Stop the clock: 5 facts about skin ageing every woman needs to know

1. The sun is 80% responsible for the rate of skin ageing
As much as we enjoy a good dose of vitamin D, sunlight is the culprit for skin ageing. "UV light determines 80% of how fast your skin ages," says research scientist and skinfluencer Carolien Hoof of The Cosmetist. "When the sun shines on your skin, free radicals are released: small molecules that damage your cells and thus ensure that your body, but also your skin - your largest organ - ages faster."

Sunlight is also made up of UVA and UVB rays. "UVB light is strongest in summer (and gives your skin that sun-kissed glow), but UVA rays remain fairly stable throughout the year. It effortlessly break through clouds and glass and penetrate deep into the skin, where they damage elastin and collagen fibres. The best tip: after your day cream, apply a sunscreen with SPF 50 to slow down the production of free radicals."

2. Lifestyle is more important than you think
Not only the sun, but also air pollution, smoking and unhealthy food push up the age of your skin. Carolien: "A healthy diet with lots of vegetables and fruit provides your body with extra antioxidants that help neutralise free radicals. Also never skip the cleansing step in your care routine. It's how you wash away those harmful air particles on your skin, as well as make-up residues. Without daily cleansing, your skin is damaged much more quickly."

3. Anti-ageing products are best started at age 25
"Over the years, your body succeeds less and less in making hyaluronic acid and collagen, two crucial building blocks for the hydration and firmness of the skin," says Carolien. "From as early as age 25, collagen production drops by 1% every year. In the first five years after menopause, production even drops by 30%. The result? Your skin becomes drier and lines are more noticeable. "I always recommend starting anti-ageing as early as age 25," she says.

4. Supplements rejuvenate the skin from within
"Supplements with extra collagen and hyaluronic acid are interesting tools," Carolien concludes. Ideally, you should combine a liquid supplement with collagen peptides, hyaluronic acid, vitamins and minerals with a daily silicium supplement. Silicium is in fact an indispensable building block for an optimal collagen production. These two beauty supplements form the perfect duo to rejuvenate your skin from within.

5. You can see signs of skin ageing fading after just 30 days
"With a smart skin care routine, you can expect visible results after three months," says Carolien. If you want to see a difference faster, it is best to combine this routine with additional supplements, as recommended above. Carolien: "I take a daily collagen supplement. If you want to focus extra on hydration, skin elasticity and depth of wrinkles I think it is worth it."