Best ever beauty tips: anti-ageing skincare

Face creams today are packed with promises and high-tech ingredients but are you confused about what to buy? Arm yourself with essential know-how on the key anti-ageing ingredients and you can become your own skincare expert. See below for our list of anti-ageing ingredients, and what they can do for you.

Antioxidants: these include vitamins A, C and E as well as more interesting ingredients such as green tea extract. They help protect skin from damaging free radicals, caused by pollution, smoking, UV light and other environmental factors.

Creams with added vitamins and minerals can protect skin from further damage as well as nourishing it with hydrating and revitalising properties. Deep Wrinkle Treatment by Olay provides a blend of intense moisturiser and vitamins B and E in a nifty, precision applicator.

Retinoids: this is a group of ingredients derived from vitamin A, used to promote cell growth. You can buy mild retinol products off the shelf but best results are had from prescription-only products from a dermatologist. Sensitive skins should be aware they can cause irritation.

Alpha Hydroxy acids: AHAs are found in scrubs, peels and moisturisers and help loosen dead surface cells and speed up skin's natural exfoliation process. They can help reveal smoother brighter skin.

Essential fatty acids: found in oils from nuts, fruits and seeds, these components will feed skin and help revitalise mature skin. Oils that are particularly clever at slowing down ageing include rosehip seed oil, frankincense and grape seed oil. Massage daily, morning or night, for strong nourished skin. 

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