Setting realistic expectations about what your pot of face cream can achieve is difficult when the label is peppered with words like ‘revitalise’ ‘clinically proven’ and ‘reverse-ageing’. 

Look beyond the pseudoscientific marketing claims however and it’s not all bad. There are plenty of great products out there with ingredients that genuinely help improve the look of your skin.  

So what’s fact and what’s fiction? Today we’re sharing a list of a few hard-working ‘anti-ageing’ ingredients to look for in your skincare products and how they can help. 

Ingredients that work 

While many of us would love to believe a moisturiser or serum can stop our faces from ageing, the reality is there’s no product out there that can reverse or stop time.  

Sensible lifestyle choices like staying out of the sun, not smoking and getting regular exercise are some of the most effective solutions for keeping your skin looking healthy at any age.  

The truth is no matter how effective a product seems, none can override health, lifestyle and genetics. But there are a handful of ingredients that can make a real improvement to ageing skin – these are the ones to watch for: 

• Hyaluronic acid – Hyaluronic acid (sodium hyaluronate) holds a thousand times its weight in water, and when added to skincare can help add moisture to the face, in turn helping the skin to look plumper and smoother. As an ingredient it’s inexpensive and widely used – you can find them in serums, foundations and creams at nearly any price point.

• Retinol – Retinoids are a form of Vitamin A and are considered the best topical treatment for the long-term treatment of sun damage and wrinkles. Over time, using retinol can gradually fade age spots and reduce wrinkles and is even used in the treatment of acne. Retinol is a more expensive ingredient than hyaluronic acid however, and products with a high concentration can be pricey. They’re also strong – they are known to cause flaking or redness at first, and should always be used with a sunscreen.

• AHAs – AHAs or Alpha Hydroxy Acids are another ingredient that have noticeable effect; they help restore vibrancy to the face by eliminating dead skin cells and revealing fresher ones underneath. They can also have a positive impact on other common skincare concerns like blemishes and clogged pores. Like retinol, AHAs are powerful, and should only be used between one and four times a week, depending on the concentration of product.

Medical Cosmetic Treatments at YourGP

If you’re looking for a more powerful solution than your daily skincare can provide, our range of medical cosmetic treatments might be just the boost you need.  

Treatments like dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle injections and Skin Boosters can help reduce deep lines and wrinkles and plump your skin. We also offer microdermabrasion and chemical peel, which works by encouraging faster cell turnover and improving your skin’s appearance.  

To arrange an appointment, use our online booking form, email our reception team at reception@your.gp or call us on 0131 225 5656.