Prevention is key in the fight against ageing, and new research has revealed women start using anti-ageing products as young as 21.
A new study, conducted in the UK and commissioned by device manufacturer CICA Microlift, surveyed 2,000 women on their anti-ageing concerns and habits.
It found women start worrying about wrinkles at age 24, and begin using anti-ageing products at age 21.
‘We really wanted to try and pinpoint the age when women start to worry about ageing and, although it may seem shocking that young women are concerned about wrinkles, it hasn’t come as a huge surprise to us,’ explains Dean Nathanson, managing director of CACI Microlift.
Although women begin their wrinkle worries at 24, the majority of participants reported they did not start noticing the physical appearance of wrinkles until they reached 28.
76 per cent of participants labelled the skin around the eyes as their number one area of concern. This was followed by the forehead, mouth and cleavage.
So, is it ever too early?
The survey results has the beauty world pondering, is it ever too early to begin an anti-ageing regime?
The response from the experts is a loud and clear ‘no’, within reason of course.
‘Its never too early or too late to start thinking about skin protection, skin renewal and maintenance,’ consultant dermatologist Dr Nick Lowe told The Telegraph.
Anatomically, ageing causes changes within the skin from age 20. From this point on, prevention – in the form of sun protection and anti-oxidants – is paramount in keeping the signs of ageing at bay.
While women in their 20s don’t necessarily need the help of strong cosmeceuticals or treatment interventions, Dr Tabi Leslie, from The British Association of Dermatologists, says it’s never too early to protect the skin against premature ageing.
‘Our message at The British Association of Dermatologists is that the best way to avoid wrinkles is to keep out of the sun and use a sun cream or a moisturiser with sunblock in it, preferably every day,’ she explains. ‘If you start that in your 20s, you can actually make a huge difference.’
Dr Leslie hopes the results might encourage young women to invest in regular sunscreen use.
‘I’m quite impressed by these results,’ Dr Leslie explains. ‘If we can’t get young women to use sunscreen by fear of skin cancer, we might now be able to get them to use it for fear or wrinkles, so it’s a good step.’
For more information on skincare, sunscreens and finding the right products for you, check out the links below:
Sunscreen – the best type at every age
