Did you know that most women start to show visible signs of ageing when they are in their mid-twenties? Depending on genes and lifestyle habits, skin could start to sag and fine lines start to show before you hit the big 3-0.

Given Singaporeans' stressful and busy lifestyle, starting on an anti-ageing skincare regime once you hit 25 may be worth considering. After all, if you cannot remove stress from your life, you can at least ensure that your skin gets the hydration and protection that it needs.

AsiaOne Just Woman takes a look at three new anti-ageing skincare lines.

Comprehensive, inexpensive approach

If you want plump, smooth and taut skin like Penelope Cruz, read on.

The 34-year-old beauty is the face of a new anti-ageing range by French cosmetics giant L'Oreal. Called Derma Genesis, it combats anti-ageing at the cellular level by focusing on the environment in which cells are formed, boosting cellular activity so that skin cells can multiply and renew themselves.

The range claims to "replump" and moisturise your skin, while improving the skin's eleasticity. It is powered by two key ingredients. Hyaluronic Acid can retain up to 1,000 times its weight in water and acts to hydrate the skin, while the exclusive Pro-Xylane TM stimulates the synthesis of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), molecules with a high capacity to capture water. Pro-Xylane TM also encourages Hyaluronic Acid and collagen to be binded to the skin cells, thus helping to ensure effective skin hydration.

It consists of four products - Essence Concentrate ($36.90), Day Cream SPF 15 ($32.90), Intensive Night Cream ($32.90) and Eye Contour Cream ($34.90). Its star product is the Day Cream SPF 15, which claims to improve the luminosity of the skin by 95%, radiance by 87% and skin transparency by 82%.

Our reviewers liked the light, non-greasy texture of the entire range. It hydrates effectively, and even oilier skin types could accept this range - no breakouts or negative reactions were experienced in an informal three-week trial. We also like the fact that the "air tight" phial packaging reduces the amount of preservatives used in the range. At the end of three weeks, skin did feel marginally tauter and looked more moisturised.

Derma Genesis will be available in September 2008.

Stop those "runs"
SK-II's latest research has revealed that wrinkles "run". Like a hole in a stocking, wrinkles have a tendency to deepen and extend once they form. To combat the visible signs of ageing, the Japanese skincare brand has designed a two-step approach to control the "run" of the wrinkles and reduce their appearance.

SKII's Signs Wrinkle Serum

SK-II's latest product, Signs Wrinkle Serum, claims to instantly reduce the appearance of wrinkles by immediate moisturisation, while helping to plump up wrinkles from the surface layers of the skin with continous use. The serum is powered by cocktail of ingredients - N-acetyl Clucosamine (NAG), Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and Microglycan. Together, these ingredients are supposed to plump up skin from within while moisturising the outermost layer of the skin. This ingredient cocktail was also shown in skin cell models to increase the level of collagen inside the skin. Laboratory tests report a decrease in wrinkle depth and increased hydration of the skin.

Signs Wrinkle Serum works together with Signs Treatment Totality, a silky cream launched last year. It contains Vitamins B, B3 and Pro Vitamin B5, and helps to renew skin cells. For best results, perform a quick lymph massage after applying to enhance penetration and increase skin firmness. Continued usage of this cream is supposed to leave the skin firm, dewy and radiant - like SK-II spokesperson Carina Lau's.

We liked the light texture of both the Signs Wrinkle Serum and Signs Treatment Totality, which were absorbed quickly into the skin. Skin felt hydrated and pampered with each application. However, we found that Signs Treatment Totality may be slightly too "nourishing" for those with oily or acne-prone skin. Such skin types usually do not need the intensive hydration that Signs Treatment Totality provides and may want to consider using Signs Wrinkle Serum on its own.

If in doubt, take advantage of SK-II's new VISIONSCOPE, a skin analysis tool that measures skin's texture, wrinkles, skin tone, sebum and moisture levels and elasticity. The detailed analysis will allow SK-II's consultants to recommend an appropriate skincare regimen for your skin type.

SK-II's VISIONSCOPE skin analysis system will be available at all major SK-II counters in September 2008. SK-II Signs Wrinkle Serum will be available in September 2008.

Anti-ageing skincare goes organic

Do you know that the average woman slathers on more than 200 kinds of chemicals on a daily basis?

Some of these synthetic ingredients such as parabens have been linked to cancers and tumours, although there has been no comprehensive study that proves that such ingredients are the direct cause of cancers.

However, if you are concerned about the use of synthetic chemicals in your beauty products, you might want to consider going organic.

Laveré Naturokosmetik is a new range of organic anti-ageing skincare which comprises of four different lines. Three lines - Hydro, Repair and Solution Systems - address different concerns for various skin types.

Laveré Hydro Energy Lifting Serum, 25 ml, $170	Laveré Repair Relax Impression, $162	Laveré Solution Power Performance, $193

There is also a bodycare line to help firm up the skin and combat cellulite.

For women in their 20s who want to add an anti-ageing product to their current regime, the Hydro Energy Lift Lifting Serum ($170) from Laveré Hydro may be worth considering. This light yet potent liquid contains naturally-derived hyaloronic acid as well as other plant extracts and a fruit acid complex that soothes skin and provides intensive moisturisation.

Best of all, it can be incorporated into your regular skin regime - just smooth on 1-2 drops on your face and wait a couple of minutes for it to be absorbed before using your regular day cream or night cream.

We liked the light texture of this serum, as well as its sweet fragrance. A little goes a long way, and just two drops are sufficient for both the face and neck. Skin feels soft, supple and hydrated, although those with oilier skin types might want to apply this only on areas where wrinkles are starting to show - i.e. along the laugh lines or beside the eyes - rather than all over the entire face.

If you are in your 30s and 40s and believe that your skin needs intensive treatment, try Laveré Intensive Relax Impression ($162). This 7-Day Vial Treatment contains Ceramide 3, which increases moisture levels in the skin, Sacchromyces Lysate, which enhances collagen production, as well as other plant extracts that tighten, moisturises and soothes the skin while protecting it from free radicals.

But if your skin needs something even more potent, Laveré Solution Power Performance ($193) contains Isoflavones and phytocollagens to stimulate cell regeneration and enhance collagen synthesis.

While their price tags are on the high side, organic believers might feel it is a worthwhile price to pay for peace of mind as the range has been certified by the BDIH foundation as a natural cosmetic range, as well as by the UK Vegan Society to be completely free of animal products, by-products or derivatives.

Laveré is exclusively available at PhytoOrganics, B1-74 Raffles City Shopping Centre. Tel: 6337 1182.