How I Reverse Aged My Skin From My 30s Onwards (Without Injectables)

While I don’t think many of us actually want to spend millions reversing our cellular ageing like the American entrepreneur Bryan Johnson (if you don’t know, definitely Google him), let’s also be honest – most of us would like our skin to look ‘better’ than it did say ten years ago. Notice I didn’t necessarily say younger – and it doesn’t have to involve loads of super expensive serums or trying every injectable under the sun either, promise! Here are four simple skincare-based ways I reverse-aged my skin so it looks healthier than ever before…

1. Identifying my actual concerns

When I first started really focusing on skincare I did what a lot of people do and started layering on every product under the sun that was remotely recommended. The result: breakouts and a general sense of overwhelm! Then, after a chat (or two) with a leading dermatologist (and if you’re struggling with your skin I’d recommend finding a good practitioner), I finally got off the ‘Oh, I’ll just try that’ treadmill, took a step back, looked in the mirror and asked myself, ‘What does my skin actually need?’.

It sounds simple – and frankly is – but by pinpointing your real skin concerns you quickly realise that ‘skin ageing’ or ‘good skin’ in general will look a little different to everyone. For some people it is fine lines; for others creeping dark spots and uneven skin tone; or focusing on your breakout-prone, sensitive complexion may remain your key focus. By targeting your specific skin concerns rather than blindly following the latest buzzword or trend, you can start actually building a routine, built off the right products, that will benefit your goals long term. You find skincare brands that resonate with you (for me, that’s Meder Beauty and SkinBetter Science as they provide line-smoothing solutions that don’t irritate my skin, for example), and that means better skin faster and for longer.

2. I prepped my skin before diving into actives

Active ingredients such as retinoids may get all the skincare headlines – and they can definitely help transform your skin. But what I’ve learnt first hand (with the purges to prove it) is that rushing into them is the quickest way to cause irritation. Now I always do the necessarily prep work before jumping into a new active, especially when it comes to hydration. After all, active ingredients – whether they be retinoids, or exfoliating acids – tend to cause at least some initial dryness, and, if your skin is already dehydrated, the side effects are likely to be a lot worse: dry, flaking skin will always look more dulled, lined, and prematurely aged. So, before jumping in, try focusing on strengthening your skin barrier and locking in moisture first: look for nourishing ingredients such as ceramides and squalane, as well as water-attracting favourites like hyaluronic acid and glycerin. My favourite solutions include Alastin’s HA-Immerse Serum for a real glow boost, as well as Revision Skincare’s CMT Post-Procedure Cream, for skin that’s super irritated.

Then, when your skin is ready, steady still wins! When you start using a new retinoid, for example, use it once in the first week, twice in the second week, three times in the third week – and so on, until you are using it once a day if your skin can tolerate it. Equally, stronger isn’t always better. With both prescription and high-street retinoids, try working your way up from the lowest retinoid strength and progress as you finish each product (much like Medik8’s Crystal Retinal ladder suggests). This will help you improve your results, while managing the likelihood of bad purging.

3. Never skipping sunscreen

I am now pretty famous among my friends for the repeated refrain: sunscreen is essential skincare – not just a holiday airport pick-up for sunny days. Yes, I know we bang on about this, but UV damage contributes up to 80 per cent of visible ageing, so it really is one of the easiest way to slow the clock on your skin’s premature ageing, especially if your main concerns are wrinkles and dark spots.

The most important thing to bear in mind is that the ‘best’ sunscreen to reverse ageing is one that you will actually wear. So, while the basics still apply (aka make sure your chosen formula is broad-spectrum and SPF 30 or higher), spend most of your time experimenting with the textures you like. There’s now some great gel-based and lightweight fluids that feel more like hydrating moisturisers than the pore-clogging formulas of old. Treat it like shopping like a luxurious cream and it feels less like a chore, but you can’t go wrong with some TTG favourites, including Heliocare.

4. Embracing the ‘unsexy’ side of skincare

It’s super easy to get caught up in all the latest trending serums, but I cannot stress enough that the basics really do matter when attempting to reverse age your complexion. Just like a house needs strong foundations, none of your actives are going to work as well if you are applying them onto half-clean skin.

I always used to rush my cleansing routine in my hurry to get to bed, but you should actually be gently massaging in your cleanser for about 60 seconds to remove all the dirt, sunscreen and makeup. I love the texture of Neostrata’s creamy Restore Facial Cleanser. Make sure to wash your hands before starting to touch your face too, as that’s a surefire way to transfer bacteria accidentally. Another source of dirt and bacteria? Your makeup brushes. When was the last time you actually cleaned yours? I used to hate doing it too, but was equally annoyed by the crop of breakouts that dirty brushes can cause, especially in tell-tale areas like along your cheekbones. A fortnightly wash really will do wonders for breakout-prone or sensitive skin, as will refreshing your pillowcases weekly. And still using cleansing wipes? They might feel convenient but they really don’t clean your face…

The reverse ageing shopping list 

1. The cleanser: Neostrata Restore Facial Cleanser, £22

Provides a deep clean without leaving your face feeling tight; the perfect first step in building healthier skin.

2. The hydrator: Alastin’s HA-Immerse Serum,£110

This multi-award-winning serum doesn’t just instantly hydrate dry and dehydrated skin, it helps your skin stay hydrated overtime, with a tailored combination of skincare heroes, including hyaluronic acid and peptides.

3. The targeted serum (for redness): Meder Beauty Red-Apax Anti-Redness Concentrate, £137.50

Team TTG love this serum as it really does what it says on the tin: soothing redness and making skin less reactive. That means you can also focus on improving other goals, like smoothing wrinkles, with less worry about sensitivities.

4. The retinoid: Vital Assist Skincare Proliferate + Renew Cellular Renewal Cream, £120

Retinoids without the ‘go hard or go home’ approach. This cream helps you target and prevent signs of ageing such as wrinkles without struggling with side effects. That means your skin doesn’t have to get worse before it gets better; it just gets better and better over time.

5. The SPF: Heliocare 360 Fluid Cream SPF 50, £23

The most popular sunscreen that Heliocare has to offer – and it is easy to see why. Lightweight with no white cast, it’s a daily essential that doesn’t feel like a total chore to wear.

Want some additional help finding the right products to transform your skincare routine? Head to TTG’s skincare shop to find solutions for all goals and concerns.