Skincare aisles are full of anti-ageing promises. Only a handful of ingredients have strong evidence behind them, and a routine built around those is short, affordable and effective.
The four essentials
1. Sunscreen, every day
Sun exposure causes most visible skin ageing: lines, uneven pigment, rough texture and loss of firmness. A broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or more, applied generously every morning and reapplied when outdoors, is the single most effective anti-ageing product. Tinted sunscreens with iron oxides also protect against visible light, which deepens pigment in brown skin. If you like light coverage on ordinary days, a tinted product such as our BB Cream SPF 25 can go on after moisturiser, with a higher-SPF sunscreen underneath on days outdoors.
2. A retinoid at night
Retinoids (vitamin A derivatives) speed up cell renewal and stimulate collagen. They improve fine lines, texture and pigmentation over months.
- Retinol and retinal are cosmetic forms; tretinoin and adapalene are stronger prescription options.
- Start two or three nights a week, a pea-sized amount for the whole face, then build up.
- Expect some dryness or flaking at first. Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding; our post on skincare in pregnancy lists what to use instead.
3. An antioxidant in the morning
Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) serums help neutralise sun- and pollution-related damage, brighten tone and support collagen. Niacinamide is a gentler alternative that also helps redness, oil and pigment.
4. A moisturiser that suits you
A good moisturiser supports the skin barrier and makes actives easier to tolerate. Look for glycerin, ceramides or hyaluronic acid; lighter gels for oily skin, richer creams for dry skin.
Putting it together
Morning: gentle cleanser → vitamin C or niacinamide → moisturiser → sunscreen.
Night: gentle cleanser → retinoid (on alternate nights at first) → moisturiser.
Once or twice a week, optional: a gentle exfoliating acid such as lactic or glycolic acid, on a night you do not use the retinoid. See our glycolic acid guide.
What to skip
- Harsh scrubs and peel-off masks.
- Layering many actives at once: more irritation, not more benefit.
- Products promising “instant” or “permanent” results.
When a routine is not enough
Skincare works on the surface and helps prevent ageing. Deeper lines, volume loss and laxity respond to clinic treatments such as anti-wrinkle injections, fillers, skin boosters, radiofrequency and HIFU. See our guide to non-surgical facial rejuvenation or skin boosters, and our post on skin tightening at home for what rollers, face yoga and home devices can and can’t do.
