I’m 48 years young – my anti-ageing beauty secret is an £11 bargain buy…my skin looks better than it did in my twenties
HANDS up if you’re guilty of forking out a small fortune on pricey procedures or luxurious skincare in a bid to turn back the clock.
Well, it turns out you’re not alone…but according to one age-defying 48-year-old named Kristina, there’s a much more affordable way to achieve that youthful glow.
The stunning brunette instead revealed that the anti-ageing trick she swears by is using The Ordinary’s ‘Glycolic Acid 7% Toning Solution,’ which costs just £11.
In a video shared to TikTok (@kristina.maay), she could be seen with her hair scraped back off her face, revealing her glass-like skin.
“Discovering glycolic acid at age 48 and revealing the best skin I’ve had since my 20s,” Kristina says.
She captioned the post: “I’ve tried it all but this one made the quickest and most dramatic difference.”
Discovering glycolic acid at age 48 and revealing the best skin I’ve had since my 20s
Kristina May
It wasn’t long before the clip went viral, racking up a whopping 1.1 million views and hundreds of comments from beauty fans everywhere.
“Like a porcelain doll, absolutely beautiful skin,” praised one.
A second penned: “Your skin is beautiful! How long have you been using the glycolic acid? I’m jumping in.”
Kristina replied: “Only started using it a few months ago!”
A third commented: “You look stunning!”
Meanwhile, a fourth noted: “I could not live without using glycolic acid on a daily basis!
“It literally has saved my skin which I have been trouble with for years.”
Kristina responded: “It really is a miracle!”
Another social media user asked for her routine with glycolic acid, to which she informed them: “Only at night 2x per week after cleansing and before moisturiser. And make sure to use sunscreen!!”
The bargain buy, which can be bought from the likes of ASOS or Beauty Bay, has been flooded with five star reviews online too, with one writing: “It smoothed my skin like never before.”
Another praised: “I super love this product.”
Ideal for skin toning and skin brightening, it claims to offer a “gentle exfoliation for improved skin brightness and visible clarity.”
The worst viral beauty hacks
Rebecca Elsdon revealed a selection of beauty hacks that should be approached with caution or avoided altogether due to potential risks or lack of scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness:
DIY skincare recipes: “While some DIY skincare recipes using natural ingredients can be safe and effective, others may do more harm than good,” she said.
“Mixing ingredients without proper knowledge of their interactions or concentrations can lead to skin irritation, allergic reactions, or even damage.
Using lemon juice or baking soda as exfoliants: “Lemon juice and baking soda are often touted as natural exfoliants, but they can be too harsh for the skin, disrupting its pH balance and causing irritation or increased sensitivity,” Elsdon said.
At-home micro-needling: “Micro-needling can stimulate collagen production when performed by a trained professional using sterile tools.
“DIY micro-needling at home carries a risk of infection, scarring, or damage to the skin barrier if not done properly.
“It’s important to approach anti-aging trends or hacks critically and prioritize science-backed skincare practices.
“Consult with a skincare professional before trying new treatments or products, especially if you have sensitive skin or specific skin concerns.”
In another post, Kristina responded to a social media user who wrote: “Has to be Botox too – there’s no way at 48 your skin is this smooth and wrinkle free.”
She replied: “No filters. No Botox. But I do have good these.”
Kristina captioned the post: “I am very lucky to have good skin genes but I also know my skin hasn’t always looked half as healthy as it now does.
“The face you have at 50 is partly inherited, but mostly earned. Will be posting all my skin care in more videos.”