What is Skin Longevity?

It’s become a buzzword in health and wellness over the past 12 months but now the world of skincare is leaning into longevity and the benefits it brings. In line with beauty’s disregard for ‘anti-ageing’, the new narrative is all about ‘ageing well’ – think preservation over prevention.

“Longevity in skincare refers to promoting the long-term health, resilience and functionality of the skin as we age,” explains consultant dermatologist, Dr Anjali Mahto. “Unlike traditional approaches that focus on reversing visible signs of ageing such as wrinkles or pigmentation, longevity aims to maintain the skin’s integrity, improve it’s ability to repair itself and slow down the intrinsic and extrinsic factors that lead to premature ageing.”

A more holistic approach that blends cutting-edge science with a wellness mindset, it’s all about giving your skin the tools it needs to boost its own ability to stay youthful, radiant and functional.

Why are the experts excited about skin longevity?

When scientists, dermatologists and brand founders simultaneously get excited over something, it’s worth sitting up and taking note. “One of the most interesting things in this space is research into epigenetics – how lifestyle factors like diet, sleep and skincare can influence how our skin cells ‘express’ themselves,” says Martine Jarman, award-winning skin expert. “As a result, brands are exploring how to optimise cellular health by protecting DNA and supporting repair mechanisms.”

What ingredients improve skin longevity?

As more research unfolds, we predict it won’t be long before we start seeing specific ‘skin longevity’ formulations unveiled but there are already plenty of ingredients that support cellular longevity. “NAD+ boosters that fuel energy production within the skin cells and peptides that recharge tired cells and support collagen and elastin production should be incorporated into your routine,” continues Martine.

“While not new, retinoids that promote cellular turnover and collagen synthesis and antioxidants like vitamins C and E to combat oxidative stress all lean into longevity skincare,” says Dr Anjali. “DNA repair enzymes such as photolyase are another active that fall into this category due to their ability to help mitigate damage caused by UV exposure.”

Daniel Isaacs, founding partner of Medik8 also flags niacinamide and hyaluronic acid as two further ingredients that support and maintain a healthy skin barrier ensuring it performs at its optimum.

Is this just the start of longevity skincare?

Absolutely, according to Daniel: “As consumers prioritise health and sustainability in skincare, longevity-focused products will become more prominent. Advances in biomimetic peptides, cellular repair technologies and DNA-targeted ingredients will likely drive the category forward. It’s an exciting time for innovation in the field.”

Want to know which products to invest in now to start biohacking your skin and help reawaken and repair damaged skin cells?

The skin longevity products to try now