There are multiple factors that contribute to early signs of aging, such as-

• Stress: Your skin can suffer greatly from stress. Untreated stress can speed up ageing by shortening each DNA strand. Premature ageing, wrinkles, and grey hair are all triggered by anxiety, stress, depression, and social alienation.
• Lack of nutrition: Highly processed products typically contain excessive amounts of hydrogenated oils, which are high in trans fats, saturated fats, and high levels of calories. This can stimulate chronic inflammation that speeds up cell degeneration and catalyses premature aging.
• Sun Damage: Photoaging triggers the early ageing process and is brought on by prolonged exposure to UV radiations leading to wrinkles and pigmentation marks. The middle layer of the skin, when directly exposed to UV B radiation, eventually damages the collagen and fibre matrix of the skin causing a dark blotchy skin tone.
• Pollution: Pollution has an immediate effect on our skin as it is constantly exposed to dust, smoke, ozone, and organic compounds. These free radicals when interacting with the lipid barrier layer of the skin strip off the natural moisture content leading to oxidative stress and premature ageing.

The efficacy of a skincare regime to tackle premature maturing should include the following products-

1. Retinol: Its ability to stimulate the synthesis of collagen and elastin is the primary component that renders it as a powerful anti-ageing ingredient. It effectively deals with pre-mature aging by-
   • Increasing skin cell turnover
   • Increasing skin suppleness
   • Reducing wrinkles, fine lines
   • Minimising pore size
2. Sunscreen: Sunscreens function by blocking UV radiation from the sun by absorbing, reflecting, or dispersing light. Hence, a broad-spectrum sunscreen that safeguards from UV rays and all other types of radiation should be a mandatory part of your skincare regimen with the following properties-
   • PA+++ Broad Spectrum: More the ‘+’ better the protective abilities against UV A type. Board spectrum sunscreen protects the skin from both UV A and UV B.
   • SPF: It is usually recommended to use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, which stands the ability to block 96.5% of UV B rays, whereas an SPF of 50 provides protection from around 98% of UVB radiation.
   • Organic or Inorganic Filters: Organic filters work by absorbing UV radiation. Inorganic filters include minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that work by scattering and reflecting UV radiations.
   • Water Resistant: Ensure that your sunscreen is water resistant to reap the maximum benefit from your sunscreen.
3. Topical vitamin C and antioxidants: Vitamin C helps to keep the skin radiant and firm by accelerating the formation of collagen and elastin. Formulations like Vitamin C serums, toners, etc. can effectively help with-
   • Premature skin ageing
   • Boost hydration
   • Improves skin tone

Wrinkles, fine lines, and dullness

Retinol: It is scientifically known to rebuild the skin barrier, boost collagen production and impart anti-ageing benefits. Highly recommended by dermatologists to reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, and clogged pores. For visible results, initiate your PM skincare regime with a retinol night cream specifically targeting wrinkles and skin tightening. Begin with the light formulation of 0.1 % to reap long-term benefits such as repairing fine lines, and increased skin firmness and radiance. You may also couple it with creams and gels enriched in-

• Niacinamide- It is a form of Vit B3 known to reduce fine lines and help with improved brighter skin tone.
• Vitamin C- It lightens dark spots and acne pits by regulating melanin production giving out a radiant, supple skin tone.

Dark circles, wrinkles and puffy eyes

If you are struggling with crow’s feet, puffy eyes, dark circles, wrinkles and sagginess, particularly around the eye area, don’t worry, we have the ingredient list covered. For best results, make sure your under eye formulations have the following ingredients -

• Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract- Constructively treats puffy eyes and dark circles by boosting the skin’s structural integrity.
• Lumiskin- Known to effectively treat black spots and prevent them from reappearing. Also, evens out/ lightens skin tone and reduces UV-induced melanin synthesis, thereby effectively treating age spots and wrinkles.
• Sodium hyaluronate - The water-soluble salt form of hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate, strengthens and thickens the delicate skin around the eyes, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and deeply moisturises the skin.

Sunscreen plays a critical role in treating signs of premature aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots, by protecting the skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation. Exposure to the sun's UV rays is the primary cause of premature aging, as it can damage collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, leading to a loss of elasticity and firmness.

Sunscreens work by blocking or absorbing the sun's UV rays before they can penetrate the skin. They contain ingredients such as zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or chemical filters, which act as a barrier on the skin's surface and reflect or absorb UV radiation.