Anti-Ageing Skincare Myths – And What Actually Works

The term anti-ageing is everywhere, especially in skincare, with countless products claiming to reverse the ageing process or give you wrinkle-free, younger skin. While there are ways to keep your skin healthy and glowing, most of these claims are unfounded myths used to sell a product. In this blog, we’ll debunk some of the common anti-ageing myths and share how to keep your skin looking its best naturally.

Why Does the Beauty Industry Push the Idea of Staying Young?

The beauty industry is known for pushing youth as the gold standard of beauty, especially for women. This has created an increasing pressure to look younger and chase after ideals that simply aren’t realistic and unobtainable. But what is not often mentioned in the skincare industry is that ageing is completely natural and something we all go through. We need more skincare brands to challenge these ideas so we can start to see a shift that shows healthy-looking skin of all ages.

Are Anti-Ageing Claims Really True?

So many popular skincare brands promise to ‘reverse’ or ‘slow’ the ageing process of your skin but the truth is, that most of these claims are either exaggerated or unproven. No soap bar, cream or serum can magically erase wrinkles or tighten skin overnight. Instead of trying to stop time, it’s better to focus on healthy ageing—keeping your skin hydrated, nourished, and protected with natural ingredients. That’s the best way to support your skin as it naturally ages.

A good skincare routine isn’t just about the products you use—it’s also about how you take care of your body. A healthy lifestyle plays a huge role in how your skin looks and feels. Staying hydrated, eating a healthy balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and protecting your skin from the sun are some of the best ways to support healthy skin naturally. Avoiding smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can also help maintain your skin’s elasticity and prevent premature ageing.

Of course, skincare products can still play an important role—especially when it comes to cleansing. Keeping your skin free from dirt, excess oil, and environmental pollutants is essential for maintaining a fresh and healthy complexion.

That’s why we created our Shea Butter Cleansing Bar—a beautifully natural cleansing bar made with just four natural ingredients: shea butter, coconut oil, rapeseed oil, and water. It’s rich in vitamin A which helps keep your skin feeling healthy, hydrated, and soft—without unnecessary additives or harsh chemicals. You can also pair the cleansing bar with our natural face cleansing pads, perfect for removing makeup and dirt at the end of the day.

What Ingredients Should You Avoid in Skincare?

When it comes to skincare, knowing what not to put on your skin is just as important as knowing what’s good for it. Many mainstream products contain harsh chemicals, unnecessary additives, and big promises that don’t always hold up. Here are some ingredients to watch out for.

🚫 Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) & Sodium Laureth Sulfate (SLES) – These are foaming agents commonly found in soaps, shower gels, and shampoos. While they create that bubbly lather, they also strip natural oils from your skin, leading to dryness, irritation, and even eczema flare-ups.

🚫 Parabens (Methylparaben, Propylparaben, Butylparaben, Ethylparaben) – These are preservatives used to extend the shelf life of skincare products. Some studies suggest they may disrupt hormones and cause skin sensitivity. Many UK brands have started to phase them out, but they still pop up in lotions, face creams, and even deodorants.

🚫 Artificial Fragrances & Perfumes – "Fragrance" or "Parfum" on an ingredient list can mean a blend of hundreds of synthetic chemicals, many of which can trigger allergic reactions and skin irritations. it's best to opt for fragrance-free or naturally scented products.

🚫 Triclosan – A common antibacterial agent found in some soaps and hand washes. It’s been banned in the US, but it’s still found in some UK products. Triclosan can disrupt hormones and harm the environment when washed down the drain.

🚫 Retinyl Palmitate (Synthetic Vitamin A) – Often found in "anti-ageing" products, this synthetic form of vitamin A can cause skin sensitivity and even increase sun damage when used during the day. If you're after vitamin A, natural sources like shea butter are a gentler, skin-friendly alternative.

Can We Embrace Ageing and Still Have Healthy Skin?

At Friendly Soap, we believe that ageing is something to be embraced, not feared. There’s no need to chase unrealistic promises of eternal youth. By focusing on natural skincare and a healthy lifestyle, you can keep your skin looking vibrant, hydrated, and healthy. That’s why we create natural soap and cleansing bars that are free from harsh chemicals like SLS, parabens, and artificial fragrances—all the things that can dry out your skin. Our natural soap bars are handmade with natural ingredients that are designed to cleanse and nourish, helping your skin look and feel its best naturally.