In the world of beauty products, there’s perhaps no category more saturated than the anti-ageing market. Suitable for use from your 20s through to your 60s and 70s, the correct anti-ageing skincare routine, focusing on prevention, hydration, and treatment can be a gamechanger for busy mums.

Serums and eye creams and lotions galore promise to do everything from smoothing fine lines to fading dark spots — but they don't always keep their pesky promises.

We did our research and leaned on a few dermatologists to bring you a little inspiration ahead of Arabic Mother’s Day on March 21.

Let’s break it down

Prevention: Products including trusted sunscreens, antioxidant serums, as well as products containing Vitamin C, are an integral part of any anti-ageing routine. They are the guys who help ward off signs of ageing in the first place.

Hydration: Take everything else away and the products tasked with hydrating skin are key. These products are the true secret to youthful-looking skin. One of the quickest ways to achieve a youthful-looking glow is by loading up on moisture.

Treatment: Here we’re talking about products loaded with retinoids, peptides, and other growth factors. These are the ones that help target specific concerns like fine lines, texture, and dullness.

Vitamin C force

Look for products containing both vitamin C and E, which the body cannot produce on its own. Many are also loaded with ferulic acid, an antioxidant that improves the efficacy of the other two.

We love: With three stable forms of Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid, Labothécaire’s Vitamin C Triad Serum is up there with the best. It’s a formula that hydrates and brightens the skin, as well as fights the damaging effects of oxidation caused by pollution, toxins and other environmental stressors.

Peptide eye serum

The thin skin around the eye area is the most susceptible to signs of ageing, making a dedicated eye cream an anti-ageing essential. The better brands contain neuro-calming peptides to relax crow's feet, Vitamin C, which provides antioxidants and skin brightening effects, caffeine to depuff, and humectants for intense hydration.

We love: Dermalogica Biolumin-C Eye Serum that brightens and visibly firms the eye area. Rehydrates the skin, improving elasticity and diminishing the appearance of fine lines. It’s a true powerhouse.

Super sunscreen

A broad-spectrum SPF is essential to prevent fine lines, wrinkles and of course skin cancer.

Look for products with transparent zinc oxide, which is extremely effective at blocking rays but also gentle enough for sensitive skin. Those packed with niacinamide will also help calm any redness and inflammation.

We love: Ultrasun’s Mineral Face SPF 50 provides heavy duty protection in a lightweight lotion. The mineral range uses only physical filters which, combined with anti-ageing super-ingredient, Ectoin, make this the go-to for those looking to curb the wrinkles, as well as those with sensitive skin.

Hyaluronic acid hydration

Hyaluronic acid is a naturally-occurring molecule found in the skin and body. It's a humectant—meaning it has an incredible ability to both attract moisture and hold it in the skin. Serums or creams containing this splendid stuff will help seal moisture into the skin for firmer, smoother, and softer skin.

We love: Pestle & Mortar’s Pure Hyaluronic Serum has a cult following and for good reason. It’s a super lightweight, fragrance-free serum, which is super-hydrating, working wonders in the anti-ageing stakes. The key is multi-molecular, meaning many different weights of hyaluronic acid, which helps hydrate from the surface to deeper layers.