The simple answer to the question above is, maybe.

The only way to bag yourself a definitive “yay” or “nay” is to delve a little deeper, and take a good look at what your skincare steps consist of.

If you’re using the right products, the chances are your daily routine is improving things in the fine lines and wrinkle stakes. It’s more likely that it’s what you’re not doing that’s having an adverse effect. That said, there are also some simple changes you can make to give your skin the best shot at an extended youth.

You do not wear SPF

No, it’s not just for beach days, a trusted sun protection cream is an important tool in fighting against the signs of ageing. The importance of wearing SPF is something many people over look. It is a year-round health measure that will protect your skin from damage and ageing. Yep, that means 365 days a year, no matter what the weather. So, what are you waiting for? Pick up a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF-30 or higher, and make sure it’s the last step of your daily routine.

Include anti-ageing products before you need them

While many anti-aging serums, lotions and creams are designed for skin as it begins to age, a key to slowing things down is to use these gems prior to the days you actually need them. Picking up anti-ageing skincare products in your mid-20s can see long-term results for many.

Ditch the soap

You might be tempted to use products containing soap, which isn’t ideal if bouncy, supple skin is what you seek. Soaps, or soap-based products have a high PH, much higher than the natural 4.5-5 PH of our skin barrier. This means soap will dry out your skin as it not only strips the water, but also the sebum, the skin’s defensive oil layer. Using harsh products on your skin can also lead to an inflammatory response, which can damage the skin. Any irritation, stinging or burning of your skin can lead to premature ageing.

Don’t overdo the cleansing

Over cleansing the skin is likely to directly lead to premature or accelerated skin ageing. Using the wrong cleanser for our skin type can also cause issues. A gel is best for those with oily skin while a cleansing milk is ideal for sensitive skin. But how often? Try and keep it to just twice a day – once in the morning before applying moisturiser and sun cream, and once in the evening after removing any make-up. Using your fingertips, massage your cleanser for around 60 seconds if you can spare the time, as this improves circulation at the same time.

Cool things down when it comes to H2O

The temperature of the water you wash with can really impact your skin. Too hot and things can really dry, really quickly, meaning your skin is already on a back foot when trying to balance moisture. Warm or tepid is best as anything hotter could potentially be too harsh for the skin and strip it of any hydration it was holding onto. Dehydrated skin is the fastest way to extra wrinkles and fine lines.

Don’t be so rough when removing your makeup

Being unnecessarily rough with your skin can cause premature aging by breaking your skin’s barrier. This is something to consider when removing your make-up, and exfoliating your skin. Applying too much pressure, or scrubbing with harsh products or chemical-laden cotton pads or wipes, can all contribute to things going south a little sooner. Try milky or gel-based cleansers or chemical-free micellar water for a gentle clean.

Don’t skip facial moisturiser

While there’s no real way to halt the aging process, there is one skincare step that should never be missed, no matter how late for work you are! Moisturiser helps lock moisture in, an ability your skin loses over the years. It’s non-negotiable folks. Dehydrated skin can lead to the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as making existing wrinkles appear more pronounced. Keeping your skin hydrated has to be the number one rule here and products containing hyaluronic acid or glycerin are even better at keeping things watery from the inside out.