7 brilliant anti-ageing tips for women recommended by a dermatologist

For decades, the conversation around anti-ageing was centered on erasure, which is the attempt to remove every fine line and stop the face from showing aging, but today the conversation around skincare is clearly changing, and dermatologists are pivoting toward skin health longevity. The goal isn't to look like a teenager, rather to ensure your skin remains resilient, vibrant, and structurally sound as you move through your 40s, 50s, and beyond.

If you are someone looking to refine your routine, here are seven expert-recommended strategies to support your skin’s natural vitality, recommened by Dr Akanksha Sanghvi,Founder & Dermatologist, Oprava Aesthetics.

It might sound cliché, but 90% of visible skin changes, whether dark spots, loss of elasticity, or fine lines, are the result of cumulative UV exposure. According to dermatologists, sunscreens aren't just a summer accessory, but a daily medical necessity. Therefore, individuals must choose broad-spectrum formulas that protect against both UVA rays that cause ageing and UVB rays that cause sunburn. UV exposure can still affect the skin on cloudy days or even when you are indoors near windows.

Sometimes in our quest for glowing skin, we over-exfoliate with harsh acids. A compromised skin barrier leads to chronic low-grade inflammation, often called "inflammaging," which accelerates the breakdown of collagen. Rather, focus on ceramides and fatty acids in your moisturizer. When your barrier is sealed, your skin retains moisture naturally and looks plumper without the need for heavy makeup.

Retinoids are often considered the gold standard in a dermatologist’s toolkit. These Vitamin A derivatives work deep within the skin to increase cell turnover and support collagen production. The best approach is to start slowly. A lower concentration used twice a week allows the skin to adjust while minimising peeling and redness.

Traditional topical creams can only penetrate the upper layers of the skin. This is where bio-remodeling has changed the approach to skin rejuvenation. Unlike dermal fillers that add volume to specific areas such as the lips or cheeks, bio-remodeling uses highly purified hyaluronic acid that spreads more evenly within the skin tissue.

Rather than simply filling a wrinkle, it stimulates the skin’s natural production of collagen and elastin while also improving hydration within the skin. The result is better moisture balance, improved firmness and smoother texture over time, addressing overall skin quality rather than just masking a surface concern.

Hydration is often confused with oiliness, but even oily skin can be dehydrated. When skin becomes dehydrated, it loses its bounce, and fine lines appear more prominent. Therefore, one must look for humectants like glycerin and various molecular weights of hyaluronic acid. These molecules pull water into the skin cells, creating a temporary flash-filler effect, leaving the skin feeling smooth.

We often stop our skincare at the jawline, but the neck, décolletage, and hands are the first places to show structural ageing. The skin on the neck is significantly thinner than the rest of our body, and has fewer oil glands than the face. Hence, one must not stop at the face and apply sunscreen to the neck and chest too. While a dedicated neck cream is not essential, regular hydration and protection in these areas are important.

Every day, our skin undergoes oxidative stress due to pollution and blue light. Antioxidants like Vitamin C, Ferulic Acid, and Resveratrol act as a secondary shield, as they tend to neutralize free radicals before they can damage your DNA. Applying a Vitamin C serum in the morning under your sunscreen creates a synergistic effect, boosting your skin's ability to defend itself.

Ageing is a privilege, and your skin is the storyteller of your life. However, supporting that story with science-backed habits allows you to feel more comfortable in your own skin. By focusing on barrier health, deep hydration, and structural support like bio-remodeling, you move away from trying to fix your face and focus on nourishing it instead. As the most effective routine isn't the one with the most steps, it’s the one that respects your skin’s biology.

Tell us about your personal favourite anti-ageing secret!