The Truth About Skin Longevity: Ingredients That Really Work

(Article originally sourced from: British Journal of Dermatology, Volume 189, Issue Supplement_1, October 2023)

Skin ageing is something we all experience — but how it shows up on your face depends on more than just time. Sun exposure, pollution, lifestyle habits, and even stress can accelerate changes in our skin, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, uneven tone, and loss of firmness.

The good news? Science shows us that while we can’t stop the clock, the right ingredients can make a measurable difference to how your skin looks and feels. At IF Beauty, we believe in skin longevity — working with your skin, not against it — and using only evidence-based solutions.

Here are the most researched and effective topical ingredients for supporting skin health and repair:

1. Retinoids: The Gold Standard

Retinoids (derived from Vitamin A) are widely regarded as the most effective topical treatment for photoaged skin. Prescription tretinoin has decades of clinical evidence showing it can:

• Stimulate new collagen production

• Smooth fine lines and wrinkles

• Improve texture and even skin tone

For everyday use, gentler forms like retinol and retinyl esters offer many of the same benefits with less irritation, making them staples in modern cosmeceutical skincare. With consistent use, they help realign collagen balance and support skin renewal over time.

2. Peptides: Collagen’s Little Messengers

Peptides are tiny protein fragments that act like signals to your skin cells, telling them to produce more collagen and elastin. Some, like Matrixyl®, have been clinically shown to visibly reduce wrinkles and improve skin resilience.

Other peptides, such as palmitoyl tripeptide-5 (Syn®-Coll), not only stimulate new collagen but also protect existing collagen from breakdown. These next-generation actives are designed to restore structure in the deeper layers of your skin.

3. Antioxidants: Shield and Repair

Every day, your skin is exposed to free radicals from UV rays, pollution, and even blue light. Antioxidants help to neutralise this damage while also supporting skin repair.

• Vitamin C: A proven brightener that boosts collagen and reduces pigmentation.

• Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Improves barrier function, smooths texture, reduces redness, and helps fade dark spots.

• Other antioxidants: Work in synergy to strengthen skin’s defences and improve overall radiance.

Why Prevention Still Matters

While topical actives are powerful, protecting your skin is the first step. Daily broad-spectrum SPF, along with antioxidants, gives your skin the best chance at staying strong, smooth, and even-toned for years to come.

The Bottom Line

Not all skincare ingredients are created equal. While the industry is filled with hype, clinical research consistently points to retinoids, peptides, and antioxidants as the key drivers of visible change.

At IF Beauty, our philosophy is simple: skincare should be transparent, effective, and rooted in science. By focusing on skin longevity — not just “anti-ageing” — we empower you to maintain healthy, radiant skin at every stage of life.