Ageing is a natural process, but that doesn’t mean you can’t take steps to keep your skin looking smooth, firm, and youthful. Fine lines and wrinkles appear due to collagen loss, dehydration, and repeated facial expressions, but the right skincare ingredients can help slow the process and even soften existing lines. Dr Tom Goyer, a skincare expert in Sydney, breaks down the most effective ingredients for reducing fine lines and wrinkles—so you can achieve healthier, younger-looking skin.
Why Do Fine Lines and Wrinkles Form?
Before diving into the best anti-ageing ingredients, let’s understand why wrinkles develop in the first place.
1. Collagen & Elastin Breakdown
Collagen is the protein that keeps skin firm and bouncy, while elastin provides flexibility. By your mid-20s, collagen production declines by about 1% per year, leading to sagging and wrinkles over time.
2. Sun Damage (Photoageing)
UV rays break down collagen and elastin, leading to premature ageing, fine lines, and deep wrinkles.
3. Repetitive Facial Movements
Expressions like squinting, smiling, and frowning cause dynamic wrinkles (such as crow’s feet and laugh lines) that become more permanent over time.
4. Dehydration
When the skin lacks moisture, fine lines become more pronounced.
5. Lifestyle Factors
Smoking, poor diet, stress, and lack of sleep all contribute to premature ageing.
Tip: A combination of sun protection, hydration, and targeted skincare can slow the development of fine lines.
The Best Ingredients to Reduce Fine Lines & Wrinkles
1. Retinoids (Retinol, Retinal, Tretinoin)
Retinoids, derivatives of Vitamin A, are the gold standard for anti-ageing. They stimulate collagen production, speed up cell turnover, and smooth wrinkles over time.
- Best For: Wrinkles, uneven skin tone, and texture improvement.
- How to Use: Apply at night after cleansing; start with a low-strength retinol (0.25%-0.5%) and increase as tolerated.
- Pro Tip: Retinoids can cause dryness—always follow up with a moisturiser and use sunscreen daily.
2. Hyaluronic Acid (HA)
Hyaluronic acid is a powerful hydrator that attracts and retains moisture in the skin, plumping up fine lines and making skin look firmer and smoother.
- Best For: Hydration, fine lines, and dull skin.
- How to Use: Apply after cleansing and before moisturiser; works well with Vitamin C and peptides.
Tip: Use a HA serum on damp skin to maximise absorption and hydration.
3. Vitamin C (L-Ascorbic Acid)
Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that fights free radicals, boosts collagen, and brightens skin. It protects against sun damage and premature ageing while reducing fine lines.
- Best For: Wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and dull skin.
- How to Use: Apply in the morning before sunscreen.
Tip: Look for a 15-20% concentration of Vitamin C for the best results, and pair it with Vitamin E for added protection.
4. Peptides
Peptides are short chains of amino acids that stimulate collagen and elastin production, helping to firm skin and reduce fine lines over time.
- Best For: Loss of firmness, sagging skin, and fine lines.
- How to Use: Apply a peptide serum or moisturiser twice daily.
Tip: Combine peptides with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide for extra hydration and skin repair.
5. Niacinamide (Vitamin B3)
Niacinamide is a multi-tasking powerhouse that helps improve skin elasticity, even out skin tone, and strengthen the skin barrier.
- Best For: Fine lines, enlarged pores, and redness.
- How to Use: Works well in both morning and night routines; pairs well with retinol and Vitamin C.
Tip: Niacinamide regulates oil production, making it great for all skin types, including oily and acne-prone skin.
6. AHAs & BHAs (Exfoliating Acids)
Chemical exfoliants like glycolic acid (AHA) and salicylic acid (BHA) remove dead skin cells, promote faster cell turnover, and reveal smoother, younger-looking skin.
- Best For: Fine lines, rough texture, and dullness.
- How to Use: Use a toner or serum with AHAs/BHAs 2-3 times per week.
Tip: If you’re using retinol, avoid over-exfoliating to prevent irritation.
7. Squalane
Squalane is a lightweight oil that mimics the skin’s natural moisture, preventing dryness and fine lines caused by dehydration.
- Best For: Dry skin, sensitive skin, and fine lines.
- How to Use: Apply after serums or mix with moisturiser.
Tip: Unlike heavier oils, squalane is non-greasy and absorbs quickly, making it ideal for all skin types.
8. Sunscreen (SPF 30 or Higher)
UV exposure is the #1 cause of premature ageing, making daily sunscreen your best anti-ageing weapon.
- Best For: Preventing fine lines, sun damage, and skin cancer.
- How to Use: Apply every morning and reapply every 2 hours if outdoors.
Tip: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for better skin protection.
How to Create an Anti-Ageing Skincare Routine
Morning Routine:
- Cleanser: Gentle, hydrating formula.
- Vitamin C Serum: For antioxidant protection.
- Hyaluronic Acid: To plump and hydrate.
- Moisturiser with Peptides: For extra firming benefits.
- Sunscreen (SPF 30+): The most important step!
Night Routine:
- Cleanser: Double cleanse if wearing makeup.
- Exfoliating Acid (2-3 times per week): AHA or BHA to renew skin.
- Retinol or Peptides: To boost collagen production.
- Moisturiser with Niacinamide or Squalane: To lock in hydration.
When to See a Skincare Professional
If over-the-counter treatments aren’t delivering the results you want, a dermatologist or skincare expert can recommend advanced anti-ageing treatments, such as:
- Botox or Fillers: To smooth dynamic wrinkles and restore lost volume.
- Microneedling: Stimulates collagen and elastin production.
- Laser Resurfacing: Reduces fine lines and improves skin texture.
- Chemical Peels: Helps fade wrinkles, pigmentation, and rough skin.
Tip: Professional treatments can enhance your results, but a solid skincare routine is your foundation for maintaining youthful skin.
Fine lines and wrinkles are a natural part of ageing, but the right skincare ingredients can slow their progression and improve your skin’s appearance. By incorporating retinoids, Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, peptides, and daily sunscreen, you can maintain a youthful, radiant complexion. For expert skincare guidance and treatments, Dr Tom Goyer is here to help. Visit Dr Tom Goyer’s blog for more skincare insights.