An expected boom in market size
According to the GCI magazine, the anti-aging market is set to explode this decade as all boomers (born 1946-1964) will have entered their sixties within the next few years.1
By 2030, it is estimated that 1 in 6 people in the world will be aged 60+ years.2
In fact, P&S Intelligence reported recently that the global market size for anti-aging is expected to skyrocket from $194.4 billion in 2020 to $422.8 billion by 2030.1
Key factors propelling this growth aren’t just limited to the aging population—it’s also driven by a new post-pandemic mindset, a mix between a new focus on sustainably sourced ingredients and consumers breaking down taboos on their health and wellbeing.
What are the key skin concerns of ageing?
There are 2 main types of causes for skin aging: internal causes and external causes. Internal causes are inevitable, it is part of our biological make-up.
External factors, aka. the exposome, are linked to our lifestyle (pollution, stress, sleep, sun, nutrition, etc.). These two phenomena alter the homeostasis of our skin and increase oxidative stress.
Indeed, oxidative stress leads to the release of free radicals which damage skin cells and degrade key matrix markers such as collagen, hyaluronic acid or elastin.
Types of well-ageing ingredients explained
Plumpers & collagen boosters
With age, the natural synthesis of macromolecules such as collagen or hyaluronic acid decreases. Damaged molecules are no longer replaced by new, more effective ones, which leads to sagging of the skin. Certain active ingredients, such as peptides or others, stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, essential for maintaining elasticity & firmness of the skin.
To help replenish your natural content of effective macromolecules, look for plumping ingredients that will either boost collagen or boost your natural hyaluronic acid production.
Skin tone unifier
Overtime, the skin’s exposition to sunlight & ultraviolet rays adds up and our melanin production accelerates. Overstimulated, melanin gives way to age spots.
In order to prevent the early appearance of age spots, skin-evening active ingredients can regulate melanin production, brighten the skin and reduce uneven skin tone caused by sun damage and aging.
Antioxidants
When the skin's defense systems become less effective and free radicals accumulate, and free radicals accumulate, cellular functions are impaired. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage our skin; the synthesis of proteins and macromolecules decreases, the epidermis becomes thinner and dermal and epidermal functions are disrupted, which accelerates the aging process.
Active ingredients with strong antioxidant properties can help weakened skins fight off the daily aggressions our skin faces.
Photo-aging prevention
It is essential to protect the skin from the sun as UVA rays are the main culprits of photo-aging, which contributes to oxidative stress via the release of free radicals.
In addition to using sunscreen, it is interesting to formulate with sun protectant active ingredients which will protect the skin against the sun's harmful effects.
Hydrators
Skin can appear flakier or drier as we age, this is due to an impairment of the barrier function as the epidermis thins overtime.
By strengthening the skin barrier, we can prevent moisture loss and protect the skin from external aggressions. Active ingredients can also be used to rehydrate our skin, redistribute its water content or even boost essential lipids to maintain hydration.
Cellular regeneration
The active ingredients promoting skin regeneration can eliminate senescent skin cells, boost markers linked to cell renewal and thus reveal a softer and smoother skin. They can also reduce the appearance of class 1 wrinkles, as well as irregularity in skin texture.
A change in perspective: from anti-aging to well-ageing
Breaking the stigma around the influence of age on men and women’s lives can help them better understand their body and its needs.
By seeking preventative measures rather than corrective measures, consumers are taking ownership of what constitutes their beauty, regardless of their age. They actively look for products that fit with their new mindset and aspirations. This is why we’ve been seeing a shift from “anti-ageing” products towards “pro-ageing” and “well-ageing” products.
Well-ageing active ingredients are designed to target specific skin concerns linked to mature skin. Today, they also hold a more holistic approach, instead of only targeting wrinkles , they also target other issues such as dry skin, uneven skin tone, hyper-pigmentation, menopause, mental well-being and more...