Skincare against wrinkles: Starting from my 20th year already?

Skincare against wrinkles begins early, as the skin gradually ages due to exposure to UV radiation, air pollution, and stress factors. Although aging is a natural process, antioxidants, collagen enhancers, and daily sun protection can help keep the skin healthy and radiant. But should you start skincare against wrinkles from your 20th year of life? In this blog, we discuss the benefits of these ingredients and provide insight into the ideal age to add them to your daily routine.

Skincare against wrinkles

Skincare is an effective way to slow down the natural aging process and keep the skin resilient and healthy. Wrinkles are a part of aging, but with the right routine, you can reduce their visibility and keep your skin structure intact for a longer time.

Good anti-wrinkle care begins with antioxidants. These substances protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals – unstable molecules that cause damage by ‘stealing’ electrons from healthy cells. Free radicals are produced by external influences, such as UV radiation, air pollution, and stress, and they cause accelerated aging, visible in fine lines, wrinkles, and decreased firmness.

When free radicals become dominant and there are not enough antioxidants in the skin to neutralize this damage, we speak of oxidative stress. This process can affect deeper skin layers, accelerating the breakdown of collagen and elastin – two proteins responsible for the firmness and resilience of the skin. While the natural production of these proteins decreases as we age, oxidative stress causes wrinkles and skin slackening to manifest more quickly.

Therefore, a good skincare routine focuses not only on protecting against free radicals, but also on preserving collagen and elastin in the skin.

Antioxidants – Start from your twenties to protect the skin

Antioxidants help to neutralize free radicals, which are produced by factors such as UV radiation, pollution, and stress. This makes antioxidants like vitamin C, E, Coenzyme Q10, or Astaxanthin valuable from the age of 20-25, when the skin is increasingly exposed to these environmental factors. By adding antioxidants to your daily care routine, the skin can stay fresh and healthy.

Iconic Elements Anti-Aging Cream – A boost with Vitamin C, E, and Ferulic Acid

The Anti-Aging Cream contains a powerful mix of antioxidants, including vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, which together protect the skin from harmful external influences, such as UV radiation and air pollution. When these antioxidants are combined, they boost each other’s effectiveness; vitamin C and E help neutralize free radicals and prevent cell damage, while ferulic acid further enhances and stabilizes their effectiveness. This synergy makes the cream even more potent against oxidative stress, helping the skin retain its firmness and gain a healthy, radiant glow. This combination is ideal for a morning routine, as it provides an extra layer of protection.

Tip: Apply the Anti-Aging Cream in the morning after cleansing your face, so that the antioxidants can protect the skin throughout the day.

Collagen strengthening – A support around your 25th

From the age of 25-30, collagen production in the skin can decrease by 1% per year, which can affect the firmness and elasticity of the skin. Noticeable decrease, depending on your lifestyle, can be seen from your 35th year of life.

In women, this decline is even more dramatic after menopause. In the first five years after menopause, type I and type III collagen in the skin can decrease by as much as 30%. This sudden decrease contributes to sagging skin, increased wrinkles and a changed skin texture.

Cell regulators are ingredients that can stimulate and produce your skin collagen. Collagen-boosting ingredients like bakuchiol and peptides are ideal to include in an evening routine.

Iconic Elements Firming Booster Serum – Bakuchiol, Cyclopeptide-5 and White Tea Extract

Our Firming Booster Serum combines bakuchiol, a mild alternative to retinol, with cyclopeptide-5 and white tea extract. Bakuchiol helps support the skin without the irritating properties of traditional retinoids. Cyclopeptide-5 and white tea extract contribute to a smooth and resilient skin.

Tip: Use the Firming Booster Serum in the evening after cleansing your skin to support elasticity and nourish the skin while you sleep.

Sun protection by season in the Netherlands

In the Netherlands, the intensity of UV radiation varies greatly with the season, and therefore so does the need for sun protection. During the spring and summer, the UVB radiation is much stronger, which contributes to sunburn and increases the risk of DNA damage in the skin. UVB radiation is responsible for burning, while UVA radiation penetrates deep into the skin and contributes to skin aging in the long term. Therefore, during this period, a broad-spectrum sun protection such as a Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 with both UVA and UVB filter and also against visible light, is essential to optimally protect the skin.

