Unlocking Radiant, Firmer Skin: A Beauty Columnist’s Essential Guide
Since celebrating a significant birthday recently (what a joy!), I’ve begun to discern subtle fine lines and wrinkles that were notably absent from my complexion just last year (a slight vexation!).
Now, let me be clear: there’s absolutely nothing inherently wrong with gracefully embracing the passage of time – indeed, it’s a testament to a life fully lived. However, I’d be disingenuous if I didn’t confess that these changes caught me by surprise, prompting a re-evaluation of my skincare routine. I’ve experimented with various red light therapy devices, finding them helpful yet prohibitively expensive. And frankly, I’m quite averse to needles, so injectables like Botox and hyaluronic acid fillers remain off-limits – at least for now. The medical professionals I consulted affirmed that there’s no instant remedy for aging, but they underscored wrinkle creams as a pain-free and surprisingly economical means to plump up unwelcome lines. (Our featured recommendations begin at a mere £20, reflecting UK pricing.)
Understanding the Best Anti-Aging Products and Treatments
My selections deliberately omit certain categories. Cleansers, for instance, are absent. While cleansing stands as the second most vital step after sun protection, washes, balms, and creams remain on our faces for such brief periods that their long-term impact on the skin’s aging process is limited. Cleansing is crucial for healthy skin; therefore, the imperative is simply to do it – choose any cleanser that brings pleasure in use and effectively removes makeup, grime, and sunscreen, irrespective of any anti-aging claims.
Similarly, I haven’t included eye creams, which might seem controversial given the belief among brands – and consumers – that they are the miraculous solution for signs of aging around the eyes. They are not. If you personally favour them, or if your regular facial skincare irritates the delicate eye area, then certainly use one. However, an eye cream isn’t a necessity if your facial products contain appropriate anti-aging ingredients and can be comfortably applied all over (I’ve encountered very few dermatologists who rely on eye creams themselves). And no, I do not believe any cream or serum can alter the appearance of loose under-eye bags – for that, you’ll need to consult an aesthetic medical professional if it’s a significant concern.
I’ve also steered clear of makeup recommendations, as personal preference for skin type and aesthetic dictates choices, and because I find the term “age-appropriate” far more objectionable than “anti-aging.” If one feels inclined to wear vibrant neon-pink lipstick at 50 or sparkling glittery eyeliner at 90, then one absolutely should. Time is precious; relish every moment.
Top Picks for Anti-Aging Skincare
The Klira Special
£59 a month for 15ml at Klira
When a reader seeks my advice for a dermatologist regarding a cosmetic (rather than health-related) issue, I consistently recommend exploring Klira first, as it can potentially save on consultation fees. This service, spearheaded by Dr. Emma Craythorne – one of the beauty industry’s most esteemed and respected consultant dermatologists – provides a comprehensive skin analysis (involving 51 detailed questions). Following this, customers receive bespoke prescription skincare, freshly formulated for them and delivered monthly. All common cosmetic concerns, including signs of skin aging, are addressed with a single, straightforward-to-use cream. While the service isn’t inexpensive, it could prove more cost-effective than the cumulative expense of a multi-step routine using over-the-counter products.
Garnier Ambre Solaire SPF50+ Sensitive Advanced Serum
£20 for 125ml at Boots
£9.99 for 125ml at Amazon
Everyone requires sunscreen; no one needs to overspend on it. This particular product is sufficiently gentle for even sensitive facial and neck skin, though I could easily have chosen almost any other SPF offering from Garnier Ambre Solaire’s excellent and quite affordable range. It boasts an elegant texture, is quick to apply, and absorbs rapidly.
Byoma Brightening Toner
£9.60 at Sephora
£11.99 for 150ml at Cult Beauty
As skin matures, cellular turnover decelerates, which can lead to product buildup and a duller complexion.1 Exfoliants can be incredibly beneficial here, but a concurrent reduction in oil production means some might feel excessively harsh and drying. This is precisely why my preferred exfoliating acid is lactic acid, which provides moisturization while sloughing away dead skin cells. This highly competitively priced product perfectly fits that description. And, as it’s a toner, it won’t complicate your routine with yet another serum (one is generally ample). Apply it to cleansed skin two to three mornings per week. And remember, always wear sunscreen.
Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Blue Serum
£12.99 for 50ml at TK Maxx
£19.90 at Amazon
When the outermost layer of your skin is well-hydrated, it appears smoother, plumper, healthier, and more youthful. I absolutely adore this Korean serum, which combines glycerin (a humectant that attracts and retains water in the skin) with hyaluronic and polyglutamic acids to impart a youthful, juicy appearance to skin of any age. It’s suitable for all skin types – use it whenever and as often as desired.
Medik8 Crystal Retinal
From £45 for 30ml at Medik8
From £45 for 30ml at Cult Beauty
You might tire of hearing me mention them, but there’s no denying it: retinoids, a class of vitamin A derivatives, are by far the most scientifically substantiated ingredients (a crucial note: not safe during pregnancy) for diminishing multiple visible signs of aging – including wrinkles, loss of firmness, and uneven tone.2 Consequently, they remain the gold standard in anti-aging skincare. While they haven’t always been pleasant to use, modern derivatives like retinaldehyde perform more swiftly, effectively, and with less irritation than their predecessors. For me, the British brand Medik8’s Crystal Retinal range of retinaldehyde serums is truly in a league of its own. Its straightforward “ladder” of concentrations makes it simple to select the correct starting point and gradually advance to higher strengths as your skin adapts and tolerates it.
The Ordinary Retinal 0.2% Emulsion
£15.20 for 15ml at John Lewis
£15.20 for 15ml at The Ordinary
As retinaldehyde gains mainstream popularity, potentially surpassing retinol, more affordable brands are introducing excellent, more accessible products to their lineups. This particular serum is superb and comes at a fantastic price. Begin by using it two to three times in the first week. If your skin tolerates it well (a little increased dryness initially is normal), you can then move to nightly application. Expect to see enhanced smoothness, radiance, and clarity within three to four weeks.
No7 Future Renew Damage Reversal Serum
£34.95 for 25ml at No7 Beauty
£37.95 for 25ml at Boots
While I do take issue with this product’s arguably irresponsible slogan, “Don’t regret, just reverse” (preventing sun damage is not merely preferable, but essential for overall health), the AI-driven research behind No7’s formulation genuinely impresses some dermatologists I know. It certainly fulfills multiple criteria: it boasts patented, cutting-edge peptides, along with vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide (a form of vitamin B3). All these ingredients combine to create an effective, multi-purpose daily serum suitable for any skin type. It targets common concerns stemming from previous sun damage, such as uneven skin tone, sunspots, lines, wrinkles, and diminished firmness.
Ziip Halo Nanocurrent and Microcurrent Facial Toning Device
£379.99 at Ziip
Yes, this device comes with a significant price tag. However, despite being sent countless skin devices annually, this nanocurrent gadget is the only one in nearly 30 years that I’ve continued to use regularly – I even purchased a backup for travel. Why? Because after just a four-minute treatment, I observe immediate results that last all day: a noticeably tighter jawline, and lifted cheeks and neck. I’m not entirely convinced by manufacturers’ long-term claims, but I feel I look better immediately, and for me, that’s enough.
Mecca Cosmetica To Save Face SPF50+ Brightening Sun Serum
£38 for 50ml at Mecca Cosmetica
The older I get, the more I appreciate luminosity on my face. Achieving a subtle, glitter-free glow that catches the light to add luster without excessive shine is often challenging. This broad-spectrum (protecting against both UVA and UVB rays), high-protection sunscreen, enriched with niacinamide, provides precisely the finish I desire. It effectively diffuses light over areas of past sun damage while preventing future harm. It sits beautifully beneath makeup and moisturises without feeling greasy (I apply it directly over my serum, eliminating the need for a separate day cream, which helps justify its cost). Australians truly excel at formulating sunscreens.
Ultra Violette SPF50+ Future Fluid Superlight Mineral Skinscreen
£38 for 50ml at Ultra Violette
£38 for 50ml at SpaceNK
Here’s another outstanding Australian sunscreen – this time, a mineral formulation. There are several reasons why a mineral UV filter might be preferable to a synthetic sunscreen. Synthetic filters can sometimes trigger reactions in sensitive skin, cause eye irritation, and occasionally pill under makeup. Individuals with conditions like melasma or eczema may also find mineral filters more beneficial in the long run. This new, ultra-fine, almost invisible option from Ultra Violette delivers on its promise, free from the usual drawbacks associated with mineral products, such as greasy texture or an ashy white cast.
