Turn back the clock with these trialled and tested products that erase fine lines, boost collagen and keep you eternally bright from within.

As the years march on,  it’s easy to start pondering those anti-ageing routines. While our careers are on-fleek and our friend circle is fabulous, there’s something jolting about staring at your fresh face in the mirror and realising you’re not 19 anymore!

Getting older and wiser is an awesome journey, but I personally want to look like the best version of my age… not the tired version reflecting back at me in the cooler months ;).

Whilst it’s not possible to prevent skin ageing, there are many steps we can take to slow down the process.

It starts with collagen, the major structural protein in the skin that provides the ‘scaffolding’ for cells, tissues and organs. Collagen also gives the skin its strength and durability and is responsible for its smooth and plump appearance.

Research by clinical associate professor of dermatology at Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Dr Zoe Diana Draelos states that best way to maintain a healthy, youthful looking appearance is to protect the healthy collagen you currently have and to prevent future collagen degradation.

There are two main ways to do this: 1) avoid UVA and UVB radiation and 2) prevent free radical damage.

Exposure to ultraviolet (UVA and UVB) radiation emanating from the sun is the most prolific contributor to premature skin aging, accounting for an estimated 90 percent of the signs associated with ageing skin. Reserves of vitamin C also encourage synthesis of new, healthy collagen, as do the use chemical exfoliants, such as alphahydroxy and polyhydroxy acids, which break down the bonds between cells and stimulate cell renewal.

Get that sunblock and exfoliant out, dolls!

One of the perks of being team Maxmade is the opportunity to feel out fresh beauty information… and play detective with the powerful, youth-boosting products on the market.

So what’s working for us when people can’t guess our age? 😉

The Beauty Chef COLLAGEN INNER BEAUTY BOOST™

We love to drink our collagen… nom nom. Anyone concerned about skin texture, firmness and fine lines  should stock up on this youthful elixir.  “A scoop of this goes into my smoothie every single day” Max says, “or even a glass of water if I’m not making one.” It’s amazing for not only your skin, but your nails and hair too… and such an easy addition to your routine for naturally plump skin from the inside out.

TATCHA The Silk Canvas Protective Primer

The Japanese believe that true beauty begins in the heart and mind, and Vicky Tsai created TATCHA products to be full of anti-aging super-foods after modern-day Geisha changed her life. Infused with green tea, algae and rice, this multi-tasking skin-protecting, makeup-perfecting primer has silk extracts that nourishing on skin and instantly diminish the look of pores, fines lines and imperfections. Further, anti-pollution natural active ingredients fight immediate attack from environmental stressors, visibly reducing the appearance of wrinkles and dullness.

Ultra Sound Therapy HIFU 

We absolutely adore this treatment, which tightens, contours and lift sagging skin. The revolutionary skin tightening and lifting technology works to simulate the natural regenerative process of the skin and lift the deep muscle layer within it. Unlike other anti-aging clinical treatments, HiFu doesn’t involve injections. Rather, it bypasses superficial skin by delivering precisely focused beams of ultrasound energy at three different depths in the skin’s layers. Results are instant and progressive, meaning not only will you experience lift and taughtness straight after, but will see improvements for up to 6 months post treatment! Your cheekbones will pop. Try Body Sculpting Clinics in Sydney.

Universkin P Serum

Unverskin is a French pharmaceutical company founded by a team of dermatologists, plastic surgeons, biologists, pathologists, chemists and pharmacists… so you know their products are going to pack a punch! Their customised serums are your own bespoke cocktail of powerful, pure ingredients: you define what you want from your skincare, then a clinical staff member identifies your needs with a unique combination of active ingredients, just for you. You get your own personal serum, addressing common concerns such oxidative stress, redness, skin texture, dryness and dehydration, oiliness, pimples and pigmentation. It’s not just skin care – it’s a treatment plan specific to your skin. A game changing concept. Find a practitioner here.

Dr Barbara Strum Facial Scrub

Just wow. This incredible formula leaves the silkiest, smoothest skin ever! It’s like a complexion rebirth. This gentle and refining facial scrub sloughs away dry, flaky skin while hydrating the complexion. It’s also formulated with Horse Chestnut extract to strengthen blood vessels and silk extracts to intensively moisture and leave skin smooth and hydrated. Vitamin A and purslane promote cell renewal.

Revision C+ Correcting Complex 30%

Research concurs that Vitamin C is key for conjuring a brilliant glow and evening skin tone for a more youthful appearance. This wonder formula from Revision is infused with patent-pending MelaPATH technology that illuminates, refines, and rejuvenates, defends and corrects the skin-damaging effects of free radicals generated by Urban Dust and High Energy Visible light (HEV or blue light). Furthermore, it helps to support the skin’s natural production of Vitamins C and E and supports the skin’s microbiome with prebiotic technology.

GO-TO Zincredible SPF 15 Tinted

UVA and UVB protection? Tick. Protection from free radical damage? Tick. This awesome SPF from Zoe Foster Blake is a moisturiser designed for every day use, packed with antioxidants to provide hydration and a sheer glow.  It has a sheer tint that blends in quickly and evens skin tone, leaving the complexion gorgeously glowy and fresh. Vitamin E, coQ10 and a whole host of replenishing plant-based oils ensure long-lasting hydration and protection from free radical damage. Also made without nasty chemicals.

Credits

Words: Alina Berdi / Photographer: Mel Cartmer @DLM for maxmade.com.au / Model: Kerryn @IMG / Hair & Makeup and Product Review: Max May