The skin has often been described as the largest organ in the body. Indeed, with its multitude of functions and its role as the main barrier between you and the world, it is no wonder that with ageing, signs of use start to creep up and show.

Skin ageing is a natural process and signs can present themselves in multiple ways. It can become lax, wrinkles can develop along with a range of discolouration – from red, to brown to yellow – and sometimes this can be accompanied by abnormal growths. 1

Skin ages on two levels. On one hand there is ‘intrinsic ageing’ which refers to the internal ageing of the skin and is completely natural. As we grow older, the components in the skin which keep it strong and tight (elastin and collagen) don’t replace themselves so quickly and, as a result, skin starts to sag.

Intrinsic ageing comes also with a genetic component; some families tend to wrinkle at an earlier age as the abilities of the individual to replace collagen diminishes earlier.

On the other hand, there is ‘extrinsic ageing’, which depends more on one’s lifestyle and occurs as a result of damage caused by smoking and air pollution, but mostly due to the sun’s rays. The role of light on skin ageing is so severe that this type is often called ‘photoageing’.

Is there any cream or formula I can put on my skin to reduce the effects of ageing?

Any one of the skin ageing effects, especially wrinkles, can have women rushing to their nearest pharmacy to select products or creams.

Today, one can find a robust range of anti-ageing skin products . However, if there really was one simple solution to dealing with the anti-ageing effects of the skin, then we should not have six shelves of solutions boasting of several different ingredients each in every store.

The lack of evidence supporting a single formula as being effective against ageing leads a substantial amount of women – and increasingly men – to spend large amounts of money on products which frustratingly give little to no effect.

Skin ageing is a natural process and signs can present themselves in multiple ways

Many cosmetic companies insist their merchandise is ‘scientifically proven’ and tested. Unfortunately, many also refuse to release their studies to the public, and the lack of a monitoring board for anti-ageing cosmetics means there are really limited ways in which we can find out what really works.

Chemicals like antioxidants, vitamin C and selenium are proven to reduce damage done to the skin by free radicals. These are an essential part of life, and are produced when food is broken down to produce energy. They are neutralised by anti-oxidants which dampen their harmful effects on the skin and body.

When we do find something which works, like antioxidants, we often still face many products which provide these chemicals in too small a concentration for them to be effectively absorbed by the skin. The skin absorbs chemicals badly, so most of what is in creams is often ill-absorbed, leading to minimal effects on the skin.

If you still favour anti-ageing products, you should look out for the following ingredients. Caution, however, is advised and in all cases getting a professional opinion is recommended.

Antioxidants: Examples include green tea or vitamin E. These slow down sun damage which threatens collagen production; this means that antioxidants prevent new wrinkles from forming.

Hyaluronic acid: This chemical soaks in moisture which plumps up the skin, thus reducing the appearance of wrinkles. Hyaluronic acid is also available in injections; however these should be administered by experienced plastic surgeons.

Retinol: This is available in several degrees of strength and prevents compounds that degrade collagen from even forming. Retinol, however, requires the expert consultation of a dermatologist as it comes with several side effects; it cannot be used while pregnant and sunscreen must be applied religiously while taking it for anti-ageing.

In most cases, a simple cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen can be just as effective in warding off signs of ageing and doesn’t render you bankrupt in the process!

If creams are not 100 per cent effective, what are my best chances for healthy-looking skin?

With all the drawbacks of anti-ageing products, one may wonder if anything really works. Like in most cases, hindsight is 20:20, but research shows that proper care of our skin when younger can prevent a lot of damage from appearing later on and delay further signs of ageing.

Warding off effects of skin ageing can be more frustrating than you would think and with the processes being partially natural, the tendency is for time to eventually catch up with your skin.

This, however, does not mean that we can throw in the towel and resign ourselves to wrinkly futures. Indeed, a healthy balanced lifestyle and diet proves once again to be the pleasanter choice.

And as for the few wrinkles which decide to creep up?

Well, as my mother used to say: “If, anything, wrinkles are a testimony to how far I’ve come and how much I’ve worked, and if I have them, it’s because I’ve earned them.”

1 Some skin discolouration or growths are typical of the ageing skin. However, any rapidly-growing moles or any rapidly-changing or suspicious-looking lesions should not be dismissed as normal before consulting your family doctor.

Top tips for smoother skin

• Don’t smoke

Practically every healthcare professional will find several reasons why you should not smoke, including dermatologists. Smoking is proven to increase wrinkles and studies on twins have shown a stunning result in difference!

• Decrease sun exposure

When selecting your sunscreen, look for a high SPF. A sunscreen of SPF15 means that the time it takes you to normally burn is multiplied by 15; that is if it normally takes you just 10 minutes to become lobster red, it will now take you 150 minutes with sunscreen SPF15 to resemble our crustacean friends.

You should choose a sunscreen with UVA protection scribbled on the container, for an added benefit of decreased wrinkles and, most of all, a decreased chance of skin cancer.

• Increase exercise

People who exercise are more likely to lead a healthy lifestyle. Exercise in itself helps tone the skin in areas such as under the arms.

• Decrease alcohol consumption

A link, if not direct, exists between alcohol consumption and premature ageing. Perhaps this is due to the fact that people who drink a lot tend to eat less healthily.

• Sleep more

There is a reason why ‘beauty sleep’ is called just that. Proper sleep allows the skin to heal and prevents you from getting those dreaded dark circles under the eyes.

• Protect your skin against cold weather

Often the sun gets all the bad reputation for skin damage but cold weather can be just as harmful. Cold weather and wind tend to dry out the skin and cause it to crack. It is therefore important to make sure that your skin is always properly moisturised.

• Eat well

A healthy diet is the best thing to pamper your skin. A balanced diet ensures proper hydration and circulation. You should look out for:

• Vitamin A: found in dairy products;
• Vitamin C: found in citrus fruits;
• Vitamin E: found in sunflower seeds, avocados and olive oil;
• Selenium: found in tuna, walnuts and oatmeal;
• Omega-3 fatty acids: found in oily fish (like salmon), flaxseed, pecans and hazelnuts.