Wrinkles and loss of firmness

What happens to the skin

With age collagen synthesis falls away gradually, the skin holds less water and renews itself more slowly. Fine lines around the eyes and mouth show first, and later the contour of the face softens. Sun, smoking and short nights speed this up; more in anti-ageing care.

Expression lines come from muscle movement and skincare does not remove them. What it can do is hold moisture in and support the barrier, so that lines look shallower and the skin looks smoother and more even.

Which ingredients make a difference

Peptides are short chains of amino acids and are well tolerated in daily use. Retinoids have the most research behind them, but they need a slow start: twice a week in the evening to begin with, with a cream on top. Hyaluronic acid and collagen peptides work on hydration, and niacinamide supports the barrier and evens out the tone.

One thing matters more than all the rest: sun protection every day. Ultraviolet light is the main outside cause of photoageing, and without it the rest of the routine is working against the current. And one boundary: a new or changing mole or spot, or a sore that does not heal, is a reason to see a dermatologist, not to buy another cream.