‘Wasted on the young.’ read the campaign tagline for Perfect Facial Hydrating Cream, a concentrated blend of Vitamins C and E released in 2010. It was a bold, and potentially alienating, claim to make. Yet, it echoed one of the most basic and universally accepted truths in skin care: that ageing is an inevitable part of life, to which our skin is not immune.
As we evolve—acquiring a richer repertoire of stories, more refined taste in music, and hopefully a sharper sense of humour—so does our largest organ. Through the years, it undergoes a myriad of subtle transformations: some due to external factors, others the result of natural, biological processes.
Delving into time’s more apparent souvenirs, this article offers a starting point for those wishing to understand their skin’s changing needs and adjust their regimens accordingly. Whether it is switching to a richer night cream as the skin’s oil production declines, or introducing a potent Retinoid—such as Resolute Facial Concentrate’s HPR—that helps expedite surface renewal.
For more tailored advice and product recommendations, its reading is best complemented by an in-person consultation—available at every Aesop store and its respective sink.
A reverence for the time-honoured
From our retail design to the development of our formulations, a key ingredient in every Aesop creation is time itself: time to research, to refine, or to imbue a space with character and history. While we are not averse to the new, it is the patina of the aged and well-worn that most catches our eye.
In constructing and furbishing our stores, we salvage, repair and repurpose wherever possible—a philosophy of preservation that extends to our approach to skin care. We also do not prey on insecurities. Rather than ‘turning back the clock’ or ‘erasing lines’—a feat that cannot come from a jar—our purpose is to help the skin maintain its natural equilibrium at every stage of life. This is achieved through formulations that balance performance with sensorial pleasure, working to support, soften and replenish where needed.
Extrinsic and intrinsic ageing
Like a close confidant privy to all our good habits and vices, the skin bears witness to everything we do. What we eat; where we live; how many nights we spend tossing and turning over a minor email typo: all can have an effect on the skin’s innate balance.
While we can control our lifestyles, as well as our degree of exposure to external stressors like UV rays and pollution, the health and appearance of the skin is also determined by inevitable biological factors. Intrinsic to each individual are genetics, hormonal changes and the gradual slowing down of key chemical and cellular processes—from the skin’s rate of renewal to its production of collagen and elastin.
Support through time—for evolving regimens
As you begin to notice changes in your skin—whether it is a more uneven tone, loss of brightness, or an increase in dryness—generous support can be found below.
Enhanced renewal
The skin’s natural surface renewal begins to slow as we age—enter Retinoids, Vitamin A derivatives lauded for their ability to sustain the pace of this process.
Products Recommendations
A note on suncare:
To prevent further UV-induced damage (see extrinsic ageing), any form of Retinoid should be accompanied by high, broad-spectrum protection, as it may increase sensitivity to sunlight.
Intense hydration
With time and exposure to internal and external stressors, the skin can lose its ability to produce natural oils, welcoming emollient treatments and gentle, non-stripping cleansers that help it retain moisture.
Products Recommendations
- Gentle Facial Cleansing Milk or Parsley Seed Facial Cleansing Oil
- Sublime Replenishing Night Masque
- Perfect Facial Hydrating Cream
- Damascan Rose Facial Treatment
Vitamin replenishment
As the skin’s reserves are progressively depleted, nourishing formulations with high concentrations of vitamins and antioxidants offer significant benefits to the skin.
Products Recommendations
Luminosity boost
Over time, the skin may tend towards a duller appearance and a coarser texture, making gentle exfoliation and luminosity-enhancing Vitamin C welcome additions to one’s regimen
Products Recommendations
‘Beauty is not in the face; beauty is a light in the heart.’
Kahlil Gibran
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The Aesop Women's Library
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A guide to fragrance
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