Ageing is a privilege, but that doesn’t mean we can’t take steps to maintain a healthy, youthful glow for as long as possible. Recently, I've seen a surge of 20-somethings coming into my clinic, heavily influenced by TikTok trends, believing they need to jump straight to injectables like polynucleotides, exosomes, PRP, and PRF to start their anti-ageing journey.
I’m here to tell you: you don’t need to reach for injectables just yet.
The Importance of Prejuvenation: Start Simple, Stay Safe
When we talk about anti-ageing in your 20s, we’re really talking about preventative ageing or prejuvenation. And while injectables have their place and can be hugely helpful, they are not your first action. Always start with the simple, safe, and low-risk approaches: good skincare and smart lifestyle choices.
By tackling the root causes of ageing early, you might significantly delay the visible signs of ageing. Plus, you get the added benefit of building a solid foundation for when or if you decide to explore advanced treatments later.
Understanding the Science Behind Skin Ageing
There are 12 root causes of ageing, but two are particularly relevant to the skin: mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular senescence.
Mitochondrial Dysfunction: Keeping Your Cell Batteries Charged
Our mitochondria are the "batteries" of our cells, generating energy from oxygen and the food we eat. As we age, levels of a vital molecule called NAD decline dramatically. By 40, NAD levels can drop to half of what they were in our youth, affecting the skin's ability to repair, regenerate, and maintain its barrier.
Here's the good news: you're probably already supporting your NAD levels without realising it! Exercise is a powerful NAD booster. Additionally, certain skincare ingredients like sunflower shoot extract are emerging as exciting tools to enhance NAD recycling within the skin, offering a new frontier in prejuvenation.
Pro Tip: Don't be misled by the celebrity trend of IV NAD drips — our cells must assemble NAD internally, and topical support is often far more effective. Supplements like NMN (nicotinamide mononucleotide) can also help by providing smaller building blocks that cells can easily absorb.
And, of course, sunscreen remains your best ally. Protecting your skin from UV damage preserves mitochondrial function and prevents NAD depletion.
Cellular Senescence: Battling the Zombie Cells
Another key culprit is cellular senescence, where damaged cells linger rather than dying, causing inflammation and collagen breakdown. This accelerates skin ageing and triggers a vicious cycle of damage.
Fortunately, new skincare innovations target this process too. Senolytic ingredients like milk thistle extract are showing promising results in clearing out senescent cells and even encouraging them to return to a healthier state.
Your Skincare Prejuvenation Routine: Where to Start
To lay the foundation for healthy ageing and delay the need for injectables, here’s a simple yet effective skincare and lifestyle blueprint:
- Daily Sunscreen: Shield your skin from UV damage every single day.
- Targeted Skincare Ingredients: Look for products with NAD-boosting and senolytic ingredients.
- Healthy Lifestyle Choices: Regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in B vitamins (think avocado and edamame), and adequate sleep.
- Topical Antioxidants: Incorporate a potent antioxidant serum to combat oxidative stress.
- Supplements (if needed): Consider NMN to support internal NAD production if your diet needs a boost.
Final Thoughts
Injectables can absolutely play a role in maintaining youthful skin — but they shouldn't be your starting point. By focusing first on skincare and lifestyle, you're not only choosing the safer, more natural path, you're also setting yourself up for better results if and when you do decide to explore more advanced interventions.
So, why wait? Start your prejuvenation journey today, naturally and effectively — no needles required.
