What To Do When You Spot Your First Wrinkle & Think Life Is Ruined

Maybe you’re 21, maybe you’re 31. But at some point in your 20’s through to early 30’s, you’re gonna spot a wrinkle. Usually (thanks, harsh Aussie sun) it’s in the form of some crow’s feet or a frown-line that doesn’t disappear the minute you smile. Could even be a lil’ smile line.

Whatever it is, it’ll leave you SHOOOOKETH. Not because ageing is gross – if you think it is, get over it and go stare at some pics of hot Helen Mirren, sexy George Clooney or babetown Susan Sarandon, ok – but because it’s a physical indication you’re getting older, growing up, blah blah existential crisis incoming. You know? If we were to get real deep with it, isn’t that why society is so obsessed with looking younger? We just don’t wanna grow up.

You can’t stop wrinkles forever – well, you can with surgery but with products, forget it. However, that doesn’t mean it’s not a good idea to look after your skin and try and stave off premature ageing, which is caused more by shitty stuff like UV rays, pollution and generally being a dickhead to your skin.

Here’s some stuff to get into your skincare routine stat if you wanna keep your skin all fresh, dewy and as fine-line-free as poss.

SPF 30 OR HIGHER

Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF30+ Facial Sunscreen, $38

Immediately stop reading and go buy an SPF for your face. Then use it every day. EVERY. DAMN. DAY. Not just when it’s sunny, not when you’re going to the beach. The #1 way to keep your skin as youthful as possible is to protect it from damaging UV rays. They will FUCK YOU UP if you’re not careful – least of which is by causing wrinkles, pigmentation and crepe-y skin as you get older. Yep, I’m talking about skin cancer.

You can get a moisturiser that has SPF 30+ or higher, or a standalone sunscreen. Put it on after washing your face and using any serums, oils or toner – but before makeup.

A HARD-WORKING CLEANSER

Shu Uemura Anti/Oxi+ Cleansing Oil, $126

There’s literally no point slathering on rich serums and creams if you don’t wash your makeup or sunscreen off properly. Double cleansing is good – using a cleansing oil or makeup wipes to remove makeup, then going in with a wash-off cleanser to get rid of any excess and clean deeper.

Clarisonic Mia Fit, $315

If you wear a lot of makeup or deal with clogged pores or blackheads, a cleansing brush can be a great way to deep clean and make sure everything’s off you face before you go in with spenno products. The battery powered ones move at super-speed to gently scrub off makeup and dirt, leaving you with fresh skin to get to work on.

A GOOD SERUM

The Ordinary Advanced Retinoid 2%, $17.90

Serums aren’t bullshit – they seem like a gimmick beauty brands make to get you to buy more stuff, but they absolutely have a purpose. Basically, a serum is more potent than a moisturiser, and because it’s made up of smaller molecules (that’s why their consistency is very watery) they penetrate deeper into skin to deliver their active ingredients. Moisturisers are meant to create a barrier on top of skin so while they may contain great stuff, they can’t get as deep as serums.

Estee Lauder Advanced Night Repair Synchronised Recovery Complex II, $100

What should you look for? Vitamin C is great for repairing skin and brightening it. Retinol is a hero anti-ageing ingredient but it can be irritating, so people often swear by building up to using it by wearing every second or third day before committing to daily use.

Zinc is great for regulating oil production and is soothing for sensitive skin. Hyaluronic acid is a master hydrator, helping to plump skin and give it that dewy look. And niacinamide helps with skin elasticity and builds ceramide, which make up a healthy skin barrier.

A NIGHT CREAM

Mario Badescu Seaweed Night Cream, $31

If you’re starting to think about protecting your skin, it’s worth having a day cream and a night cream. Make your daytime one lighter (and with SPF, if you don’t want to buy a separate sunscreen) and let your night one be the nice, juicy, thick one full of reparative ingredients.

Origins High-Potency Night-A-Mins, $62

Your skin does most of it’s regenerating at night so that’s why it’s worth having something more intense for sleeping in. People with congested skin should try renewing night creams with AHAs or gentle exfoliating acids like salicylic, lactic and glycolic in them, while dry or sensitive skin folk should go for thicker, hydrating and repairing ones to lock in moisture.

If your skin seems to be super dry, super pigmented or wrinkling up at an alarming rate though, it’s best to visit a dermatologist – loads of skin conditions and even illnesses can cause extreme skin concerns, so always best to get an expert to have a squiz if shit doesn’t seem normal, right?

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