What ingredients work best for anti-ageing?

Immediate Answer: Retinol, peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid are the most research-backed anti-ageing ingredients. For optimal results, you need multiple ingredients addressing different mechanisms—not a single "miracle" ingredient.

The Science: Retinol: Supports collagen synthesis and accelerates cell renewal. It's considered the gold standard for anti-ageing, but it requires proper formulation (right concentration, pH, and supporting ingredients) to be effective. pH is particularly critical—retinol is unstable at higher pH and becomes ineffective. Nordic Formula's Advanced Face Repair is formulated at pH 4.1 to protect retinol stability and maximise penetration while remaining gentle enough for the cycling approach.

Peptides: Signal your skin cells to produce more collagen and elastin. They're particularly effective because they work with your skin's natural repair mechanisms rather than forcing change.

Niacinamide (Vitamin B3): Improves your skin barrier (critical for anti-ageing because a compromised barrier ages skin faster) and helps reduce fine lines through multiple mechanisms.

Hyaluronic acid: Holds 1000x its weight in water, providing deep hydration that plumps fine lines temporarily while other ingredients work on long-term collagen support.

The reason Nordic Formula uses combinations: a single ingredient can't address wrinkles comprehensively. You need hydration support (hyaluronic acid), barrier support (niacinamide), collagen support (peptides and retinol), AND sun protection. It's a system, not a silver bullet.

The Anti-Ageing Ingredient Breakdown: Power Glow Serum (pH 3.8) contains peptides, niacinamide, and hyaluronic acid for comprehensive daily support. Advanced Face Repair (pH 4.1) works overnight with retinol to support skin renewal and elasticity. Daycream Defence Repair SPF 50 prevents future sun damage (the primary cause of ageing) while delivering bio-retinol (Revinage)—a plant-derived retinol alternative that's safe for daytime use because it doesn't cause the photosensitivity associated with traditional retinol. Together, this system addresses wrinkles from multiple angles around the clock.

Pro Tip: Don't expect overnight results from anti-ageing products. Real collagen changes require 6-8 weeks minimum. The cycling programme works because it maintains consistent treatment intensity without irritation—you're giving your skin time to build collagen while protecting against barrier damage.