Beyond wrinkles: Why skin longevity is the next big thing in skincare

For years now, “anti-ageing” skincare has been all about turning back the clock. I mean, who doesn’t want that youthful glow or a serum that smooths wrinkles, or firms sagging skin? But there’s a newer way of thinking about ageing skin, one that focuses less on erasing every line and more on keeping our skin healthy, strong and resilient for as long as possible. It’s called skin longevity, and while it might sound like another beauty buzzword, there's more to it than a catchy new name! From chasing quick fixes to supporting our skin over the long term, keep reading as we discuss the beauty trend everyone is now talking about.   What exactly is skin longevity? Put simply, skin longevity is about keeping your skin as healthy, strong and resilient as possible for as long as possible. While traditional “anti-ageing” skincare generally focuses on concerns such as wrinkles, pigmentation and loss of firmness, skin longevity looks at the bigger picture! It's not just about how your skin looks, but how well it functions as you age. After all, your skin has a pretty important job to do! As your body's largest organ, it's constantly working to protect you from environmental damage, retain moisture and repair itself. But as we get older, our skin naturally changes. Cell renewal slows, collagen production declines, and the skin's ability to retain moisture and recover from damage becomes less efficient! The idea behind skin longevity is to support these essential functions over time, helping skin to stay healthier and more resilient for longer, rather than waiting until visible signs of ageing appear before taking action! And the best part? Many of the things that support skin longevity, from daily SPF to well-formulated anti-ageing products, are probably already part of your skincare routine. It's not about throwing out your favourite creams and serums, but understanding how they contribute to healthier skin in the long run.   So, is skin longevity really something new, or just another beauty buzzword? Here's the thing. Looking after your skin's long-term health isn't exactly a new idea. Skincare professionals have been recommending sun protection, hydration, antioxidants and barrier-supporting ingredients for years. So why all the fuss about skin longevity? Much of the growing interest comes from advances in longevity research, which looks at how we can stay healthier as we get older, rather than simply live longer. And now that thinking is making its way into skincare. As our understanding of skin ageing develops, there's growing interest in what's happening beneath the surface, from cellular ageing and inflammation to how well our skin protects and repairs itself over time. It's not just about tackling the visible signs of ageing, but understanding how to support the skin's natural functions for longer. So while the term might be relatively new, the thinking behind it isn't entirely revolutionary! What's changing is the emphasis on maintaining healthy skin for the long term, alongside treating the visible signs of ageing.   How can you support skin longevity? You don't need a bathroom cabinet full of new products or a complicated 10-step routine to get started. In fact, some of the most effective ways to look after your skin's long-term health are surprisingly simple. 1. Don't underestimate your daily SPF If there's one skincare habit worth sticking to, it's sun protection! By now we all know UV exposure is one of the biggest contributors to premature skin ageing, damaging collagen, contributing to pigmentation and affecting the skin's ability to stay healthy over time. Daily broad-spectrum SPF, used appropriately for your UV exposure, is one of the best investments you can make in your skin's future, seriously! Not sure which sunscreen is right for you? Have a read of our guide to choosing the best sunscreen for your skin.   2. Keep your skin barrier happy Your skin barrier does a lot of the hard work, keeping moisture in and irritants out. Gentle cleansing, consistent moisturising and avoiding excessive exfoliation all help maintain a healthy barrier. Because even the most expensive serum won't perform at its best if your skin is constantly irritated! If your skin has been feeling dry, tight or sensitive, our blog on 9 signs of a damaged skin barrier and how to fix it is a great place to start.   3. Choose ingredients that do more than one job When it comes to skin longevity, some skincare ingredients are particularly worth knowing about. Retinol helps support skin renewal and improve the appearance of fine lines, vitamin C provides antioxidant protection and helps support collagen production, while certain peptides can help improve the appearance of firmness and wrinkles. And let's not forget ingredients such as ceramides and hyaluronic acid, which help maintain hydration and support a healthy skin barrier. Of course, that doesn't mean you need all of them! The trick is choosing well-formulated products that suit your skin and using them consistently, rather than trying every new ingredient that comes along. Not sure which ingredients your skin actually needs? Our guide to building a skincare routine for your skin type and concerns will help you work out where to start.  4. Give your skin a little help from the inside, too Skincare can do plenty, but it can't do everything! Getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and managing stress all contribute to overall health, which can influence how our skin looks, feels and functions. And if you're curious about how these everyday habits affect your complexion, we've explored the connection between stress, sleep and skin ageing in why your skin suddenly looks older: 8 reasons and what to do about it.   5. Think long-term, not overnight miracles Healthy skin doesn't happen overnight, and neither do meaningful improvements in its appearance. Rather than constantly switching products in search of instant results, give your routine time to work. Consistency, sensible product choices and a little patience will take you much further than chasing every new beauty trend! And if you're wondering why your favourite products aren't delivering the results you'd hoped for, have a read of why your skincare isn't working: 7 reasons you might not be seeing results.   So, is skin longevity the future of skincare? Perhaps. But the idea behind it is something skincare professionals have believed in for years, looking after your skin today helps give it the best chance of looking and feeling its best tomorrow. And no, that doesn't mean saying goodbye to your favourite anti-ageing creams and serums! They still have an important place in your routine. Skin longevity simply reminds us that there's more to healthy ageing than tackling the lines, wrinkles and other changes we see in the mirror. Because at the end of the day, it's not just about looking younger. It's about keeping your skin healthy, strong and looking its best at every age.

