With winter feeling endless, many are striving to maintain their skin’s vitality, combat dryness, and preserve a youthful glow.
The colder months can be particularly unforgiving, with harsh winds and limited sunlight often leaving skin dull and emphasising fine lines, which can heighten the visible signs of ageing.
As spring approaches, people are increasingly keen to maintain that youthful radiance. The nation appears to be actively seeking solutions, as searches for the term “anti-ageing” have increased by 174% in the last month.
We spoke with Dr. Akis Ntonos, founder of Aion Aesthetics in NYC and a partner of Certainly Health, who answered your most pressing anti-ageing questions.
Can ageing be reversed, and what can you do to slow it?
While the ageing process cannot be reversed, as it is an inevitable part of life, there are fortunately solutions that can help slow it down and reduce its visible effects.
One such solution is Botox. Botox treatment works by temporarily relaxing the facial muscles to smooth out fine lines and wrinkles that may develop as a result of ageing. While it will not reverse ageing on a cellular level, it can significantly reduce its appearance, helping you to maintain a more youthful look.
To enhance that youthful glow, Botox can be combined with lifestyle changes or skincare routines, along with regular appointments to optimise results.
If you are concerned about ageing, you might also consider preventative Botox. However, preventative Botox may not be necessary for everyone, especially for those in their early 20s or younger. At this stage, skin is typically resilient and capable of recovering quickly from the effects of ageing factors.
Preventative Botox involves a lower dosage designed to subtly reduce muscle activity without completely relaxing the facial muscles. The aim is to limit excessive movement and prevent the formation of wrinkles while maintaining natural facial expressions.
When does ageing start?
Ageing is a process and actually starts a lot earlier than people realise. Visible signs of ageing, such as wrinkles or fine lines, can begin as early as your late 20s or early 30s.
This is because from the age of your mid-twenties, the body’s production of elastin and collagen (the proteins responsible for keeping your skin looking youthful) begins to decline, along with the skin’s ability to naturally repair itself, which can make the signs of ageing appear.
Is retinol anti-ageing?
Yes, it is one of the most effective ingredients to help with anti-ageing when it comes to skincare. It works by stimulating the collagen production, which can help to reduce the appearance of wrinkles or uneven skin texture.
However, it is important to note that while retinol use has its advantages, it can cause dryness, redness and sensitivity and is only a temporary solution to fight the appearance of ageing. Those looking for a more permanent and effective solution to the appearance of ageing should consider Botox treatment to use alongside skincare products such as retinol to maintain its effect.
What vitamins help ageing skin?
There are several vitamins that play a crucial role in supporting the ageing process of the skin. First, vitamin A helps to stimulate collagen production, promote cell turnover, and reduce wrinkles and dark spots. It is often found in creams or serums, including formulations that contain retinol.
Vitamin C also provides numerous benefits for the skin. It can help to brighten the complexion, reduce pigmentation, and improve the skin’s elasticity.
Vitamin D and E are also beneficial for anti-ageing, as they support the skin’s ability to repair itself and maintain a healthy barrier to prevent dryness, while also providing essential hydration.
These vitamins are commonly found in moisturisers and serums. Vitamin D, in particular, is often obtained through natural sunlight, although supplements can provide additional support.
