Botox isn't the only option for younger-looking skin. Here's what an expert recommends instead.

Until recently, procedures involving needles — such as anti-wrinkle injections, fillers and micro-needling — were the only way to nab youthful-looking skin.

And while these kinds of treatments are now almost as common as getting your nails done, it's worth knowing that they aren't the only answer when it comes to minimising fine lines and wrinkles.

Because as the science and technological advancements in the beauty industry continue to grow, the developments in areas such as topical skincare and in-clinic treatments are huge. 

Meaning? There are now more options than ever if you're looking at how to navigate ageing skin, without needles.

Watch: Julia Morris, on injectables. Post continues below.

But before we get into it, it's probably worth talking about some changes that happen as your skin ages — and how they come about in the first place.

In an interview with Dr Shammi Theesan for Mamamia's recent Skin Summit, the Melbourne-based dermatologist told us that as our skin ages, "It's remodelling, it's changing. The skeletal aspect of our faces is kind of shrinking down."

"That's why you get concerns such as jowls, because our mandible (where our jawline is) kind of shrinks down. You've got laxity of the skin because you don't produce as much collagen and elastin."

"Women after menopause lose a good 30 per cent of their collagen — and then you've got that 2 per cent decline every year after that."

"So when you put that in the mix together, with ageing on every level — from the muscles to the bones to the skin — you also get that cumulative sun damage over time. That gives you a bit of a textural or pigmentation issue or an impaired skin barrier."

While things like fine lines and wrinkles are a very natural part of ageing that absolutely *everyone* will experience at one point or another, if these things are really bothering you it's worth knowing your options. 

As always, remember that beauty is very much a 'you do you space' — each to their own, yeah?

Here, Dr Theesan shares the best injectables-free options available for our faces.

The best topical skincare alternative.

If you're in your 40s and over, and haven't yet dabbled in the skincare game, the good news is that it's never too late to start a skincare routine.

In fact, as Dr Theesan told us, the skin is one of the best regenerative properties of our whole body — so yes, you can still improve your skin. 

"You can't reverse ageing completely, but you can mitigate it radically with the right intervention of the right skincare. But skincare has to be homework that you do every day."

Note taken.

According to our expert, if you're looking to target fine lines and wrinkles, there are some key active ingredients you'll want to have in your routine — the most notable being vitamin A, B and C. 

It may sound 10/10 daunting if you're not into skincare, but let us (Dr Theesan) explain.

"Vitamin A is in the retinol family and that is probably the gold standard for wrinkles and anti-ageing because it truly plumps up your collagen," she said.

Retinol is one of the few proven ingredients that can help minimise the visible signs of ageing, and can also help increase collagen production and speed up your skin's cell turnover.

"It helps with skin renewal and is a great multitasker. The cosmeceutical industry has caught on to this, and they have good, highly effective products now."

Just keep in mind that retinol comes in all different strengths — and it's important to start low and work your way up in both frequency and percentage. 

It's worth noting here, though, that when it comes to skincare ingredients, a higher percentage does not equal better/more effective. So, be wary of going too hard too fast.

"The trick with retinol though is to introduce it gently. So use a pea-sized amount, a couple of times a week at night," said Dr Theesan. 

"You don't really want to get that retinal dermatitis or retinoid dermatitis when the skin peels and gets irritated. Because that level of inflammation actually is counterproductive."

So, again — using retinol very low level and gradually building up that strength, or the frequency is the way to go. 

Another of Dr Theesan's favourite ingredients? Vitamin B3. 

"It is another massive multitasker," she said. "It's anti-acne, it's anti-oil production, it helps with pigmentation and it actually helps increase the production of ceramide. Ceramide is little lipids or glue between your skin cells, and it's a key ingredient to keep skin looking fresh and luminous."

So, where do you start with all of these ingredients? What's a good go-to skincare routine?

Dr Theesan said at night, use a gentle cleanser, and then use either a lactic acid treatment or a retinol treatment and follow with a moisturiser.

In the mornings, she said "Splash a bit of lukewarm water on your skin and pat it dry — DO NOT rub it dry with a towel. Then, use a drop of your vitamin B serum and tap it in. Follow with a drop of your vitamin C serum. Wait 30 seconds, lock it in with your moisturiser, then apply SPF."

On that note, it's never too late to start applying sunscreen. So, make sure this is a consistent part of your routine every morning. 

"Sunscreen is not just about skin, it's about cancer prevention," said Dr Theesan. "It's about your collagen loss. It's about your pigmentation. It's about worsening your rosacea. So, it's never too late."

The best treatment alternatives.

Again, while things like fine lines and wrinkles are a very natural part of ageing, if these things are really bothering you, in-clinic treatments could also be an option (in combination with a solid skincare routine, of course).

When it comes to the best treatment alternatives, one big thing to keep in mind is that there's no quick fix — and the types of solutions will look different for everyone.

As Dr Theesan said, "I'm biased, but I think the right dermatologist would know exactly what you need."

"A lot of dermatologists specialise in different areas. So you can find someone who is an aesthetic specialist or who's going to look at your skin holistically from a prescription and laser treatment."

"We don't have one tool to fix a condition we can give you a myriad of options."

Our advice? There's A LOT of different in-clinic options out there, so you're best checking in with a skin specialist to see which treatment is right for you, because everyone's skin is different.

It's also important to keep in mind that you'll often need to undergo a series of treatments for best results — so keep your expectations realistic. 

Did you miss The Skin Summit presented by Mamamia? Get on-demand access to the best skin experts in the world. Whether you love nerding out over a 12-step skincare routine or still use a bar of soap, the summit is the secret to the best skin of your life. Streaming directly to your couch. Catch up on-demand here.

Feature image: Getty + Canva.