In the autumn and winter, UVB radiation significantly decreases, but UVA radiation remains present in a relatively constant amount, regardless of the season. UVA rays are less intense, but they penetrate deeply into the skin and cause aging and collagen reduction. As a result, a UVA filter is sufficient in the autumn and winter to provide protection against this long-term damage, without the need for more intensive SPF protection required in the sunnier months.

Iconic Elements Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF30 – Natural UV and visible light coverage

The Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF30 offers natural protection, ideal for outdoor activities, sports on land or water. By incorporating SPF into your daily routine, the skin can be protected from harmful radiation.

Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF30 is officially certified independently tested for optimal safety and effectiveness.

Tip: Apply the SPF as the last step in your morning routine after your moisturizer or serum. Repeat if needed throughout the day for continuous protection.

Iconic Elements Daycream Natural UVA Filter

The Iconic Elements Daycream with natural UVA filter provides daily protection against skin aging caused by UVA radiation. Enriched with natural ingredients such as Pohttps://iconic-elements.com/natuurlijke-uva-filter-porphyra-umbilicalis/rphyra umbilicalis-extract (red seaweed), this day cream helps to strengthen the skin barrier and keep the skin healthy and hydrated. Ideal for use throughout the year and especially in the fall and winter when UVA protection is essential.

Our products are developed to support the skin and are not a replacement for medical treatments. Consult a doctor for specific skin problems or treatments.

Your balanced routine – prevention is better

• Antioxidants: Start around your 20-25th with antioxidants such as vitamin C and E for daily support against environmental factors.
• Collagen Boosting: Starting from your 30s, use collagen-boosting ingredients like bakuchiol and peptides for additional support.
• SPF: Use SPF in spring and summer to protect the skin from UV radiation and visible light, and to help maintain healthy skin.
• Day cream  with natural UVA filter: all year round because UVA rays are present at the same intensity all year round, regardless of the weather or season.

By building a daily routine with these ingredients, you can keep the skin healthy and radiant.

FAQ about wrinkles and skincare

How quickly can I see results from antioxidants in my skincare?

The effect of antioxidants in skincare usually becomes visible after a few weeks to months of consistent use. This is because antioxidants work at a cellular level: they neutralize free radicals that cause damage to skin cells, but this recovery process is gradual.
The speed at which you see results depends on your skin condition, exposure to external influences (such as sun and air pollution), and how faithfully you follow your routine. With regular use, your skin can start to look calmer, smoother and fresher, but do not expect an immediate effect after a few days.

What can I do to improve the effectiveness of my skincare products?

Good preparation is important! Always cleanse your skin before applying products, both in the morning and evening. Cleansing removes excess sebum, sweat and make-up, allowing the skincare products to be better absorbed and work more effectively. For those who wear make-up, we recommend using the cleansing milk (step 1) first – a gentle, alcohol-free cleansing. For a deeper cleanse, you can follow with the cleansing lotion (step 2).

At what age can I start using collagen-enhancing products?

From around the age of 25, the skin’s natural collagen production slowly begins to decrease. This is a good time to add skin care with collagen-supporting ingredients to your routine. Think of peptides, bakuchiol or antioxidants such as vitamin C, which support the skin structure without overstimulating the skin.
The goal is not to counteract aging with aggressive agents, but to preventively support the skin in its recovery and rebuilding processes. For younger skin types, a mild approach is sufficient, while at a later age more intensive support may be desired. Choosing products that suit your skin needs and life stage remains the most important thing.

Why is it important to use UVA protection in winter too?

Although the sun feels less powerful in winter, UVA radiation remains present all year round — even in cloudy weather or low temperatures. Unlike UVB radiation, which peaks in summer and causes sunburn, UVA penetrates deeper into the skin layers and plays a major role in premature skin aging, collagen breakdown and pigment disorders.
In addition, UVA radiation easily passes through glass, which means that you are also exposed to this form of radiation indoors or in the car.

What are the benefits of bakuchiol over retinol?

Bakuchiol is a plant-based ingredient that is often cited as a gentle alternative to retinol. Like retinol, it stimulates collagen production and helps reduce fine lines, pigment spots and uneven skin texture. The biggest difference is in the way it reacts to the skin.
While retinol can sometimes cause redness, flaking or a stinging sensation – especially for people with sensitive skin – bakuchiol is generally more tolerable. It is less likely to cause irritation and makes the skin less sensitive to sunlight. This makes it suitable for a wider group of people and those with sensitive or reactive skin.