Anti aging beauty products: the bare essentials through the years

The beauty aisles are choc-full of tempting anti aging goodies promising to turn back time and wave a magic wand over wrinkles and age-related lines. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by choice. Here, we round up the best anti aging skincare secrets and products for your 20s, 30s, and 40s.

Anti aging in your 20s

Your 20s is the perfect time to begin an anti aging routine. At this age you should still have plenty of natural glow so you won’t need lots products promising radiance. Because skin renewal starts to slow down in your 20s, you’ll need to make sure you exfoliate at least twice a week. Moisturise daily with a product containing an SPF of at least 15 – using sunscreen is really important for anti aging, and products with anti oxidants are usually the best for protecting against sun and environmental damage. Cleanse and tone twice daily and use an anti aging cleanser to keep the skin hydrated. An eye cream will help prevent wrinkles around the eyes. Start incorporating skin-friendly foods – like oily fish and nuts – into your diet (or think about using anti aging supplements) and try to avoid pollutants such as cigarettes and alcohol.

Nivea Visage Young wash-off mild cleansing gel, £4.65, at Boots.com

Clinique Youth Surge SPF15 Age Decelerating Moisturizer, £28.50, at Debenhams

Anti ageing in your 30s

Your skin’s epidermis will be getting drier and thicker in your 30s and it will start to lose elasticity and moisture. It’s now more important than ever to heed anti aging skincare advice. Be fastidious about cleansing, toning and moisturising and, for the best in anti aging skincare, look for products containing pure and active retinol. Retinol can help boost the production of collagen which is all-important as your natural supply of collagen will have reduced by as much as 15 per cent. Drink plenty of water – proper hydration is vital as part of your anti aging routine, especially since your skin becomes much drier in your 30s. A good anti aging foundation will help even skin tone as well as protect the skin from environmental damage. Oh, and don’t forget those hands and nails – they really show signs of ageing so use a rich moisturiser to keep them looking young.

Skin Ergetic serum by Biotherm, £35, at Debenhams

Gatineau Vitamina hand cream, £16.50, at The Beauty Room

La Prairie Anti-aging Foundation SPF15, £62, at House of Fraser

Anti aging in your 40s+

Your skin will have become more fragile and oil production will be much reduced, which means any wrinkles you already have will deepen. Daily use of a serum as part of your anti aging routine will ensure extra moisture is absorbed into the skin. Incorporate a good anti aging moisturiser and pay close attention to the neck and jaw area when applying. Use a super rich anti aging night cream and do some simple facial exercises to keep tone and help recapture firmness.

Olay Professional Anti-wrinkle kit, £44.99, at Boots.com

Estee Lauder Advance Night Repair, £51, at House of Fraser

Youth Formula™ Cellular Time Complex™ Intense Concentrate 28ml, £19.50, at Marks and Spencer