Yepoda The Glow Hero Bakuchiol Oil Serum Hybrid
£25 for 30ml at Yepoda
£26 for 30ml at Sephora
If you’re looking for simplicity, are short on time, or have only a casual engagement with skincare, oil can be your best ally. Instantly moisturising, a quality oil will make most skin types look immediately healthier and more radiant. This elegant and well-priced Korean oil is lightweight (thanks to squalane), non-greasy, and absorbs effectively. It contains bakuchiol, a gentle retinoid alternative offering similar, though milder, benefits. It’s also vegan-friendly.
Altruist Sunscreen SPF50
£27.95 for 1 litre at Victoria Health
£27.95 for 1 litre at Amazon
Altruist was established by dermatologists with a mission to make sun protection accessible to everyone, positioning it as an essential aspect of healthcare. While the price might seem high initially, this generous one-litre bottle represents, millilitre for millilitre, some of the best value for high-quality, broad-spectrum sunscreen on the market. Daily sun protection is the single most important action we can take to prevent premature skin aging caused by UV radiation. Without sunscreen, every other anti-aging skincare product is ultimately rendered ineffective.
First Aid Beauty Ultra Repair Firming Collagen Cream
£39.50 for 50ml at Sephora
£39.50 for 50ml at Feel Unique
We’ve become so fixated on sophisticated anti-aging treatments that we often overlook one of the most fundamental: moisturising. As we age, oil production slows, and ceramide (lipids or fats) levels decrease, leading to drier skin for most individuals.3 A richer moisturizer enhances comfort, improves smoothness, and contributes to the appearance of healthy skin. While the brand itself isn’t the sole determinant, this particular cream from First Aid Beauty is packed with gentle, effective ingredients such as skin-repairing peptides, hydrating glycerin, soothing colloidal oats, multi-benefit niacinamide, and moisturising ceramides and squalane. I personally disregard the “collagen” claim, as I’ve seen no evidence that topical application of collagen yields significant results. However, the abundance of other beneficial ingredients makes this irrelevant.
Goodal Vegan Rice Milk Moisturising Cream
£19.35 for 70ml at Korean Skincare
£20 for 70ml at Tesco
This is another ceramide-rich moisturiser, available at a more accessible price point, and suitable for even the most sensitive skin types. Vegan-friendly, simple in its formulation yet sophisticated in texture, this exceptionally gentle Korean face cream is a delight to use – whether it’s day, night, or whenever your skin feels dry or tender.
Beauty Pie C-Wave Rejuvenating LED Treatment for Hands
£200 at Beauty Pie
LED masks have seen a surge in popularity since the lockdown period, and they can indeed help diminish redness and refine skin texture. However, this particular version appeals to me specifically for my prematurely very aged hands (a result of a congenital skin condition). Anticipate observing a reduction in age spots, redness, and crepiness after approximately six weeks of consistent use. Remember, no gadget is a worthwhile investment if you’re not committed to using it regularly, so be realistic about your dedication.
Naturium Vitamin C Complex Serum
£22 for 30ml at SpaceNK
£22 for 30ml at Boots
It seems that vitamin C has somewhat fallen out of favour, a trend I believe largely stems from the increasing popularity of Korean skincare, which typically focuses less on aggressive anti-aging actives and more on multi-layered hydration. However, there’s no need to choose between these approaches. Vitamin C, when formulated correctly, provides immediate radiance and robust protection against skin-aging free radicals.4 It also possesses the ability to stimulate collagen production, the depletion of which contributes to skin aging. This vitamin C serum is affordably priced and user-friendly. Apply it each morning after cleansing, and before your moisturizer and/or sunscreen.
Simple 10% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) Booster Serum
£6.66 for 30ml at Boots
£9.99 for 30ml at Superdrug
Niacinamide offers numerous benefits for all skin types, especially maturing ones.5 It helps visibly reduce large pores, soften fine lines, unify skin tone, improve dullness, and foster a healthy skin barrier. Crucially, there’s no need to overspend on additional niacinamide. Any concentration of 5% or above is effective, while concentrations as high as 15-20% may not be well-tolerated by your skin. Simply add a few drops of this convenient serum to your preferred product.
