There are several myths that need to be debunked when it comes it anti-ageing and skincare. Dr Alice Rudd shares exclusively with esprit her Top 5 anti-ageing myths.
- The sunscreen in my make up or moisturiser is enough to protect me and prevent wrinkles
This is one of the most common responses I get when I ask my patients if they wear sunscreen. SPF in make up or moisturiser is absolutely NOT enough. There are very few good sunscreens and moisturisers on the market that combine into one product. You need a good sunscreen (SPF 50+ UVA and UVB protection) and a separate moisturiser.
- Anti-wrinkle injections have to look like you have had something done
In most cases the best anti-wrinkle injections are those you can’t see. And used a prevention of wrinkles rather than drastically reducing wrinkles that are there is the best approach.
- Creams are as good as Botox
Sadly there is no such thing as anti-wrinkle injections in a bottle. Wrinkles come as the result of muscle movement and therefore there is no amount of hydration that can mimic this effect. Hyaluronic acid is certainly hydrating and may plump the skin temporarily but is no comparison.
- Prescription retinol is better than over the counter cosmeceutical grade retinol
Not necessarily true. Certainly, prescription retinoids is very effective however they are often irritating on sensitive skin types and end up not being used. So, over the counter retinols are often gently and better tolerated and ultimately break down to the active ingredients in the skin where they exert their effects.
- Ageing skin needs vitamin C
Vitamin C has its place, but the most common form, Ascorbic Acid (pure Vitamin C) is the least stable, very difficult to formulate and can be very irritating especially on sensitive skin. So, if you want to incorporate vitamin C into your anti-ageing routine, a vitamin C precursor can be a better choice. One to try is Avène’s A-Oxitive which uses ascorbyl glucoside that transforms to pure vitamin C on contact with the skin, and slowly releases it throughout the day – meaning it’s much gentler and better tolerated by sensitive skin. Another advantage of this gradual release formula is that you have ongoing antioxidant protection all day long.