Anti-aging is a term that refers to approximately nothing. We are all aging every moment of every day, and nothing we throw at our faces or inject into them is going to prevent or reverse that. What we can prevent is damage. When we say (rather unkindly) that someone has aged badly, we are generally referring to premature aging, or looking older than your years, which is really just damage. Major causes are the sun, smoking, sugar and alcohol. Frankly, you’re doing quite well if you have a soft spot for just one of those. Active products that prevent and tackle the outward symptoms of these bad habits are generally expensive. Here are some of the best on the market at the moment for mature skin.
Clarins Extra Firming Mask (€62)
This is a quick fix that will also improve skin over time. Massage into the skin and leave it on for 10 minutes to minimise dehydration and help make-up sit beautifully.
Sunday Riley Luna Sleeping Night Oil (£85 from SpaceNK.com) I bought this on a very indulgent whim, and haven't regretted it. Luna is a retinoid oil, making it ideal for those who have trouble handling retinol (a potent form of vitamin A). The difference is visible after one night of use.
La Prairie Swiss Ice Crystal Transforming Cream (€174) If budget isn't a concern, this wonder-product offers you base, SPF and skincare in one. It colour corrects with fantastic efficiency and offers bountiful coverage that still looks like skin. It's really quite dreamy.
Reform Skincare Vitamin B5 Gel (€49.99) Dehydration makes lines more pronounced, and skin look duller. A light, effective gel combining hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5, this will make skin feel less tight and look plumper.
Kiehl's Nightly Refining Micro-Peel Concentrate (€48 exclusively from Arnotts) If powerful peels are too much for your skin, but you'd still like the brightness and softness they deliver, this new offering from Kiehl's is ideal. Apply nightly for a constant boost to cell turnover, keeping skin free from dullness and build up of dead cells.
Bobbi Brown Intensive Skin Serum Foundation (from €38) When all else fails, a divine foundation will disguise the evidence. This deliciously dewy concoction makes skin look candlelit. It comes in 21 shades.
Alpha H Beauty Sleep Power Peel (€75) For a powerful overnight peel, this is the stuff of dreams. Its 14 per cent glycolic acid (which packs a punch) and fruit enzymes work on your skin overnight. You'll wake up to visibly soft and radiant skin.
La Roche-Posay Invisible Face Mist SPF50+ (€14) The very best way to prevent damage (or further damage) is with a good SPF. This one is very affordable and the most convenient I've found. Spray it over makeup or onto a bare face – it won't leave you shiny. Reapply often on a sunny day.
Clinique Smart Custom Repair Treatment Oil (€44) A rich oil applied after all your other nighttime skincare will ensure plump, radiant skin by morning. This will restore balance to overly dry or oily skin.