The Ordinary GF 15% Solution, 30ml
£13.50 for 30ml at John Lewis
£13.50 for 30ml at Boots
When growth factors (GF) – peptides that aid in firming and plumping maturing skin – first appeared in skincare products 14 years ago, they were largely inaccessible due to cost. Prices remained prohibitively high until recently, when the democratic skincare brand The Ordinary introduced its own GF product for roughly a tenth of the typical cost. You wouldn’t know the difference. I’m a huge fan of this thin, gentle, universally suitable serum. During a period when an unrelated allergy prevented me from using many active ingredients for several months, I applied it almost daily. It visibly improved my skin’s texture and imparted a healthy appearance. It’s among the most affordable serums in my bathroom – and it’s definitely staying.
Paula’s Choice C15 Super Booster
£52 for 20ml at Paula’s Choice
£52 for 20ml at Cult Beauty
If you’re interested in using vitamin C but struggle to integrate it into your existing routine, this product offers a solution as it can be mixed with your serum or moisturizer. It combines the gold standard of vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid – at an effective concentration – with ferulic acid and vitamin E in a stable, lightweight formula that appears to be well-tolerated by all skin types.
Elizabeth Arden Retinol + HPR Ceramide Rapid Skin Renewing Water Cream
£75 for 50ml at Boots
£77 for 50ml at Cult Beauty
For years, prior to applying my retinoid, I would apply a thick layer of a bland cream to my face and neck to prevent irritation in sensitive areas (a technique known as “buffering”). Since the launch of this light, hydrating cream, I’ve applied my retinoid directly, without buffering, and haven’t looked back. It remains one of only three facial retinoids (the others being Murad Retinal ReSculpt overnight treatment and Kate Somerville Mega-A skin transforming serum) that I can generously apply around my eyes and on my neck without adverse effects. According to messages I’ve received from readers, it has become one of my most frequently recommended products in recent years.
Medik8 Bakuchiol Peptides
£55 for 30ml at Sephora
£55 for 30ml at Medik8
I’m often asked by regular retinol users for a safe alternative during pregnancy, and this is typically my suggestion. It is gentle, moisturising, and delivers peptides, which act as messenger signals to skin cells, instructing them to perform specific actions depending on the virtually infinite number of peptide combinations present. The peptides in this formula support even skin tone (as melanin production can become erratic during pregnancy), while the bakuchiol gently smooths wrinkles. It’s important to note that while British dermatologists generally approve of bakuchiol use during pregnancy, your individual doctor may advise more caution, particularly if they practice in the US, where guidance is more conservative. The same applies to (non-pregnancy-safe) retinoids during breastfeeding: UK dermatologists typically give the green light, whereas US advice tends to be more cautious. Therefore, always consult your doctor if you have concerns.
Beauty Pie Super Retinol Hand Cream
£21 for 75ml at Beauty Pie
If you’re keen to address sun damage, age spots, and other signs of aging on your hands, apply the same effective ingredients found in your facial skincare. This overnight hand treatment delivers encapsulated retinol and cushions it within rich, moisturising shea butter to provide both short- and long-term benefits in a single application. Apply before bedtime.
Go-To Very Amazing Retinal
£52 for 30ml at Go-To
Here’s another retinoid (yes, I know), but this one stands out for several reasons. If you prefer to avoid a prescription subscription service – such as Skin+Me, Dermatica (both excellent), or Klira (mentioned above) – this is the most potent retinoid (0.25%) available over the counter (or, in this instance, online). This serum functions as a convenient “one-and-done” night treatment (hallelujah!), containing firming peptides, niacinamide for more even skin tone, and several soothing ingredients – simply apply after cleansing and head to bed. Retinal is generally less likely to cause irritation than retinol, but nonetheless, this particular concentration is so high that only seasoned retinoid users should consider it.