We all know how important it is to wear sunscreen every day. And if you've read any of our skincare blogs, you'll know I harp on about it… a lot! But have you ever wondered whether being so diligent with your SPF could mean you're missing out on something your body actually needs? I'm talking about vitamin D. Our bodies rely on sunlight to produce it, so are we doing ourselves a disservice by being so careful in the sun? And is it really possible to get enough vitamin D while keeping our skin protected? Well, when it comes to sunshine, sunscreen and vitamin D, there's a little more to the story than you might think! Keep reading as we discuss whether daily sunscreen really affects your vitamin D levels and how to get the balance right.   First things first, why do we need Vitamin D? We hear so much about vitamin D, but what does it actually do? Quite a lot, as it turns out! It helps our bodies absorb calcium, keeps our bones and muscles healthy, and plays a role in supporting our immune system. And as we get older, maintaining healthy vitamin D levels becomes particularly important for bone health. Here's the interesting part! Unlike most vitamins, our bodies can make vitamin D themselves, simply by exposing our skin to sunlight. Which brings us to the million-dollar question. If sunshine helps us produce vitamin D, what happens when we're slathering our skin in sunscreen every day?   Does wearing sunscreen stop your body producing Vitamin D? Now for the question we've all been wondering about! Technically, yes. Sunscreen filters UVB rays, which are the same rays our skin needs to produce vitamin D! So, it makes sense to assume that wearing SPF every day could leave us short on this essential vitamin. But…..research suggests that regular sunscreen use has little effect on vitamin D levels in everyday life. Why? Because no sunscreen blocks 100% of UV radiation, and most of us still get some incidental sun exposure throughout the day. So, while sunscreen can reduce vitamin D production under controlled conditions, wearing it in everyday life doesn't automatically mean you'll become deficient. And that's a pretty good reason to keep applying your SPF!   Do we really need 20 minutes of sunshine every day (without wearing sunscreen)? You've probably heard that spending 15–20 minutes in the sun without sunscreen is essential for getting enough vitamin D. But here's the thing. There's actually no magic number of minutes that works for everyone! How much sunshine you need depends on your skin type, where you live, the season and, importantly, the UV Index. During an Australian summer, when UV levels are high, most people can maintain adequate vitamin D levels through everyday outdoor activities, even while practising sun protection. In southern parts of Australia during winter, when the UV Index is below 3, spending some time outdoors with uncovered skin may help maintain vitamin D levels. Sun protection generally isn't required at these low UV levels, although there are exceptions. And here's something worth remembering, UV levels aren't the same as temperature. A cool or cloudy day can still have a high UV Index, so don't rely on how sunny it looks outside! So, before you set a 20-minute timer and head outside without your sunscreen, remember that more sun isn't necessarily better! Too much UV exposure increases your risk of skin damage and skin cancer and we all know that.   What if you're not getting enough Vitamin D though? Not everyone gets enough vitamin D, even in sunny Australia! People who spend most of their time indoors, older adults, people with darker skin and those with certain medical conditions may be at greater risk of deficiency. And while foods such as salmon, eggs and fortified products contain vitamin D, getting enough from diet alone can be tricky! If you're concerned about your vitamin D levels, speak to your GP. They can assess whether testing or supplementation is appropriate, rather than you deliberately increasing your unprotected sun exposure.   So, how do we get the balance right? You don't have to choose between healthy vitamin D levels and protecting your skin. A few simple habits can help: Keep SPF part of your morning skincare routine. When the UV Index is 3 or above, choose broad-spectrum SPF50 or SPF50+ and reapply every two hours when outdoors, or after swimming or sweating. Check the UV Index, not the temperature. UV radiation can be high even when it's cloudy or cool! Enjoy getting outdoors. Walking the dog, gardening or heading out for coffee can all contribute to everyday sun exposure. Think beyond sunscreen. Hats, sunglasses, protective clothing and shade are important parts of sun protection too! Don't guess if you're concerned. Your GP can help you determine whether your vitamin D levels need attention. And while sunscreen isn't always necessary when UV levels are low, there's no need to abandon your daily SPF habit, particularly if protecting your skin against premature ageing is a priority. If you're looking for a sunscreen you'll actually enjoy wearing every day, explore our sun care collection. After all, finding an SPF you love makes protecting your skin that much easier! Need help choosing? Our guide to finding the best sunscreen for your skin is a great place to start.   Vitamin D is essential, but so is protecting your skin from UV damage. For most Australians, it's possible to maintain healthy vitamin D levels without deliberately spending time in the sun unprotected. So keep enjoying the outdoors, make SPF part of your daily skincare routine and remember: getting enough vitamin D doesn't have to come at the expense of healthy, protected skin.  

