5 Clinically-Proven Anti-Ageing Ingredients — and How to Get Them Now

Thank you, science. Thanks to years of research and testing, we now have anti-ageing ingredients that have proven — again and again — that they can reverse the signs of ageing. They actually go into the deeper layers of the skin, restore collagen and elastin levels, and heal damaged cells.

Unlike many trendy skincare trends (we’re looking at you, vampire facial), these anti-ageing ingredients aren’t just a flash in the Instagram feed. They have decades of clinical studies that back their claims, and are always recommended by dermatologists. Include them in your skincare routine!

AHAs (Alpha Hydroxy Acids)

AHAs exfoliate dead skin cells, which can improve skin texture and gradually fade scars and spots. Your skin also looks brighter, because it reveals all your new and healthy cells!

Plus, AHAs make the rest of your anti-ageing ingredients work better, since your skin can now absorb it without being blocked by dead skin cells.

Unlike physical exfoliants, AHAs can go into the deeper skin layers and break down damaged collagen. This prompts your body to produce new collagen – thus delaying fine lines and wrinkles!

There are several kinds of AHAs, but the most popular are citric acid, glycolic acid and lactic acid. Glycolic acid and lactic acid are the most researched. Lactic acid is the mildest, but doesn’t have the same brightening effect of the other two.

We recommend: Juliette Armand AHA Smoothing Cream. This award-winning moisturizer combines lactic and glycolic acid, to reveal new skin cells and strengthen skin from within. And unlike many AHA products, this won’t dry out your skin. It contains hyaluronic acid — which helps your skin retain moisture — and soothing aloe vera.

Apply this at night, so your skin rejuvenates while you sleep. AHA products can make your skin more sun-sensitive, so don’t use this in the morning and always use a SPF 50 sunscreen. Suitable for Normal, Dry, Oily and Combination skin types.

Retinol

First, let’s clear the confusion around retinoids and retinol. Both are derived from Vitamin A, and have over 50 years of research that prove their ability to fight acne, reduce wrinkles, stimulate collagen, and promote cellular turnover.

Retinoids are prescription-strength, and need to be given by a dermatologist. (Retin-A is a brand name.) While retinoids are the most effective– you can get dramatic results in a few weeks — they can be potentially irritating. That’s why you need the dermatologist to set the right concentration, and tailor your skincare routine according to your skin type and concern.

Retinols are milder and can be found in over-the-counter skincare. They won’t irritate your skin, but it does take longer to see results. New York dermatologist Whitney Bowe says: “Introduce retinol slowly into your skincare regimen. Start with using it twice a week at a low percentage, and then build up usage. This will give your skin a chance to acclimate and build up endurance.”

We recommend: Wellaholic Retinol Serum. Use this if you’re new to retinol: it has a 100% concentration of Retinyl Palmitate, a mild form of Vitamin a that your skin converts to retinol after it’s absorbed.

This serum is proudly made in Singapore, but reviewers say that it’s just as good as big international brands! “This serum works better than my Laneige Water mask and Kiehl’s moisturizer combined!” says Singapore blogger Veektoriaa.

“I have tried various retinol serums, but what I like about this is that it’s gentle on the skin!” says Ngan Meng.

Hyaluronic Acid

One gram of hyaluronic acid can hold 6 liters of water. That’s why this anti-ageing ingredient can boost your skin moisture’s levels so well! Even with just a little amount, your skin immediately feels softer, smoother and more supple. If you can’t stand heavy creams or have oily or acne-prone skin that easily gets clogged by oils and thick emollients, you need this ingredient in your skincare regimen.

We recommend: Elusyf Cell Active Phyto Mask. Aside from hyaluronic acid, it also contains plant placenta extract ,yeast extract, and bird’s next extract. These natural ingredients can stimulate collagen production, cellular respiration and wound healing.

Treat yourself to this soothing, rejuvenating face mask whenever your skin feels dry, rough or irritated. You can also make it an integral part of your anti-ageing skincare routine — by boosting your skin’s moisture barrier, you have better protection against environmental damage.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the best anti-ageing ingredients. It fades pigmentation and evens out the skin tone, for an overall brighter complexion. IT’s packed with antioxidants that can neutralize free radicals caused by overexposure to sun and pollution. It can heal the skin, preventing infection (especially from acne) and scarring.

Vitamin C is also well tolerated by most skin types except for those with sensitive skin or high sun sensitivity. It can be a good alternative for those who are sensitive to retinol or AHAs.

Give your skin its daily dose of vitamin C with a vitamin C serum. We recommend: Dermalogica BioLumin-C Serum

This serum has a 4.5 star rating in international shopping sites like Ulta. “Every vitamin c serum has left a tight or very dried out feeling on my face except for this one. This is left my face feeling sooo hydrated and dewy!! I’m obsessed!” says Brenda.

It combines a very stable form of Vitamin C, combined with lactic acid, peptides and AHAs. That’s a pretty powerful anti-ageing potion, and clinical studies show it works! In one trial, 97% said that their skin was smoother, 82% said their skin was rejuvenated, and 76% said their skin was brighter.

Peptides

Peptides are the building blocks of proteins in your skin cells (collagen is one of those proteins). They play a critical role in collagen production and cell regeneration.

Of all the anti-ageing skincare ingredients, peptides are known to have the least irritating side effects. For example, even people with sensitive skin may be able to ttake peptides without experiencing redness or a stinging sensation.

There are many different kinds of peptides, which have different anti-ageing benefits. Some peptides stimulate collagen, others relax wrinkles, while others can strengthen the skin to protect you from UV damage. That’s why it’s better to get a serum that has different kinds of peptides that can rejivenate your skin in different ways.

We recommend: Health Xtension Science Switzerland Intensive Repair Night Cream.

This potent night cream contains five different peptides that regenerate your skin cells, increase protein synthesis, increase and strengthen your collagen, and enhance cell nutrition. It also contains dexophane, a purified plant extract that detoxes your skin. Other natural ingredients boost hydration and soothe irritation.

Apply every night and wake up with glowing, youthful and radiant skin!