Non-Product Treatments
Toxin Injections
I don’t opt for fillers (though I have tried them in the past), I’ve had no facial cosmetic surgery – unless you count minor earlobe work some 25 years ago – I simply can’t be bothered with lasers, ultrasound, or microneedling, and I rarely have time for professional facials. However, I do receive Botox injections every five months from Dr. Wassim Taktouk, and I have no intention of discontinuing them. Whether you appreciate them or not – what you choose to do or not do to your own face is entirely your personal affair – toxin injections, when expertly administered by a qualified professional, represent the most effective method for relaxing deeper wrinkles, eliminating frown lines, and subtly lifting moderately drooping eyes. I share this not to encourage anyone to get Botox unless they desire to, but to inform you that no product in a bottle, jar, or tube will replicate the same effect. If you encounter any marketing claims to the contrary, proceed with extreme caution. What Botox never accomplishes is improving skin quality. That is precisely where effective skincare steps in, and why I would always prioritise it over any injectable treatment.
Murad Vita-C Glycolic Serum
£70.40 for 30ml at Debenhams
£88 for 30ml at M&S
I have a strong aversion to multi-serum routines – I simply don’t have the time in the morning or the inclination at night. This multi-purpose serum offers significant value for your (admittedly, not insignificant) investment. Glycolic acid imparts radiance to dull skin, vitamin C provides antioxidant protection and promotes a more uniform skin tone, while glycerin – my preferred humectant – delivers abundant plumping hydration and comfort. It’s one of my all-time most frequently used products and a perennial staple in my travel bag. Apply it in the morning, before sunscreen.
The Inkey List Ectoin Hydro-Barrier Serum
£15 for 30ml at Beauty Bay
£15 for 30ml at Sephora
I’ve consistently maintained that little ages the skin more than inflammation. Therefore, it’s crucial not to overdo active ingredients like retinol and vitamin C, which, in high concentrations and quantities, can cause irritation and redness. More is not always superior. For instances where you’ve been overly enthusiastic with actives, restoring a comfortable, moist, and protected skin barrier is paramount. This reasonably priced serum can be used daily on dehydrated, sensitive skin, or as a targeted treatment when otherwise calm skin experiences a flare-up during a mild illness or in extreme temperatures.
L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Laser Tri-Peptides Age-Correcting Serum
£31.99 for 30ml at Boots
£31.99 for 30ml at Look Fantastic
If you’re seeking a multi-purpose serum that simplifies your routine, this is an excellent option. It features a scientifically supported tri-peptide complex to soften lines and wrinkles, vitamin C for radiance and addressing pigmentation, and hyaluronic acid for plumping hydration. It’s all conveniently contained within one easy-to-apply serum, designed to be incorporated between cleansing and moisturising steps.
Dr Jart+ Ceramidin Ectoin-Infused Cream
£56 for 50ml at Boots
£54 for 50ml at Space NK
The descriptor “buttery” is often overused in cosmetics, but in this instance, it accurately describes this cream. This remarkably thick, rich, yet somehow non-greasy face cream contains the same soothing, hydrating ectoin (an amino acid derivative proven effective in calming inflamed and dehydrated skin) as The Inkey List serum mentioned above. It can be layered over that serum or used with your usual skincare as a gentle buffer. Non-irritating, comforting, and soft, it feels like a comforting embrace for a compromised skin barrier. Surprisingly, despite its richness, it still performs well as a makeup base.
Dove Body Love Pro-Age Care Body Lotion
£7.99 for 400ml at Boots
£7.99 for 400ml at Superdrug
I truly appreciate everything about this affordable, easily absorbed body lotion, which is suitable for all skin types. Lactic acid efficiently sloughs away dead skin cells from limbs that might appear flaky or ashy due to slower cell turnover.6 Niacinamide promotes healthy skin beneath, and glycerin hydrates the skin, restoring it to a plump, radiant state. It leaves skin remarkably smooth to the touch. I go through substantial quantities of this product, particularly during T-shirt and shorts season.
Don’t Forget Your Smile
I firmly believe that restoring, straightening, and whitening one’s aging, often misaligned teeth is the single most valuable “anti-aging” treatment available – arguably more so than any skin treatment, injection, or facial surgery. Healthy-looking, attractive teeth significantly boost confidence, encourage broader smiling, and can help restore lost structural definition to a maturing face. Even a single course of teeth whitening can visually subtract years. I personally underwent my dental transformation (at my own expense) at the abc Smile in London, but now, excellent and relatively affordable cosmetic dentistry and implant clinics are available in every town.
Prices will vary based on location, specific treatment, and chosen method.