The best anti aging ingredients and how to use them

Anti aging ingredients can sometimes be baffling and choosing an anti aging cream or moisturiser can feel a bit like a chemistry test and many products contain several blockbuster anti aging ingredients. 

You should not feel that you have to do anything to slow the natural process of aging, but if you do want to manage fine lines and wrinkles, improve texture and tone and instill some youthful plumpness, there are several proven anti aging ingredients you should look out for. 

We take a look at the best anti aging ingredients on the market, anti aging cream ingredients, why you want them in your skincare regime and how to use them. 

Collagen occurs naturally in our body, most of it found in the dermis, the skin’s second layer. 

It is a major protein in our skin that plays a role in strengthening the skin, giving it structure, support and elasticity while keeping it plump and supple.

As we age, our body’s natural production of collagen begins to slow and, as it does, our skin begins to lose that support and structure that maintains our skin’s youthful appearance. This is where products containing collagen come in, standing in for your naturally occurring collagen with brighter, tighter results.  

How to use: Collagen is particularly effective in a moisturiser as the added hydration works with the collagen to tighten, tone and plump. NIVEA Cellular Elasticity Night Cream nourishes the skin overnight to improve elasticity and rebuild the skin's strength.

The richly hydrating NIVEA Hyaluron Cellular Filler Anti-Age Day Cream SPF 15  promotes surface skin renewal with its not-so secret ingredient of hyaluronic acid leaving brighter skin, diminished fine lines and a toned complexion. For an instant lift try NIVEA Elasticity Cryo Mask for firmer skin in just 10 minutes.  

Co-enzyme Q10 works to reduce the signs of aging with its antioxidant free radical-fighting properties. This anti aging ingredient is found naturally in every cell of your body and contributes to smooth and healthy skin by promoting the release of antioxidants. This enables your skin to repair and renew itself, while the antioxidants protect your complexion from further free radical damage. 

Harnessing the power of Q10 through products becomes even more important as we grow older as, from around the age of about 30, levels of Q10 in our skin start to drop off, leaving the skin more exposed to damage, dryness and fine lines. Co-enzyme Q10 deficiency can make it harder for the body to produce collagen and elastin, two of the main building blocks of healthy skin.

Q10-infused skincare helps to do the job your body’s natural Q10 levels do, stimulating renewed skin cells and the production of skin cells, enabling your skin to find its bounce again.

How to use it: Nivea’s Q10 range offers something for everyone, from the supercharged NIVEA Q10 Power 60+ Night Cream to the gentle NIVEA Q10 Power Sensitive Day Cream. 

Hyaluronic acid is what is known as a humectant, that means it has the power to draw water molecules into the skin. As a result, it has fantastic hydrating powers and can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water.

Like all the best anti aging ingredients, the hydrating effect of hyaluronic acid helps plump up the skin, helping it feel and look better. 

Don’t be misled by the word ‘acid’ - this is a gentle anti aging ingredient that you can layer with the best anti aging ingredients and use as often as you like. 

How to use it: One of the beauties of hyaluronic acid is its flexibility - you’ll find it in cleansers, tonics, mists, serums, lotions, creams, sun care products, foundations.

NIVEA MEN Anti-Age Hyaluron Face Moisturising Gel is a cooling, quick absorbing, super comforting moisturiser, while NIVEA SUN After Sun Moisturising Spray sees hyaluronic acid doubling up with aloe vera to deliver a calming lotion that also works to restore the skin’s elasticity. 

A potent antioxidant, vitamin C can counteract, delay or prevent some types of cell damage and protect the skin from environmental pollutants, including UV exposure (it can also help repair sun damage) as well as reducing fine lines and wrinkles. 

Radiance boosting vitamin C can also nudge your body's natural collagen-production up a gear, helping to smooth out an uneven skin tone, improve the skin’s texture and contribute to plumper looking skin - a great defence against wrinkles and fine lines.

As with many of the best anti aging ingredients, consistency is key with vitamin C products - its (many) benefits demands dedication. 

How to use: Combining the best anti aging ingredients is a recipe for rejuvenated skin - NIVEA Q10 Energy Recharging Night Cream sees vitamin C team up with fellow anti aging fighters - vitamin E and Q10 - to raise hydration levels and strengthen the skin’s barrier.

And don’t neglect your body - NIVEA Q10 Firming Body Lotion with Vitamin C leaves the skin supple and smooth. 

Another powerful source of free-radical combating antioxidants, vitamin E helps diminish wrinkles and fine lines caused by pollution and UV rays. One of the original anti aging ingredients, vitamin E can reduce inflammation and soothe irritated skin, helping to maintain a healthy, youthful complexion and replenish the skin. 

Vitamin E is a great all-rounder and a hard worker - a fat-soluble ingredient, it’s able to penetrate deep into your skin and acts to strengthen the skin's barrier function leaving it supple and soothing.

Your body cannot naturally produce vitamin E, yet it is vital to optimal skin or hair care health, so skincare products are a great way of ensuring you get your vitamin E hit.

How to use it: The NIVEA MagicBAR Radiance Face Cleansing Bar Vitamin E is a solid face cleanser that will leave you glowing.

NIVEA Gentle Exfoliating Scrub refines and smooths the skin's surface while delivering the antioxidant benefits of vitamin E that will protect and restore.