Are Anti-Ageing Creams Worth the Hype?

I get asked this question: Are anti-ageing creams worth it, or are they just a marketing gimmick? It’s such a great question, and I love answering it because it lets me break down what really works in skincare—and what’s just clever branding.

So, let’s talk about it. Do those jars of ‘youth in a bottle’ really do what they promise?

What Does ‘Anti-Ageing’ Even Mean?

First, let’s unpack this term. Anti-ageing has been a buzzword in the beauty industry for decades, but what does it actually mean? Technically, ageing is a natural, inevitable process. Our skin changes over time due to factors like collagen depletion, slower cell turnover, hormonal shifts (hello, perimenopause), and environmental stressors like sun exposure and pollution.

Most ‘anti-ageing’ creams claim to fight signs of ageing—things like fine lines, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and dullness. The real question is: can a cream truly stop or reverse ageing? The short answer? No. But that doesn’t mean skincare can’t make a real difference in how your skin looks and feels.

Top 4 Things That Matter for Mature Skin

The effectiveness of any skincare routine comes down to what your skin truly needs as it matures. Instead of chasing trends, focus on the following essentials:

1. Hydration

As we age, our skin tends to get thinner and loses moisture more easily, leading to dehydration and a dull appearance. This can emphasise fine lines and wrinkles. Using deeply hydrating products like our Balance & Rehydrate Beauty Essence helps maintain a plump and radiant look.

2. Gentle Products

Mature skin is often more sensitive, meaning harsh exfoliants and overly complex routines can do more harm than good. Stick to nourishing, barrier-supporting products that work in harmony with your skin.

3. Face Oils

Oils are non-negotiable for mature skin. A high-quality face oil, like our Glow & Revitalize Oil Serum, locks in moisture, delivers essential nutrients, prevents transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and strengthens the skin’s natural barrier, giving it a healthy glow.

4. SPF (Yes, It’s Essential!)

The number one cause of premature skin ageing? Sun damage. If your skincare routine doesn’t include SPF, no anti-ageing cream will save you. Daily sunscreen is the real MVP for keeping skin looking youthful.

The Problem with Some Anti-Ageing Creams

The reason many anti-ageing creams don’t deliver noticeable results is that most skincare products don’t penetrate beyond the outermost layer of the skin. This means that while they may provide temporary hydration and a plumping effect, they aren’t able to deeply repair or stimulate collagen production in the deeper layers where ageing truly happens.

Another issue? Marketing claims that overpromise results. If a cream says it will ‘erase wrinkles in 7 days’ or ‘reverse ageing,’ that’s a red flag. No topical product can reverse ageing—it can only support skin health and improve its appearance over time.

The Holistic Approach to Ageing Well

Instead of focusing on anti-ageing, I encourage my clients and customers to embrace pro-ageing—supporting the skin with what it needs, rather than fighting the inevitable.

This means:

• Nourishing your skin barrier with hydrating and repairing ingredients.

• Using sunscreen daily (yes, even in winter!).

• Incorporating facial massage or gua sha to boost circulation and skin elasticity naturally.

• Choosing high-quality, minimal skincare with effective ingredients (like our Glow & Revitalize Oil Serum, which nourishes and supports skin resilience).

• Supporting your skin from within through good nutrition, hydration, and stress management.

Final Thoughts

Are anti-ageing creams worth it? Here’s my honest answer: Some can be, but many aren’t. If an anti-ageing product has well-formulated actives like retinoids, peptides, or antioxidants (and you’re using SPF alongside it), then yes, it can help support skin health and slow down signs of ageing. 

More importantly, skincare should be about nurturing your skin, not fearing ageing. There’s nothing wrong with wanting to maintain healthy, radiant skin, but chasing after ‘anti-ageing’ miracles can lead to frustration and wasted money.

Instead, invest in high-quality, minimal, and effective skincare, protect your skin from sun damage, and treat it with love. That’s the real secret to looking and feeling your best at any age.

What are your thoughts on anti-ageing creams? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear!

Love,

Jenny, the Founder of Jenny Nordic Skincare

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