and regularly using anti-ageing creams, the better it is for you before your skin visibly starts showing the first signs of ageing. Your mid-20s are therefore the best time to really get started with establishing an anti-ageing skincare regimen. However, keep in mind that depending on your particular skin type, the age can vary.

Generally speaking, anti-ageing creams are mostly targeted towards people with drier skin types that tend to lose their suppleness much more quickly than those with oilier skin. People with oily complexions may find anti-ageing creams with their lipid-rich oils and moisturising ingredients too heavy for everyday use. Moreover, if your skin veers towards oily, acne-prone or combination type, it is best to steer clear of any oil-based anti-ageing creams that can clog pores and worsen breakouts and blackheads.

Can I use anti-ageing products at 20?

Some dermatologists and aestheticians are of the view that yes, you may start using anti-ageing at 20. This is especially true for anti-ageing products that are rich in antioxidants. However, others are of the view that your skin is really young in your early 20s and has an excellent cell turnover without any extra help. It is vibrant and strong and is quite capable of repairing itself. The use of anti-ageing products thus becomes quite redundant, as these mostly claim to improve collagen breakdown and boost skin cell turnover. You even run the risk of irritating your skin with unnecessary use of these anti-ageing products, as they may increase your sensitivity to the sun. Not to mention the heavy toll these expensive creams may take on your wallet.

However, there are other steps you can take besides using anti-ageing creams to delay the onset of visible signs of ageing. Rather than obsessing over what is the right age to start using anti-ageing products, you can make some lifestyle changes to keep your skin looking young and healthy. Below are some you can easily follow:

• Sun protection

Did you know that a major cause of ageing skin is related to prolonged sun exposure? According to studies, around 80% of first signs of ageing, such as wrinkles, are a result of exposure to UV rays. Therefore, protection against the sun is crucial, and you should make it a point to use an SPF sun cream every time you step out. Besides sun cream, you can also wear protective clothing and hats.

• Keep yourself hydrated

Drinking plenty of water can also help you achieve smooth, supple skin.

• Quit smoking

If you currently smoke, try to quit for the sake of your skin and general health. Smoking is documented to reduce blood flow and can cause pronounced wrinkles and skin dullness.

• Mind your facial expressions

Frowning, squinting, and smiling can also cause lines and wrinkles. While smiling is good for your health, and you should never be scared of getting ‘laugh lines’, you should avoid squinting and frowning. Those lines between the brows may not be as flattering.

• Take care of your skin

If you haven’t been doing so, start today. It is never late to start giving your skin the love and care it deserves. Removing your makeup before bed and moisturising your skin also prevent signs of premature ageing.

Best anti-ageing creams

We at Poko understand how much a young, healthy, and glowing skin means to you. Our Timeless Skincare Set and our Glow-Up Skincare Set contains all the products you need to get that vibrant, youthful skin. All our products are made with completely natural, skin-soothing ingredients that are vegan, cruelty-free and third-party lab tested to ensure the highest quality.
Below are the three best anti-ageing Poko products that will help you effectively tackle the signs of ageing:

• Correcting Eye Cream

Our Correcting Eye Cream just won the Beauty Bible Silver Award for Best Eye Treatment Cream 2021. It is rich in shea butter as well as other natural ingredients that help nourish the under-eye area. The skin under the eyes is quite delicate and one of the first places where wrinkles and fine lines become apparent as you age. The Correcting Eye Cream provides much-needed hydration to this delicate area and works to reduce puffiness and brighten dark circles.

• Regenerating Collagen Moisturiser

As you age, the skin starts losing collagen. Poko’s Regenerating Collagen Moisturiser is a deeply rejuvenating, collagen-boosting moisturiser that addresses the problems of fine lines and wrinkles. Its deeply hydrating natural ingredients like aloe vera juice and apricot kernel oil make it the best anti-ageing cream for dry and ageing skin.

Moreover, the Regenerating Collagen Moisturiser also helps fight skin dullness. It replenishes much-needed moisture and minimises the effects of UV damage and signs of ageing like dark spots. Daily use of our Regenerating Collagen Moisturiser gives you that supple, youthful skin you’re craving for.

• Luxury Facial oil

Poko’s Luxury Facial Oil is brimming with oleic acid-rich plant oils like crambe seed oil, baobab oil and moringa oil. All these help promote supple, soft skin. Adding a few drops of this to your moisturiser can give your skin an extra boost of hydration. Suitable for all skin types, the Luxury Facial Oil helps strengthen and repair the skin’s natural barrier, effectively fighting signs of ageing.