We spend so much time (and money!) on our skincare, carefully choosing products with the latest and greatest ingredients (which of course promise to deliver impressive results!). But have you ever really considered what's actually in your foundation? After all, doesn't it make sense to pay just as much attention to the makeup we're applying on top? For years, foundation has been all about coverage. Concealing imperfections, evening out skin tone and creating a flawless-looking complexion. But who says it can't do more? That's where skincare makeup comes in. Also known as skincare-infused makeup, these modern formulations combine beautiful coverage with ingredients that help hydrate, soften and condition your skin. So, which skincare ingredients should you look for in your foundation, and what exactly can they do for your skin? Keep reading to find out!   1. Hyaluronic Acid & Glycerine (for hydration) Does your foundation ever cling to dry patches or settle into fine lines? If so, hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerine are worth looking out for! Both are humectants, meaning they attract water and help maintain moisture in the skin. They can help keep your complexion feeling hydrated and comfortable, while giving it a smoother, plumper appearance.   2. Squalane & Jojoba Esters (for softness) Nobody wants foundation that leaves their skin feeling tight or dry by lunchtime! Squalane and jojoba esters are lightweight emollients that help soften the skin and reduce moisture loss. They can also contribute to a smoother, more comfortable application, particularly in foundations designed to be worn for hours.   3. Antioxidants (for added skin benefits) Green tea, Kakadu plum, pomegranate and bilberry aren't just ingredients you'll find in your favourite skincare serums! These botanical extracts contain antioxidant compounds that can help defend against free radicals associated with everyday environmental stress, which contributes to premature skin ageing. While foundation won't replace your antioxidant serum, these ingredients are a welcome addition to your makeup routine.   4. Allantoin & Marigold (for skin comfort) If your skin is easily irritated or prone to redness, soothing ingredients are worth paying attention to. Allantoin is known for its soothing and skin-conditioning properties, while marigold extract is often included in formulations designed to help keep skin feeling comfortable. They're particularly appealing if you prefer makeup that feels gentle rather than heavy or uncomfortable.   5. Minerals & Powders (for protection and a flawless finish) Not every beneficial ingredient in your foundation works like a skincare serum. Some are there to make your makeup look and perform better! Mineral pigments provide colour and coverage, mica reflects light for a softer, more luminous appearance, while ingredients such as kaolin clay and rice powder can absorb excess oil and help minimise shine. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide can also act as UV filters in appropriately formulated and tested SPF products. A quick reminder! Even if your foundation contains SPF, it shouldn't replace your daily sunscreen. For everyday sun protection in Australia, use a dedicated broad-spectrum SPF 50 or SPF 50+ sunscreen underneath your makeup.   Finding the right foundation for your skin Of course, knowing which ingredients are beneficial is one thing. Finding a foundation that combines them in a formula you actually love wearing is another! This is why we love the ELES Cosmetics foundation range! It combines skincare ingredients, botanical extracts and mineral pigments, with different textures, coverage levels and finishes to suit every skin! Love a fresh, natural-looking glow? ELES Mineral Glow Skin Tint is ideal if you prefer lightweight coverage that evens out your complexion while letting your natural skin shine through. Combining hyaluronic acid, glycerine and squalane with green tea, marigold and other botanical extracts, it helps keep skin feeling hydrated and comfortable, with a fresh, luminous finish. Want buildable coverage without a heavy feel? ELES HD Mineral Satin Foundation offers a smooth, natural satin finish with coverage you can build where needed. Its combination of hyaluronic acid, squalane, green tea and soothing allantoin makes it a lovely option if you want a polished complexion without compromising on skin comfort. Prefer a smooth, velvety finish? ELES Mineral Flawless Finish Foundation combines hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and squalane with botanical extracts and oil-absorbing powders. A great choice if you prefer a soft, polished finish that helps minimise unwanted shine without leaving skin feeling dry. More of a powder foundation fan? ELES Mineral SkinPerfect Powder Foundation delivers buildable coverage with a smooth, airbrushed finish. Featuring mineral pigments alongside antioxidant-rich Kakadu plum, pomegranate and bilberry extracts, it's a convenient option for anyone who loves the feel of a powder foundation or wants to keep shine under control. The important thing is to look beyond one standout ingredient and consider the overall formulation, your skin type and the finish you prefer.   Remember your foundation doesn't need to replace your skincare routine, but there's no reason it can't complement it. Whether you're after extra hydration, soothing ingredients or a formula that helps keep shine under control, understanding what's in your makeup can help you make a more informed choice. After all, great foundation shouldn't just look good on your skin. It should feel good, too!