‘Slow-Ageing’ Is The Next Big Beauty Trend – These Are The Products You Need To Make It Work

Sometimes, we just need to put the brakes on and slow things right down and that goes for our skin, too. ‘Slow ageing’ is tipped to be next year’s biggest beauty trend and is the skincare equivalent of noise- cancelling headphones. Focusing on prevention over repair and long-term skin health over quick fixes, it’s rooted in the longevity movement and is a more mindful approach to keeping our skin happy (alongside some choice products). It’s something 20-something Gen Zs already seem to have down pat, with 70% using anti-ageing serums daily while sharing their routines on preventative ageing online. As for the rest of us? Here’s our expert guide...

Good Skin Habits

It used to be said that it takes 21 days for an action to become a habit. Whether or not that’s true, 21 serum slathers to ensure real skin results feels pretty achievable (try L’Oréal Paris Age Perfect Le Duo Serum, £37.99 – you won’t look back). What’s more, the idea that simplicity is the key to a sound skincare routine (so long 10-step routine) is all the more welcome. ‘I’m a huge proponent of slow-ageing, which in essence means setting up good skin habits from an early age,’ says skin expert and super-facialist Teresa Tarmey, who recommends building a routine around these staples: ‘Cleanse, treat (with an antioxidant serum), hydrate and protect (with broad spectrum, SPF50).’

Slow And Simple

You can’t change your genetics but you can control how you protect your skin from the sun; the cause of 80% of visible skin ageing. ‘SPF is a product that doesn’t cost the earth but has far-reaching effects on our skin,’ says Tarmey, who recommends applying two fingers’ worth of broad spectrum SPF every single day of the year, come rain or shine, regardless of skin tone (for a lightweight texture that melts into skin, we love L’Oréal Revitalift Clinical SPF50+ Invisible UV Fluid, £19.99).

Think Happy Skin

‘The skin and the mind are intricately linked and I see day in, day out how stress exacerbates skin conditions, including accelerating skin ageing,’ confirms Dr Alexis Granite, an expert in medical and aesthetic dermatology. ‘Equally, when our skin is not looking or feeling its best, this worsens stress, so a vicious cycle can occur.’ Granite notes that mood can be boosted through the ritual of a solid skincare routine, while specific ingredients can help reduce the impact of skin stress and inflammation on a deeper level. ‘Self-care skin routines have also been shown to help promote emotional wellbeing,’ adds Tarmey. ‘A good skincare routine isn’t just about looking good; it can be a way to relax and de-stress.’

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Cassie Steer is acting health and beauty director at Grazia with over 25 years’ experience on women’s glossies.

Photographs: Zoe Kovacs And Flavien Prioreau
Make-up And Skincare: Nina Sagri Using L’oréal Paris
Beauty Direction: Joely Walker

Words: Cassie Steer