Future Proof Your Skin With Image Skincare
Did you know that by the age of 25, collagen levels start to deplete by 1% every year? With this in mind, is it ever too early to start an anti-ageing skincare routine? We chatted with our friends over at Image Skincare to discuss how future proofing your skin is a "worthwhile skin-vestment", read on to find out more
What does future proofing your skin really mean?
It essentially means keeping your skin protected to maintain its optimum health and youthfulness, in order to prevent those pesky lines from starting to appear prematurely. A healthy skin barrier function protects against ageing invaders like pollution and helps to prevent water loss from the deeper layers of skin for an overall healthy and hydrated complexion. Healthy skin = happy skin!
What causes skin ageing?
Of course the ageing process starts from the day we are born, but noticeable ageing generally starts from during your twenties. The main signs of ageing to look out for are age spots, sagging skin, dull skin tone, lines and wrinkles, dry skin and thin skin. There are two types of ageing: intrinsic and extrinsic.
Intrinsic ageing is in your DNA, it's what you're born with and this makes up of 20% of your ageing.
Extrinsic ageing is caused by external factors such as sun, pollution, smoking, and blue light from smart devices and this makes up 80% of your ageing.The bad news is that everything around us is contributing to ageing, but the good news is that there is so much we can do to prevent it!
Here are 3 easy steps to prevent lines and wrinkles popping upor sinking down even!
Step 1 "Protection, protection, protection"
The use of sun protection every day is the best thing you can do to prevent premature skin ageing. We've spoken about it many times before, but let's take a look at the facts when it comes to damaging UV rays.UVA rays are present every single day of the year and are able to penetrate through glass, as well as into the deepest layers of your skin. The deeper layers of skin are where you will find collagen and elastin, which acts as the 'scaffolding' to support skin, keeping it plump and wrinkle-free. UVA rays break down this 'scaffolding', causing lines and wrinkles. UVB rays damage the top layers of skin by causing skin to burn in direct sunlight and they are the main cause of skin cancer.
Our modern lives mean we are spending more time than ever before in front of a screen. Whether you're working at a laptop all day, watching TV at night or looking at your smart phoneall the time, high energy visible light (HEV) or blue light has the potential to penetrate even deeper than UVA rays, so the risks associated with collagen degradation and elastin loss are even greater.
The products
The best way to protect skin against all forms of damaging light is using an SPF daily. A full spectrum SPF is what you need as it protects against UVA and UVB, as well as blue light protection and antioxidants to protect against pollution.Three products in the Image Skincare Prevention+ range are now formulated with a ferment extract that protects against blue light-induced damage caused by both digital devices and sun exposure. The products formulated with Image Skincare's Digital Aging Defense protect skin against UVA, UVB, blue light and environmental stressors that cause dryness, discolouration and other signs of premature ageing.
Step 2 "Peptides"
Peptides inhibit repetitive facial muscle contractions, stimulate collagen and reduce the appearance of pigmentation. There are two different types of peptides mainly used in skincare: biomimetic and neuropeptides.
Biomimetic peptides are thought to mimic a natural occurrence in the skin such as collagen.
Neuropeptides support inhibition of facial muscle contractions and are often referred to as “Botox in a bottle as they are amazing for smoothing out lines and wrinkles.
The products
Image Skincare use peptides in a lot of their skincare ranges to prevent signs of ageing no matter what the skin concern is. Here are three top peptide picks to fight the signs of ageing Image Skincare The MAX Wrinkle Smoother uses technology founded at Harvard University to allow deeper penetration of active ingredients. It is also formulated with a wrinkle-fighting peptide that targets wrinkle formation pathways to help defend against visible expression lines.
For those looking for a skin plumping effect to help give lax skin a fuller and more youthful look, Image Skincare The MAX Contour Gel Creme has a specialised anti-gravity peptide that supports skin's collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in a visible plumping effect.
If you are noticing the first signs of ageing or looking to prevent ageing, Image Skincare Ormedic Balancing Bio Peptide Creme contains two peptides. The first is a collagen-supporting peptide that helps in the fight against the visible effects of photodamage. The second is a unique highlighter-like peptide complex that gives a crystal-like, soft polished effect to the skin.
Step 3 " Retinol "
Retinol stimulates cellular turnover from the deepest layers of skin and up towards skin surface, making your complexion appear smoother and brighter.- Retinol is effective in preventing and treating collagen loss
- Retinol deactivates the enzymes that break down collagen
- Retinol stimulates fibroblasts and helps to increase collagen production
- Retinol is a cell communicator, helping damaged skin cells return to their normal function
- Retinol helps to fade acne scarring and supports against acneic skin, as well as reducing the appearance of large pores
Retinol is one of the most effective anti-ageing ingredients and the best way to incorporate it in your routine is to start with a low percentage and gradually introduce it to your skincare routine as it's a very active ingredient. Start by using once or twice a week for 1-2 weeks, before increasing use.
The products
Image Skincare Ageless Total Repair Creme combines retinol and acid exfoliation to give a deeper exfoliation and to increase cell turnover for a smoother and brighter complexion. The time-release formula repairs and resurfaces for a visibly 
firmer complexion.A gentler product option that still contains retinol is the Image Skincare Ageless Total Overnight Retinol Masque, which delivers a boost of hydration to the skin alongside the benefits of retinol. This is a great option for those who don't have much time, as it is mask that you can sleep in and wake up to glowing skin - the best beauty sleep ever!
Image Skincare's top tips for future proofing your skin
De-stressThis is easier said than done, but stress plays havoc with our skin contributing to skin complaints such as acne, eczema, hives, rosacea, psoriasis, alopecia and more. This is because stress impacts hormones, so make sure you take some time out for yourself. This may be half an hour of exercise, reading a book or having a relaxing soak in the bath (with an Image Skincare I-Mask of course)!
Swap cotton for silk Use a silk pillowcase, the texture is so much smoother therefore prevents skin from creasing so much when you sleep. Check out Silkskin Beauty Silk Pillowcase, which is made from 100% natural mulberry silk.
Healthy diet Opt for a healthy and balanced diet with not much sugar as sugar can cause internal inflammation, which is responsible for the breakdown of collagen.
Wash your makeup brushes Regularly washing makeup brushes - at least once a week - prevents the build up and spreading of bacteria on your skin.Are you ready to future proof your skin? Shop the entire Image Skincare range at Face the Future. For a personalised skincare regime, complete our online skin test or speak to our team on 0113 282 7744 for expert skincare advice.
Written for you by: Charlene, Image Skincare & Alex, Face the FutureImage source: Image Skincare UK
