Protecting our skin is vital, yet insightful new research commissioned by Hada Labo Tokyo – the number one skincare brand in Japan – has found there is a complete lack of knowledge around what anti-ageing skincare ingredients are needed as we age.
In fact, 31% of women claimed in the latest Hada Labo Tokyo survey poll that they don’t understand retinol’s role in skin care and a scary 81% of women questioned in the same poll said they did not fully understand the role that collagen plays in the skin.
This is despite the fact that six in ten women admit they have bought a skincare product because it promised a more youthful skin appearance. But, 35% of women say they have never looked at the ingredients in their body moisturiser.
FACT: Collagen helps provide structure, support, elasticity and strength to the skin, muscles, bones and connective tissues.
Commenting on the results, GP and skin specialist for Hada Labo Tokyo, Dr Nisa Aslam says: “Women want skin youth yet aren’t aware of the ingredients that are or are not in their skincare regime to offer them the anti-ageing benefits. Keeping skin hydrated is vital, as ‘well-watered’ skin equals younger-looking skin.[2] The Hada Labo Tokyo research even found that 82% of women don’t fully understand the role of the hydration hero – hyaluronic acid (HA) – with regard to skin wellness.”
GP and Medical Broadcaster, Dr Hilary Jones adds: “Women need to be protecting their skin throughout life and HA is one of the best ingredients a woman can use on her skin to do this. Particularly as there are so many everyday factors that can severely damage and age skin. This includes air pollution[3] and ultraviolet (UV) rays for example. In fact, areas exposed more frequently such as the face, hands and feet, often age more rapidly than other parts of the body.”[4].
With an obvious lack of awareness around the key skincare ingredients to keep our skin looking and feeling healthy and youthful, here are the four key anti-ageing ingredients we all need to be looking for and using in an everyday skincare regime.
Hyaluronic acid (HA)
Dr Nisa Aslam says that HA is found throughout the body, but is most abundant in the skin and is important for hydration and wound healing. “A review published in the journal – Molecules – points out that HA has many qualities that recommend it over other substances used in skin regeneration, with moisturising and anti-ageing effects.”[5]
Other research published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, confirmed that acetylated sodium hyaluronate, aka super HA, exhibits “efficient anti‐wrinkle activity” after just 28 days.[6]
Retinol
There’s a big reason why retinol is widely used in dermatology. “The critics and testers at “Which?’ confirmed that using retinol for 12 weeks can reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles and pigmentation,”[7] confirms women’s health expert and a member of the Hada Labo Tokyo Skin Care Panel, Dr Catherine Hood.
Collagen
Explaining collagen, Dr Nisa Aslam says that it gives the skin structure and elasticity. “Collagen is produced by cells called fibroblasts, which are found deep in the dermis of our skin. However, our skin’s ability to produce collagen falls by between 1% and 1.5% a year. Plus, collagen levels can be depleted by pollution, smoking, UV radiation and other environmental assaults on the skin.”[8]
A study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences showed that topical applications of collagen increased levels in the skin and stalled the oxidative stress associated with skin ageing.[9]
Panthenol
This B vitamin has humectant properties, which means it reduces water loss from the skin, traps water in the skin and helps restore the skin barrier.[10] There is also evidence it improves elasticity and the absorption of other active ingredients in skincare products.[11]
FIVE simple tips to show your skin some love from Hada Labo Tokyo
Speaking of the need to care for our skin, screenwriter, body positivity champion and an ambassador for Hada Labo Tokyo, Honey Ross says: “As the body’s largest organ, it should be non-negotiable that we put our skin health first. When your skin feels good, you feel good. Having healthy, glowing skin gives you a huge boost in self-confidence.”
- Enjoy fruit and veg
Dr Hilary Jones recommends including at least five 80g portions of vegetables and fruit in your daily diet every day. “Aim for colour too by incorporating a wide range of fruit and veg to ensure you’re getting essential nutrients and health-giving phytonutrients, such as polyphenols, vital for skin health,”[12] he adds.
Dr Hilary Jones continues: “Throw veggies and fruits in soups, stews or salads, or chuck a handful of frozen peas or sweetcorn into recipes. Try adding a new vegetable or fruit to your basket each week – remember frozen, fresh, dried and tinned all count.”
- Drink up!
Keep a bottle of water handy and ensure you drink plenty of water every day. Don’t forget, tea also counts! “Limit your alcohol consumption too as this can dehydrate the skin, leaving it parched and in need of water,” adds Dr Hilary Jones.
- Get your beauty sleep
“It is during sleep that our skin recovers and rejuvenates,” says Dr Nisa Aslam. Try to avoid late night bedtimes research has found that regularly going to bed late could damage skin.[13]
- Stay sun safe
Dr Hilary Jones says: “Keep your face covered from the sun as the sun’s UV rays. Wear a cap when outside if possible and be sure to use a 50 SPF sunscreen which protects against UVA and UVB rays.”
- Hada Labo Tokyo Your Skincare Range
A daily skincare routine is essential. Dr Nisa Aslam recommends a consistent cleanser, hydrator and moisturiser packed with HA technology. Hada Labo Tokyo ticks all the boxes here. Honey Ross adds: “The Hada Labo Tokyo range gives my skin the anti-ageing hydration it needs, every day, with the very best ingredients.”
Dr Hilary Jones notes further: “And while you may think your skin does not need protecting in the sun when just out and about or only in the sun for a brief time, we all need to get much more sun skin savvy. We should not be using a cream with an SPF that is less than 50 and here the Hada Labo Tokyo suncare range has not only bottled up a face and body formulation with an SPF 50, but it also contains a whole host of skin health anti-ageing ingredients including HA to ensure the skin remains hydrated too in the sun.”
The White Line, is designed for women in their youth who are looking for all-round cleansing, hydration and moisturising. It contains three to four different forms of hyaluronic acid:
- Sodium Hyaluronate is a water-binding molecule that can hold up to 1,000 times its own weight in water.
- Sodium Acetylated Hyaluronate aka super hyaluronic acid, raises the affinity with the skin increasing its capacity to retain moisture. Because of this, it can keep skin moist for a long time.
- Hydrolyzed Hyaluronic Acid is a form of HA which has been broken down into small molecules which can easily penetrate and help fight wrinkles and other signs of ageing.
- Hydroxypropyltrimonium Hyaluronate is a conditioning agent for the skin and it helps deposit active ingredients on the skin.
The White Line Skin Essential Products To Try Are…
Hada Labo Tokyo Gentle Hydrating Cleanser: Hada Labo Tokyo’s Gentle Hydrating Cleanser contains three types of hyaluronic acid, formulated to cleanse, protect and lock in moisture, leaving skin silky smooth.
Chemical Peels Explained: Why They’re the Perfect Luxe Skincare Choice
