The global anti-aging market was recorded at US$ 63.9 billion in 2021 and is forecast to grow to US$126.2 billion by 2030.
The global anti-aging market was recorded at US$ 63.9 billion in 2021 and is forecast to grow to US$126.2 billion by 2030. Historically, this industry has been driven by fear, with brands touting products that promise to reverse ageing, but which often don’t deliver results. However, research has shown that through a pro-ageing and health-conscious attitude, which is largely linked to the self-care trend, people can indeed age well and slow down the ageing process. But with this, the stigma of ageing needs to be broken.
This is according to Toni Carroll, founder and CEO of My Beauty Luv, a local professional-grade nutricosmetic brand, who says that ageing is a privilege, and it is important for us to embrace it by adopting a pro-ageing approach. “This doesn’t mean the rejection of beauty products, but rather making more targeted choices towards those that are designed to enhance the appearance at any age, instead of concealing and combatting signs of aging.”
Luckily, she says that there are various products on the market that can help with this. “But it’s best to start with an inside-out approach for overall health and longevity.” Carroll points out that a new trend in ingestible beauty is medicinal mushrooms and outlines a few that have been proven particularly beneficial as we age:
- Tremella Mushroom (Tremella Fuciformis) is regarded as the ‘beauty mushroom’ in Asia since it is packed with Vitamin D in its most bioavailable form and has been scientifically proven to improve skin hydration, protect against collagen loss after UV exposure and reduce inflammation.
- Wood / Jew’s Ear Mushroom (Auricularia Auricula-Judae) is highly sought after for its numerous health and longevity-promoting properties. Scientifically, it has been found to stimulate pro-collagen biosynthesis in skin cells and to increase hyaluronic acid synthesis, helping to hydrate the skin and protect against elasticity loss.
- Cauliflower Mushroom (Sparassis Crispa) contains veratric acid, a molecule renowned for its antimicrobial, anti-irritant and antioxidant properties. This mushroom has been found to protect the skin cells by inhibiting UVB-induced DNA damage while promoting collagen synthesis and increasing healthy fibroblast cell activity.
When it comes to topical agents, Carroll’s top solutions are medical-grade retinol and hyaluronic acid.“Retinol dramatically impacts the skin by stimulating collagen production, while also working to improve its underlying structure, firming up the skin and, in doing so, smoothing lines and wrinkles. It also speeds up the normal exfoliation process to provide skin clarity, smoothness and a more even-toned complexion. Plus, it stimulates hyaluronic acid within the skin, keeping it moisturised, hydrated, healthy and full-looking,” she says.
Carroll points out that although naturally occurring, our hyaluronic acid levels diminish as we get older, leaving the skin progressively unable to retain water, causing dehydration, sallow skin, with fine lines and wrinkles. “When applied topically, hyaluronic acid skincare reduces trans-epidermal moisture loss and fortifies the skin barrier. It’s also super hydrating and provides the skin with suppleness and a plumping effect. This is because hyaluronic acid can attract and retain more than 1,000 times its own weight in water from the surrounding atmosphere while also drawing moisture up from lower skin layers to the top levels of the epidermis.”
“These solutions are a great way to ensure you age well from the inside out while nourishing your skin and body,” she says. “Remember, you just need to be the best version of yourself, no matter what age you are. After all, age, is really just a number.”
Carroll believes that ageing is a privilege, and as we grow older and wiser, the more we look after ourselves and our bodies – especially our gut health – the better we can age.
In closing, she quotes actress Jamie-Lee Curtis: The word ‘anti-ageing’ has to be struck. I am pro-ageing. I want to age with intelligence, and grace, and dignity, and verve, and energy. “And this can be done by shifting the narrative from anti-ageing to pro-ageing,” Carroll concludes.
