As we get older, our body and mind fall susceptible to the ageing process. Factors such as alcohol, smoking, diet and UV exposure can affect the aging processes and potentially accelerate it and it causes skin cells to die earlier. This idea is often faced with fear and shame. The anticipation of sagging skin, memory and mobility issues and the most famous of all... wrinkles. A stigma has grown around these aging factors, seeing them as a reflection of self worth. To be clear, ageing is NATURAL and something that should be accepted and normalized as part of the life experience.
There have been an array of products, advice and information about the prevention or 'slow down' of the aging process. This blog aims to look at those specific to the skin, looking at creams and supplements, including ingredients, purpose and what is actually worth investing in. A point to note is that skin aging is a result of elasticity, NAD+ levels and collogen breaking down within the skin over time due to changes in DNA, and the use of products aim to restore this or slow down the depletion of these cells.
It is often suggested to start a skin routine from teenage years, with the implementation of aging products around your 20s, to have the necessary vitamins and nutrients in as early as possible to make the greatest difference. There are skincare products such as retinol and tretinoin, which look at repairing cells through furthering collagen production, healing hyperpigmentation and sun damage. However, due to the strength of the ingredients, there are risks to reactions and potentially more damage if used incorrectly.
There are alternatives to this for those who are too young to be using strong ingredients, already use other skincare such as vitamin C (which can't be used alongside retinol, for example) or just want a simple yet effective routine to tackle the symptoms of aging. Companies have made creams specifically for ageing, mixing the essential vitamins along with extra blends targeted to the skin to successfully reduce elements such as fine lines, sagging or wrinkles over time.
So, why a cream?
The benefits of a cream is that they absorb into the skin, attaching to the target area(s), adding hydration and moisture by penetrating through the layers of the skin. Hydration is vital for the skin, improving texture, preventing dryness and cracking,
Some add other hydration ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, which maximizes the effects of other hydration ingredients. Some ageing creams, specifically day/morning creams include SPF, which adds extra sun protection.
Something to be mindful when looking at creams, especially anti-ageing, is the ingredients. Creams often hold one or two active ingredients along with vitamins. Examples of active ingredients and vitamins found in age creams include:
Hyaluronic Acid: This acid helps cling to and retain moisture within the cream and attaches to the skin, providing more intense hydration.
Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHA)/ Beta-hydroxy acids (BHAs): Exfoliating elements when rid the skin of dead cells, promoting the turnover of new cells.
Retinoids (Retinol): As mentioned previously, retinol is a powerful ingredient used for collagen production and the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. Anti-ageing creams use a diluted retinol that still holds the same properties without the risk of a reaction and more benefits through the combination with other ingredients.
Vitamin C (L-ascorbic acid): Boosts protection from pollution or other forms of environmental damage such as UV rays. Vitamin C also brightens complexion.
But what about vitamins/supplements?
Anti-aging supplements are a different way of reducing the effects of aging through taking a capsule, powder or liquid instead of applying a cream. For some, this is deemed as easier and quicker to applying a cream due to the flexibility, as most only need to be taken once a day. Furthermore, supplements are often cheaper than creams, due to fewer preservative ingredients.
Although there are benefits to using creams for the skin, the nutrients and ingredients are only active to where it is applied on the skin. Taking vitamins or using health supplements works from the inside, meaning that the benefits to such vitamins increases compared to only applying them to the skin. They are often combined with other nutrients to benefit the mind and heart along with the skin. Supplements often contain anti-inflammatory properties that target the cells from within, helping repair the root cause of ageing effects. Examples of active ingredients found in supplements include:
Calcium: Benefits the maintenance of healthy bones and prevent fractures.
Omega-3 fatty acids: Reduces inflammation and improves brain health such as cognitive function and 'brain fog'.
Zinc: Protects the skin barrier and promote healing in the body and skin.
NAD+: Repair DNA and cell damage. Has added benefits of energy and longevity in the mind and body.
These ingredients work alongside some of the ingredients found in creams to provide an overall boost to the body, sustaining better health and prolonging the effects of ageing.
Takeaway
It is important to recognize that health as a whole comes from a combination of diet, movement and self care. However, life is a flexible and complicated journey and we understand that there are many factors that impact someone's health. We recommend that using supplements or creams should be done alongside a good routine, including diet, exercise and mindfulness.
Overall, aging vitamins/supplements hold greater benefits to actively sustain better skin health, fighting the effects of aging with the additional asset of physical and mental clarity and health.
Here at LAZU, we researched this to understand what was best and most productive to prolong good health. Through this and combining what we deemed to be the best ingredients for longevity, we created Age Renu, a supplement that looks on all levels of ageing from the physical, mental and visual. Our NAD+ complex reverses ageing of the skin and preventing future effects. Our combination of zinc and vitamin C brighten and revitalize the skin barrier, with our combination of natural ingredients remove brain fog, improve cognitive function and help promote new cell turnover, helping you feel better, for longer.
Check out Age Renu here on our website along with the other product in our skin range, Skin Protection, taking protection to the next level.