Lines and wrinkles are part and parcel of the ageing process, but that doesn’t mean you can’t minimise their appearance. There are so many creams and serums out there (that promise so many things), that it can be tricky to know where to start. One of the most common questions I’m asked is ‘Can a product really minimise the appearance of wrinkles?” The answer is yes, it can, but the key is to look for cosmeceutical products with the right ingredients and formulations. When used consistently, they can be very effective. So, if you’re looking for a product that really does drive results when it comes to minimising the effects of ageing, read on for some of my favourite skincare products that work like Botox in a bottle.
Lines and wrinkles are a natural part of ageing
Lines and wrinkles affect all of us as we age, and they form on our faces for a few different reasons. Movement causes creasing in mobile areas of the face, and some fine lines are simply textural due to elastin and collagen loss. The structural integrity of our skin changes with age, which causes these lines and wrinkles to become etched into our skin, even while our face is at rest. Roughly 80% of skin ageing occurs directly from the UV light of the skin, which breaks down collagen and elastin over time, so always be mindful and always wear SPF.
There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treatment
When it comes to treating fine lines and wrinkles, it very much depends on their severity, alongside several lifestyle factors, like smoking. Fine lines can be improved with certain ingredients, such as retinoids, Hyaluronic Acid and peptides. While they won’t eliminate them entirely, they will reduce their appearance by increasing cell turnover or, in the case of the right hyaluronic acid product, by plumping the line up. This results in a more even tone. Deeper lines, however, often need to be targeted with injectable treatments – skincare alone cannot penetrate deep enough into the layers of the skin to create meaningful change here. For me, treatment isn’t an either or – topical treatments and injectables tend to go hand in hand, as we always need to keep our skin stimulated to keep our collagen bank topped up.
The best products to invest in
SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream
Retinoids are the hero ingredient for combatting fine lines and wrinkles. It’s an anti-ageing powerhouse that’s responsible for stimulating the fibroblasts to produce more of the skin’s essential proteins, resulting in firmer, smoother-looking skin. AHAs are key as well. Fine lines and wrinkles can look worse due to a build-up of dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, but AHAs will exfoliate these away, resulting in wrinkles looking and feeling less deep. The SkinBetter Science AlphaRet Overnight Cream is a unique product that combines both of these ingredients, delivering powerful and restorative anti-ageing effects without irritation. Expect a significant reduction in the appearance of wrinkles in as little as just four weeks.
Revision Skincare Revox Line Relaxer
Peptides are the building blocks of collagen and elastin fibres that are found in our skin. They’re short chains of amino acids, and they can tell the body to produce even more collagen. When applied to the skin as a topical product, the peptides act as a messenger, stabilising and transporting compounds important to collagen production. Thanks to this, peptides are a very effective way to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Revision Skincare Revox Line Relaxer is one of my go-to products to recommend for treating lines and wrinkles. It has been expertly formulated with 8-peptide power and Hyaluronic Acid to reduce fine lines, and wrinkles and transform your skin while visibly improving texture and radiance for a more youthful appearance.
SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier
Don’t underestimate the power of hyaluronic acid. It works to stimulate the fibroblast cells, and regular use in a serum will help minimise the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by plumping them out. It functions well as a humectant and is able to bind 1000x its weight in water. I love the SkinCeuticals H.A. Intensifier, which is proven to amplify and maintain the skin’s hyaluronic acid levels to help restore the natural appearance of plumpness, smoothness, and firmness. It delivers long-lasting hydration and reduces the look of crow’s feet, nasolabial folds, and marionette lines for smoother, firmer skin.
Meder Beauty Myo-Fix
Back to peptides, the Myo-Fix would be my first choice for anyone who does not want or cannot have Botox. The most concentrated peptide solution on the market, Myo-Fix achieves Botox-like results in under 5 weeks of daily use and keeps your forehead naturally smooth for months. It works its best for expression lines, forehead wrinkles, frown lines, crow’s feet, and lines on the upper lip. The unique Botox-like formula includes four muscle-relaxing and remodelling peptides that work to block the nerve communicating with the muscle immobilising the skin.
If you’d like to find out more about any of these products, or to shop, click here to enquire.