Wrinkle-blitzing, skin-resurfacing, age spot-zapping. Have you ever noticed as soon as you hit 40 the skincare shelves seem to be full of weapons not wonders? Products promising to fight and defend rather than comfort and care?
At By Sarah, our approach to skin ageing is different. Maybe it's because of Lauren's own life-threatening journey with leukaemia – or simply because we believe in loving our skin, not battling against it.
Every single one of our products only contains ingredients that truly support the health of your skin. We're talking a whole host of skin-loving goodies scientifically-proven to boost elasticity and amp up radiance – whatever stage of life you're at.
Forget anti-ageing, here's our expert guide to pro-ageing... the By Sarah way.
What changes occur as our skin ages?
Over the course of our lifetime, our skin will inevitably evolve.
Some of these changes, such as deep wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and inflammation, are referred to as 'extrinsic ageing' and caused by environmental factors such as UV rays and free radicals. We can limit these through the use of SPF and antioxidant ingredients (read on for our top recommendations for those).
Other changes come under the umbrella of 'intrinsic ageing' which refers to those caused by the body's own ageing process. This is when the skin weakens and elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid all begin to drop. In fact, after the age of 20, we produce about one per cent less collagen each year.
The result? Dryness, a loss of plumpness and thinner, less elastic skin with more fine lines.
While these are all part of a natural process, there's still so much we can do to support our skin during this time – working with it, rather than against it.
"I am 72 yrs old and am really happy with my By Sarah 3 step routine: cleanser, hydrating mist, following with facial oil. I then twice weekly use the moisture mask." - Annette, 5 star review
Which are the best ingredients for skin elasticity and collagen?
Concentrate on pumping things back into the skin rather than stripping away. Alpha-hydroxy acids, like glycolic acid, promise to eat away at dead skin cells although they can actually dry, dehydrate and sensitise the skin further by breaking down our important protective barrier. They can also meddle with our skin's pH levels and microbiome, leaving it more susceptible to irritation.
Similarly, retinols work by increasing your cell turnover, but this can actually result in inflammation, redness and flaking.
The solution? Reach for natural, soothing skincare designed to strengthen your skin barrier and microbiome. Here's our favourites:
The moisture marvel: L-arginine
Known for hydrating and strengthening your skin's natural defences, L-arginine plays a key role in strengthening the skin's barrier. It preserves moisture and protects against environmental stressors, making it a game-changer for those looking to boost their complexion and keep the skin supple.
Find it in our Reviver Hydrating Mist
The power plumper: Hyaluronic Acid
Hyaluronic acid isn't an 'acid,' like salicylic or glycolic, and it won't irritate a sensitive complexion. Instead, think of it as a supercharged magnet for moisture. Capable of attracting and holding onto 1000 times its weight in water, this is a star for keeping skin bouncy, plump and radiant.
Find it in our Saviour Moisture Mask
"I’ve never tried anything like it; it seems almost Tardis-like, one small pump feels like a full-on bath. I definitely saw my lines being plumped out. Dryness is one of the signs of ageing and so I'd class this as a powerful age-proofer too". - Victoria Woodhall, Get The Gloss
The repairing wonder: Niacinamide
Niacinamide truly is an all-rounder and is great for a pro-ageing skincare routine as our natural niacinamide levels decline as we age. It provides deep skin hydration whilst strengthening the skin barrier by preserving moisture, enabling it to protect against environmental stressors, whilst also rejuvenating the skin to make it look plump, firm, and radiant.
Find it in our Balancer Cream Cleanser
The overnight booster: Bakuchiol
Bakuchiol is a natural retinol alternative that helps to promote collagen, smooth fine lines and keep skin healthy and plump without any of the dryness, roughness or irritation associated with retinols. In fact, bakuchiol has been shown to be 25% more effective than retinol at promoting type I collagen production.
Find it in our Bakuchiol Booster
The collagen champion: Sweet Almond Oil
Naturally high in Vitamin E, sweet almond oil protects skin cells from environmental pollutants and oxidative stress. It boosts skin's elasticity and helps to heal and repair skin. The proteins and amino acids also promote the production of collagen for plumper, more supple skin.
Find it in our Hero Facial Oil
Natural skincare routine for mature skin
So, you're clued up on the skincare supremos to stock up on. But how should you be using them?
We always advocate keeping your skincare routine streamlined but as you get older, it's even more important since the surface layer of the skin becomes thinner, making skin more reactive.
Kick things off with our Balancer Cream Cleanser both morning and night followed by our Reviver Hydrating Mist for an extra moisture hit. This can also be spritzed on throughout the day, especially if you're suffering from hot flushes)
A few drops of our nourishing Hero Facial Oil will lock everything in and lend skin an instant smoothing effect that means makeup glides on more seamlessly. In the day, follow up with our Serene Daily SPF 50+ sunscreen.
Then, a few times a week, slot in our Saviour Moisture Mask, too – just after cleansing. The cooling gel texture drenches skin with hyaluronic acid and soothing aloe extract for a noticeable plumping action and softened fine lines.
The power of diet
Supporting your skin's health as you age isn't just about what you apply on the outside—what you nourish your body with on the inside plays an equally crucial role. A diet rich in essential nutrients can make a significant difference in how your skin looks and feels over time. For instance, incorporating oily fish like salmon and mackerel into your meals can help replenish lost moisture, promoting smoother and more supple skin. These fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids, which support the skin's natural barrier and keep it hydrated from within.
Additionally, don't underestimate the power of colourful fruits and vegetables. Blueberries, broccoli, and walnuts, for example, are packed with antioxidants that combat oxidative stress, which is a major contributor to the visible signs of aging. These nutrient-dense foods help protect your skin from environmental damage while supporting collagen production, leading to a more youthful, radiant complexion.
Ageing? Bring. It. On.
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