Take a good look at this picture.. do you remember any of these from your childhood? If you have a bingo, it’s probably time to start thinking about using an anti-aging routine!
Forget AHA-what's and retinol-who's, here at Be Fraîche, we like to keep things simple. While those active ingredients are great for aging, they’re not a one size fits all method. Many of us can’t handle such a high-concentration of active ingredients, especially those who have sensitive skin, so we have created a gentler approach to aging, using natural botanical ingredients that are gentle, yet powerful.
What causes aging?
Skin aging is a natural process, and everyone experiences it differently. There are a number of internal and external factors that can affect how quickly or slowly you age.
Internal factors include genetics, hormones and our individual metabolism – these are unavoidable, and we will all face these at some point in our lives due to the passing of time.
However, external factors account for 90% of premature aging and can often be managed by simple lifestyle changes. The biggest factor is sun exposure, as UV rays will damage skin cells over time, causing wrinkles and other signs of aging on the skin's surface), however other issues include pollution, diet, stress levels, amount of sleep each night, or the excessive consumption of alcohol and tobacco.
5 steps to establish an anti-aging routine:
1. Always protect
Sun damage is cumulative over time, so it's crucial that you protect yourself from UV rays if you want to prevent premature aging of the skin. If you’re not already, start using sunscreen every single day - even on cloudy days!
If you're an avid sun worshipper or spend lots of time outdoors, make sure you use SPF 30 or higher during peak hours (10 am - 4 pm). Make sure you re-apply your sunscreen every few hours, to ensure you are fully protected all day long.
2. Add antioxidants
Antioxidants are a must in any anti-aging skincare range, because they help to protect your skin from environmental damage, including pollution and UV rays. They also fight free radicals, which can cause premature aging. Antioxidants include vitamins C and E, as well as green tea extract and polyphenols, check out our full guide of antioxidants in skincare to help identify them.
Want to add some antioxidant rich products in your routine? We've combined our 2 antioxidant powerhouses here to save you time and get you on your way to healthier skin!
3. Balance hydration and moisturisation
It is important to keep your skin well hydrated, retaining water to keep your skin cells happy, while maintaining the moisturisation with oil-based products to plump up fine lines and reduce inflammation.
Try adding a facial oil that's rich in antioxidants like our Seed Face Oil to your routine. You can combine it with our a moisturiser that contains hyaluronic acid, or a hydrating serum which can help to prevent your skin cells from getting depleted and thirsty.
Once your skin barrier is strengthened, the surface will feel plump, hydrated and bouncy and less sensitised. You can't beat a strong skin barrier!
4. Boost with serums
Have you tried AHA's, retinols, or acidic products in the past, that have left you feeling nervous?
Retinol (or vitamin A), vitamin C and hydroxy acids have a great history of helping to renew and stimulate skin turnover, especially when it comes to increasing skin elasticity and improving the complexion. However, using a high dosage of active ingredients can sensitise your delicate skin and may cause reactions over time.
Here at Be Fraiche, we have developed a brand new serum made from 100% plant-based ingredients, that can help to reduce the side effects caused by cosmeceutical actives. Sans Souci Serum uses bakuchiol instead of retinol, and finger lime extract instead of AHA's – they have a similar effect, but are much gentler and more tolerable to sensitive skin.
Similarly, instead of a high-concentration of vitamin C, we use Kakadu Plum Extract to help brighten skin tone and reduce hyperpigmentation. The results? Brighter, better-looking, bouncier skin without any of the discomfort or sensitivity.
Hot tip: Our serums can be combined for an even better result, without the risk of clashing any active ingredients.
5. Don't forget to exfoliate
Dead skin cells on the surface of the skin, can make your complexion appear dull and lifeless. Exfoliation gently removes the outermost layer of dead cells that can clog pores and lead to blackheads, whiteheads and breakouts. It does this by loosening the bonds between cells, so that they can be removed just by rinsing or rubbing with a washcloth or sponge.
Our Smooth & Glow Exfoliator contains fruit enzymes from bilberries, lemons, oranges and sugar cane – these luscious natural ingredients help to gently dissolve dead skin cells, leaving behind smoother, more radiant skin.
What does an anti-aging skincare routine look like?
Here at Be Fraîche, we want looking after your skin to be simple and achievable. We’ve broken our bestsellers down into a Morning & Evening routine, that’s quick and easy to follow and perfect for those of us who are busy juggling all of life’s balls!
Daytime Routine:
- Step 1: Cleanse with our Silky Milky Cleanser
- Step 2: Soothe and hydrate with Le Calme Serum
- Step 3: Hydrate your skin with our Flower Face Cream
- Step 4: Lock everything in with our Seed Face Oil
- Sunscreen and makeup (if required)
Nighttime Routine:
- Step 1: Cleanse with our Silky Milky Cleanser. Use konjac sponge with your cleanser for a deep cleanse.
- Step 2: Exfoliate with Smooth & Glow Exfoliator (we recommend this once or twice weekly)
- Step 3: Boost your skin with Sans Souci Serum
- Step 4: Flower Face Cream
- Step 5: Seed Face Oil
